We're thinking of getting a new computer. Nothing really wrong with this one. It's just slow. I'm totally computer ignorant so, my question... Is the computer slow because it's a bit older (3 years) or is it the lame Prodigy dial up service we have? Should we be getting a new computer or a better service?

Well, not really a computer guru, but if it's the internet that the computer is slow on I would guess what ever service you have is the problem.  A solution for that is cable or DSL.  We have cable access, but it's not cheap (over $50 a month) but we were able to get rid of our second phone line, so we save some money there, plus we can both be on the internet at the same time (a must in a two computer household).  If the computer is slow in other ways it could be because of how much stuff (programs and such) you have installed on the computer.  Again, I say I'm not a computer guru.

MissInformation
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Well If you want faster Internet service and are going to stick to dial up, a new computer is probly not the solution. Prodigy, Aol, and Compuserve are all realy bad services. I have MSN and it does pretty good for a dial-up connection, way better then when I had compuserve. I have also heard that AT&T is good.  

If your computer is three years old, I am guessing you probaly have about a Pentium II 450 with 64meg of ram, which is more than enough for internet access and word processing.  If your into graphic design or games, it may be lacking.

When you go to buy a new computer I sugest you stay away from Celeron and Duron models, Also At least a 1.6Ghz Processer with 256Meg of Ram, this isn't top of the line, just mid range, that way you wont have to worry about it becoming Obsolete anytime soon.