Stand-alone download managers also are available, including the Microsoft Download Manager. Many web browsers, such as Internet Explorer 9, include a download manager. Lucky my router could set up a secondary 2.4ghz setup in WPA / WPA 2 hybrid or I would have been in real trouble.Generally, a download manager enables downloading of large files or multiples files in one session. An old TP Link Wifi N dongle worked much better than an old G dongle I found. I couldn't remember how convoluted wifi was in xp SP2 days.
And the motherboard allows independent overclocking of the memory bus and the CPU by the looks of it. I also have now found an old 64gB SSD that I can use for an OS drive. I managed to find enough old ram sticks to combine them into 4gb in dual channel. I actually enjoyed working through with these old PCs. I also know I will never have a use for an external DVD player so it will be something else I need to store. If I reuse this PC, no matter how slow it is, it will get a new lease on life rather than get thrown into rubbish. The was problematic, but also enjoyable on an otherwise lazy weekend in lockdown for covid.
All the DVDs can be found by streaming, but I liked the idea of having the actual files ripped. The first is that I decided to do this on a whim. Then that external drive could be packed away until the next time you need it - even if that next time is with your next computer.I see your point, but there are a few reasons I will not do that. I suggest that you will expend far less effort & lose a lot less hair if you just used an up-to-date computer with an external DVD drive attached.