yep, for instance: i have an old AMD duron 1.0ghz, with 1gb and 250gb of hdd, and it just rockets, about as fast as my gateway, which is a 1.6ghz 1gb, 80gb hdd system, that has no use other than the full purpose of F@H in the room across the hall.
but yes, if it is possible, upgrade the current pc, but i remember reading above, that he wants to give his pc to the kids.
soo, maybe just build a really cheap, like xp 2200+ with 512mb, 80gb, 6200tc graphics, that should be just fine (and around 250-300 too)
checking newegg for good deals on stuff....