[JavaBrewer]

Ok it was a big improvement to step down to OS-X 10.3. No other software installed after a fresh OS install and query for updates from the apple site. I'm running Safari thus far and no issues, wife and kids can browse and check email, so for now downloading Firefox is on hold.

I agree that the best $$/value option is to go with 256 mb chips. What about the hard drive? It currently has a single 30 GB drive with the OS and another 40 GB drive that I threw in to test. I read that the older machines don't do big drives (you get 128GB) but what if I upgrade the main drive to a newer drive and just accept the lost space? Would that speed it up even though it's talking to a slower bus? Oh and the two USB ports are 1.0 so I'd also like to install a USB 2.0 PCI card. Any recommendations?

Yes yes this is a butt old machine. I have zero dollars in it so far and am more playing than anything. I'll spend max $200 to buy it a couple more years life. This is my first exposure to Mac since my college days. I have to admit the OS is pretty nice though I'm struggling with *intuitive* apps like iPhoto. I was challenged trying to downsize a picture with that tool - I'm spoiled with the TweakUI right click resize on XP.