I sort of have the opposite problem. I spend tons of time researching and exercising caution to be financially responsible. My wife loses patience with me and tells me “Just buy it already!”. That happened just this morning when I was looking into multi-effects pedals for my guitar.
As long as you have a 28.8k modem, you are good, but be sure need to upgrade to 56k for optimal performance. I think EarthLink has what you need.
Idk if that cpu is really bad. No idea. But unless its like ancient and a pos, Im suspecting something else going on. You really shouldnt have 97% usage on anything that is anything.