On the issue of the swap file. Yes, you found it. Use the Custom Size option, and enter the 767 for both Initial and Max values. Remember to defrag first. Lots of light = long render time ;-) Yes, 1GB is a good amount of RAM, though probably more is better on WinXP. I'm still using Win2k, and refuse to "upgrade" to XP. My colorful stuff is in Poser and Photoshop, thank you very much! Nope 512 isn't enough if you do any sort of intensive work with your machine. It is enough for people who just surf the net, and people who play games, but have a hardcore video card. The thing about RAM is that you can't "waste" it. No matter how much you have in your system, you can find ways to use it all up, I know with the 10 different windows I have open at any time, I sure do... Sorry to hear about your past troubles. Yeah, you have to really know your stuff to buy from a local store. I have been building my own for years now. I think though, when this box has finally run its course, I am going with an Alienware. They build some sweet machines, and I don't just mean the looks! Dell is good and reliable though.