Late 2009 acMini Software Upgrade

Question

I have a late 2009 model MacMini 3,1. It is currently running Snow Leopard. I would really like to upgrade my operating software to ideally Mavericks but pretty sure I don't have the proper specs/minimum requirements to handle it. Is it possible to add more memory to the mini? Can the processor handle it?
If the answer is no to the above, I would be ok with at least an upgrade to Lion or Mountain Lion. Is this possible with only 1 GB memory? Yikes, I'm nervous about doing any operating software upgrades or even updates as I pushed my old Macbook to the edge by upgrading software and the hard drive basicaly ate itself and locked up with the grey screen of death/doom/despair. It's fried and not willing to pay $400 for a new hard drive. Saved everything to external HD and was able to recover most of what was on the hard drive with Time Capsule backup to the Macmini. So now, the mini is kind of getting full.
Any advice on how to boost power and performance on the MacMini so that OS upgrade and computer works without issue or peril.
Thanks!

Answer 1

I was told by a local so called computer "guru" that repairing my MacBook (late 2009 model) would run around $350 plus. He then when on to tell me that anyone who disconnects there backup external hard drive via time machine is an "idiot" and then hung up on me (phone). So I actually did not even get to explain why I had turned off external hd and it was for about 10 minutes to try to empty my trash which was frozen and not emptying.
Point is, I believe when u are in the business of advising people regarding their computers ( or any other biz that might call for some basic people skills) and someone is asking to do business with you, ie pay you for your experience, skill and know-how....what's the point of behaving like a ******* and insulting them.. A simple, "I cannot help you" would have been fine. This is one unprofessional individual who appears to only be interested in being righteous, rude and entirely unhelpful. Karma is a ***** mister. I hope your life improves because you are most like ya sad and lonely person.
That said, THANK YOU to the people on this forum who bothered to take the time to give me feedback. Being a contribution to someone who is simply asking for advice makes a big difference for those dealing with a tech challenge.
I have priced out memory  2 x 4gb modules at Crucial. Seems like a goo deal at around $85.  Next question is best plan to have a pro do RAM install?
Merci.