I have acompaq 2ghz processor. i am wanting a processor that is at least 3ghz how do i go about upgrading? and how much will it cost roughly? thanks.

Just upgrading your processor may not make any difference if your system is bottlenecked in other areas. The processor is just one part of the system. Best bet is to take the PC into two or three PC shops and see what they suggest as an upgrade path for your particular kit. Don't rely on the opinion of just one shop.

Find out what model your motherboard is first, either the documentation that came with your PC, or open up your base unit and check for the model number, or watch the b&w boot up screen for the board model numbers, should be in the bottom left corner.

Then check the board spec's on the manufacturers website to find out the CPU's that you can fit. Some have different voltage ratings and are incompatible.

Look at the motherboard manual, it will be able to take a certain chip (if Intel they are names after the number of pins on the bottom of the chip) Buy one, from somewhere like www.ebuyer.co.uk, or www.aria.co.uk, whilst your at it get some more ram - it's about £20 fro 512 Mb. When the stuff comes, switch off your PC, open the case, put the ram in, you'll notice that there is a small lever next to the processor, lift this, put the chip in (it will only go one way), lower the leaver, put the case back together, and plug back in....