Available Physical Memory 634.88 MB
That's a HUGE distinction, as newer OSes require physical RAM. Given his local machine is as old as it is, virtual memory would be highly undesirable, as he's likely using IDE hard disks. Memory swapping would completely overwhelm that spinning disk.
Is your install disk an OEM disk or an actual Microsoft-branded, purchased from Microsoft install disk? You will be very hard pressed to find a 32-bit OEM disk. Microsoft might provide 32-bit install disks as a courtesy, but by 2020, 32-bit will no longer be an option in computing. That's an industry push, not just Microsoft. You'd be doing yourself a great disservice with 32-bit Windows 8, as you'll be pegged at 3.5 GB of physical memory and won't be able to use the extended registers on 64-bit hardware.
So if you "got me" anywhere, it's that I should've said you won't be having a good time with 32-bit Win8.
10-4, yes I missed that most of the 2 gig memory is virtual rather than physical. I wasn’t trying to “get” anybody regarding the 32 bit comment, just point out that W8 does come in 32 bit format. My experience with the 32 bit versions has been quite good. If I need to do something different in a few years I’ll deal with it then.