| ing brings more speed and power
but is that | | | | If you're certain that it's the hard drive, new ones are |
| reason enough? | | | | relatively cheap. Installation isn't particularly difficult, but it |
| Guidance for Workplace PC Users | | | | is involved. Figure $200 (US) minimum at a computer |
| If you believe the advertising, you need a new | | | | shop. The hard drive has to be installed and your data |
| computer every six months. That isn't true, of course; | | | | will be transferred to it. |
| a good one should run well for up to four years. | | | | Fixing the BIOS would probably be less expensive. It |
| The constant march of technology does leave many | | | | may need to be flashed. Unfortunately, it's easy for |
| people with the nagging feeling that they are missing | | | | you to botch this job; it should be handled by a shop. |
| out if they don't buy at least every two years. At the | | | | Figure it will cost $100-$150 (US). Once again, this could |
| same time, today's PCs are built to last longer than | | | | be just the beginning. If your machine is two or more |
| ever. Indeed, there are tradeoffs in deciding how long | | | | years old, consider looking for a new one. |
| to own the same computer. PCs constantly are being | | | | Your computer won't handle Windows XP or certain |
| upgraded to offer more speed and power at reduced | | | | software applications. When it's time to make a |
| cost. | | | | worthwhile upgrade, you may find your computer can't |
| But there will be a point when you absolutely need a | | | | handle it. Maybe the microprocessor is too old. Perhaps |
| new one, because your current one is ready for its | | | | you don't have enough memory, or your hard drive is |
| after-life (hopefully safely in the hands of a recycler; | | | | too slow. This could be a problem with Windows XP, |
| for more on safe disposal, keep reading). Here are | | | | or demanding applications such as games. |
| three signs that it's time to spring for a new PC. | | | | Let's look at Windows XP. Microsoft has hawked |
| Your computer plays music at startup. Beethoven's | | | | successive Windows systems as "exciting," "fun" and |
| "Für Elise" and Disney's "It's a Small, Small World" | | | | "absolutely necessary" for years. Operating systems |
| are pleasant tunes. If you hear either of these | | | | are never exciting or fun; they are the digital equivalent |
| melodies when you turn on your computer, you're likely | | | | of a carpenter's toolbox. And upgrades rarely have |
| to want to relax or sing along. (After all, a computer | | | | been absolutely necessary. |
| that has developed a taste for punk rock music would | | | | However, Windows XP takes reliability to a whole |
| be hard to handle.) Or you may suspect you have a | | | | new level. I would argue that it is necessary if you're |
| virus. | | | | using Windows Me or Windows 98. Those operating |
| Wrong on both counts. | | | | systems were based on DOS, and are much more |
| The computer is telling you that the microprocessor or | | | | crash-prone than XP. If you're thinking of moving up, I'd |
| microprocessor fan is failing, or has already gone | | | | encourage you to do so. |
| south. Or it may be telling you that power supply | | | | But Windows XP needs a more powerful |
| voltages are drifting out of tolerance, or that the supply | | | | microprocessor and additional memory. Some pieces |
| cannot meet demand. | | | | of equipment will not run on XP. You can use |
| The music is a feature built into the Basic Input/Output | | | | Microsoft's Upgrade Advisor to check your computer's |
| System (BIOS) of some motherboards. It is a gentle | | | | compatibility. |
| reminder that you have a serious problem. It's probably | | | | If your computer cannot handle XP, consider buying a |
| not a problem if you hear a couple notes at boot-up. | | | | new one. You'll be amazed at how infrequently XP |
| But if you regularly hear a tune, you need to take care | | | | crashes. The same is true for hot new programs. If |
| of it. | | | | you really want them, and they won't run on your old |
| What can you do? In all cases, you can get by at a | | | | machine, consider a new computer. |
| reasonable cost if you have the ability and time to | | | | If you're using Windows 2000, the upgrade is not as |
| diagnose and fix the problem. You might well decide to | | | | crucial, since Windows XP was developed from |
| take it to a shop. If so, you're probably looking at a | | | | Windows 2000. However, XP will run many consumer |
| minimum $200 (US) repair. Labour is expensive. | | | | programs that 2000 will not. So if that's important to |
| Can you ignore the problem? Not for long. Heat is the | | | | you, take a look at XP. Your computer should be able |
| enemy of computers. It will fail soon, although perhaps | | | | to handle XP if it's running 2000. |
| you enjoy listening to "Für Elise." | | | | Disposing of the Old PC |
| Consider looking at new computers. The problem with | | | | If you do buy a new computer, you have to do |
| fixing an older computer (especially if the bill is high) is | | | | something with the old one. These things have toxic |
| this: It's probably just the beginning. Over the years I've | | | | materials in them, so you shouldn't be pitching them into |
| had problems with memory, hard drives, floppy drives | | | | the trash. Here are some ideas for disposal, but first |
| and CD drives. Something else is going to break. | | | | you have a job to do. |
| Speaking of which . . . | | | | You have to get all the data off the hard disk. |
| The hard drive grinds and grinds away. When you | | | | Symantec's Norton SystemWorks includes an |
| start your computer, you might get an unpleasant | | | | application called Wipe Info. OnTrack's DataEraser |
| sound akin to a cat squealing. Or you could get a | | | | offers a similar feature, as does Jetico's BCWipe. |
| message like "Drive C: could not be found." That's your | | | | There are more such applications on the Internet. |
| hard drive. Do you have all of your data backed up? | | | | Ask neighbors and friends if they need a computer. |
| The message could indicate a problem with your BIOS | | | | (But remember, they may come back to you for help |
| that's the thing that plays the tune mentioned | | | | when it breaks down for good.) Offer to give it to your |
| above. More likely, your hard drive is staggering toward | | | | church, a charity or a school. Many have experts who |
| the grave, taking your data with it. It didn't spin up fast | | | | can fix a broken computer. Some charities refurbish |
| enough to start with Windows and perhaps there is | | | | computers and give them to the needy. |
| something wrong with the drive's components. | | | | Or, you can turn it in to the manufacturer of your new |
| Often, you can rescue the situation temporarily by | | | | computer. Dell takes trade-ins. It also helps customers |
| rebooting the computer. But if the hard drive is failing, | | | | sell old machines, recycles them or donates them to |
| you don't want to dillydally. If you don't have a backup | | | | charity. Gateway accepts trade-ins. Both IBM and HP |
| regimen, develop one, fast. Send your data to another | | | | offer recycling. Apple says it engineers its parts to be |
| computer if you're on a network. Burn it to a CD if you | | | | recyclable. |
| have a CD-RW. (If nothing else, pray!) | | | | |