I have windows 98SE 255mb ram, 500 mhz processor. I recently installed a 80 gig HD. Could I double my ram and processor without any software compatability problems? Thank you

The motherboard determines if you can double your RAM size and/or CPU speed. You will have to check the motherboard documentation or ask Dell. But 'usually' it's best to replace the motherboard and CPU to upgrade.

it is unlikely you would able to replace a 500mhz CPU with a 1000mhz CPU. We do not know what CPU you have - we could comment more specifically if you tell us. In many cases a much faster CPU will physically fit but in many cases it will not work because the faster one needs a higher FSB which the motherboard MIGHT not be able to support and also the voltage required by the CPU is different and the motherboard MIGHT not support that different voltage and in some cases might cause damage in addition to failing to work. eg. Pentium 3 - 500mhz , once you get above the Pentium 3 - 550mhz , you need a different voltage and in many cases higher FSB. eg. Celeron 500 , once you go above Celeron 533 you need different voltage (even some of the 533 need different voltage) eg. AMD K6-2-500 , the highest they did in that format was 550mhz. If the motherboard is newer than the existing CPU then there is more chance of success but if the mobo is same age as the CPU it is much less likely

http://www.powerleap.com/# You can go here to see what is on your computer and how far you can upgrade.Note there are fc-pga to fc-pga2 tualatin cpu adaptors available for socket 370 and Lin-Lin Adaptors available for slot1 cpus.I presently have a gateway with 440bx motherboard.I upgraded it to 1000mhz tualatin cpu.It was a pentiumII 450mhz when I started.I used a lin-lin slot1 adaptor added a fcpga to fcpga2 adaptor then bought a 1000mhz tualatin cpu,heatsink and fan.My only drawback is it is still limited to 100mhz FSB.I bought everything used from Ebay.If you buy it from powerleap it will cost 119.95 ,which is more than you could probably get for your computer and you still wouldn't have the memory upgrade.I did it out of pure curiousity and the learning experience.The only thing you could upgrade economically would be ram.I was just trying to point out the road you were heading down.Probably buying a new barebone system with motherboard,cpu,and fan preassembled would be a much better approach.

Thank you all very much for your advice. Happy Holidays...