In a similar sitch myself, OP. I have a 2006 Gateway laptop (really stinks). Here are some games that help me pass the time:
M&B Warband
Civilization IV
Star Wars: Battlefront II
Killing Floor (on lowest settings it is playable, but truly horrendous to look at, lol)
Terraria
Morrowind
The Sims 2
If you need someone to multiplay any of these games with, lemme know
As an aside, I kind of wish I still had Battlefield 1942, or that there was a digital copy for sale somewhere. I wonder if GoG will ever get around to this one, probably not though.
M&B Warband
Civilization IV
Star Wars: Battlefront II
Killing Floor (on lowest settings it is playable, but truly horrendous to look at, lol)
Terraria
Morrowind
The Sims 2
If you need someone to multiplay any of these games with, lemme know

As an aside, I kind of wish I still had Battlefield 1942, or that there was a digital copy for sale somewhere. I wonder if GoG will ever get around to this one, probably not though.