Originally Posted by Docellis

Ok, I am resolved to replacing my video card.

I've never replaced a video card before, but I've upgraded memory, installed a hard drive and a modem before...is replacing a video card more complicated than that?

And, where should I start in determining what is compatible for my system/Vista etc?

first you need to find out what type of port you have for your expansion, 3 choices are PCI (Unlikely)
AGP (More than likely)
PCI-E (Most used in newer systems)
as for a visual representation of these three ports, see below:
first is PCI
Second is AGP(burgundy/brown)
Third is PCI-Ex16(orange)
you need to open your computer and look for which one you have, You will most certainly see a PCI port but this doesnt necessarily mean that you need a PCI card.
as for installation, you need to choose a card carefully as some cards are too big for standard ATX cases, but for actually installing the card, just slot it in and plug in the PCI-E power connector/s to the card and your away.
ive also included a picture of my interior to show you whereabpouts the Graphics card should be situated, its the big green long card.

Originally Posted by Docellis

I'll tip the scales once I can see the scales...I'm using the computer right now that has the screwy graphic card. I can't do anything when I click on the scales.

I appreciate your help. I have an older tower, probably 8 years old. I've upgraded everything but the processor - I imagine that means I have the second kind of slot.

Would you recommend buying an XP operating disc or buying a new graphic card?

I don't play video games but I am a graphic designer (needing to use the Adobe Suite for a living).

well you can get a good cheap graphics card, not a problem nowadays.
something like this maybe Amazon.com: GeForce FX 5500 OC Video Card, 8x AGP, 128MB DDR: PC: Software have a look around on any shopping sites(local, not everyone works in dollarydoos) just search agp.

Originally Posted by stormy13

If it is an AGP slot that you have, please do not get a card like the FX5500 MrNeeds linked to (sorry MrNeeds). That card (and all the FX5xxx series for that matter) have been pretty much declared EOL (End of Life) by Nvidia and no longer receive driver support, at least as far as Vista goes; the last Vista driver that supported those cards is 2 1/2 years old.

All things considering if the computer is as old as you say it is, you would be better served looking at a completely new computer, not just a video card.

its ok man, im not sure what decent GPU there is in AGP format, im PCI-E, last AGP card i used was FX5500 i loved this card