| Have you noticed your computer running a little slow? | | | | Moving to a brand new computer can be quite a large |
| Have you started to check out the new computer ads | | | | change, with whole new sets of software to get used |
| in the newspaper? Dont jump to the gun quite yet, it | | | | to which is why most people resist moving to a new |
| might be possible to upgrade your computer rather | | | | computer. |
| than replace it. | | | | In most cases however, even one good upgrade can |
| New computers today run the gamut from $300 to | | | | keep a computer useful for 2-3 more years, even if |
| $5,000. It really depends on what you use the | | | | you cant upgrade again. And that means the computer |
| computer for. | | | | you buy today could last you a good 5-10 years with |
| Most of the upgrades you will probably want to look at | | | | good upgrade choices. |
| like an improved computer processor, some more | | | | Computer Users that need more power, to play |
| memory, or a new graphics card can cost between | | | | games or create videos will probably be better off |
| $25 and $350. | | | | getting a new system about every three years. That |
| What you should keep in mind, is that it's almost | | | | seems to be about the time frame that computing |
| always better to try to stick a tad behind the best | | | | power doubles and prices fall in line. |
| equipment you can buy. If you're looking for a new | | | | There are multiple ways to move your data from one |
| graphics card, the top of the line models usually cost | | | | computer to the next, with the most popular being USB |
| around $500-800, while ones that are just a few | | | | Hard Drives, or backups on CDs/DVDs. Make sure if |
| months older can be had for $200 or less. You'll get | | | | you move to a new computer you find as much of |
| almost as much power and save a lot by doing your | | | | your data as you can to move to the new computer |
| research. | | | | to make the transition easier. |
| Computer processors seem to follow these same | | | | Some of the best deals on computer hardware can |
| guidelines, by buying an older processor you can | | | | be found in your Sunday circulars. Oftentimes with |
| usually buy a great processor for about a third of the | | | | rebates, you can get hardware much cheaper than |
| price of the best one on the market. Usually in the | | | | what it normally costs. Of course you actually have to |
| $200-300 range finds the best deals on processors. | | | | mail in the rebates, even I dont always remember to |
| What youll find is that you get almost as much power | | | | do that. |
| as the top of the line at a fraction of the price. | | | | You should be able to identify how much it would cost |
| In almost all upgrades, I recommend buying more | | | | to upgrade versus buying a new PC. Remember, |
| computer memory. For just a $100-200 you can | | | | memory first, then video card, then processor. From |
| usually significantly increase the memory in your | | | | that information, you can make a logical decision of |
| computer and this typically is the most cost-effective | | | | what makes more sense to you. It may make more |
| upgrade you can make. | | | | sense just to replace, rather than going through the |
| You can usually upgrade most computers at least | | | | hassles of buying compatible hardware. However, the |
| once cost effectively. By adding just a little better | | | | trauma of learning the ins and outs of a new computer |
| hardware, you can extend the life of your computer a | | | | may not be worthwhile to you. Its a tough decision but |
| few years and improve your computer experience. | | | | one that will pay off in the end. |