Problems with downloading and installing

[Xomenra]

I have been having problems for a while now. I have a power mac g 5 with mac os x on it. Here is what is happening..

1. I download a program, and then it quits before I can install it.
2. Dash board is a complete failure. It crashed a while ago..and I can't get it to come back.
3. running slow
4. It will not let me log out, and log in as another user.
5. Can't dump trash
6. refusing to open some of my programs
it goes on.

I can't open a flash site with Safari, can't install Firefox...I am getting tired of it all.

Here is what I have done. I have gone to DU and repaired and verified permissions. and that is about all I know to do at this point.

Here is what I am thinking of doing....if there is no better way. I am thinking of clearing out everything on the weekend (after I back up of course) and just reinstalling os x.

I have taken it is for repairs before..I had the problem with the start up...not going past the grey mode. They charged me $75, and I can buy Disk Warrior for $99...or gas!!!

Needless to say...I have to have the gas... Should I wipe and reinstall, or is there a better option so I can keep some of my stuff?

Thanks

[SGilbert]

Did you run Disk Utility by starting up with your install disk 1st? If not, it will not repair anything except permissions.

DiskWarrior is the best, and is well worth the investment.

Doing an "archive & reinstall" from your install disk(s) will preserve all your documents and programs on your HD.

[MisterMe]

You computer may be anywhere between 3 and 5 years old. It is odd for a first-time poster to have problems with a computer this old. I gather that you recently acquired this machine as a used computer. Is this true?

Here's what you should do:

1. Click the blue Apple icon on the far left of your menu bar.
2. Select About This Mac
3. Click the More Info... button. This launches System Profiler.
4. Select File > Save As....
5. Save the data as a plain text file.
6. Post the file back here.

Then we will be able to examine the specifications of your machine including the installed software and peripherals.