| If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I don't think you are ever "forced to upgrade." It is always a choice, since you could just replace your rig with another one of the same kind. I just "retired" an old LC II last month that had been connected to the home network as a e-mail and typing station for the kids' homework because I needed the room. It's now in the closet, unplugged but it still works.
Kees is on the right track. The Original Post suggests you just need a new hd.
Your G4 should be OK. Run the Apple Hardware Test CD. If it passes, it works and anything wonky is likely in the software. A new drive and a clean install should clear up any "limping" that you are experiencing.
If it turns out to be hardware - RAM is a likely culprit - it is cheaper to replace some (user accessible) parts than a new computer. |