More thoughts on upgrading your computer…

Last week I promised that I would write a column to help you determine if it is time to buy a new computer. If have already decided that you want a faster system, more memory, more storage, or a bigger monitor you can stop reading right now— it is time to start shopping This is for the rest of you.

I was recently asked by a TR resident if I thought they should replace their five year old computer. Technology, as it relates to computers and microprocessor, is advancing at a blistering pace. By 2008 standards a five year old computer is positively “ancient”. But ancient is fine if it meets your needs. However, with an outdated computer you are bound to run into problems if you want to make improvements or upgrades. Every time a computer manufacturer introduces a new model, software publishers update programs to run on the new hardware. In most cases these newer programs are not compatible with older hardware and/or older operating systems.

As an example, if you use Microsoft Office 2003 on a PC, you can run it on the Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system. If you want to upgrade to Office 2007, you must be running Windows XP or Vista. For Macintosh users, Microsoft Office 2004 will run on Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later (the most recent version on the Macintosh operating system is OS X 10.5.1). Microsoft Office 2008 was released this week and requires OS 10.4.9 or higher.

Computers do break down, and an older systems will be more difficult to get repaired. Most computer technicians do not actually repair computers; they replace parts — and parts for outdated systems are not always available.

If you purchased a computer in the last three years it is probably more than adequate for your needs, with the possible exception of the amount of hard disc storage space available. If you use a digital camera and regularly download images to your computer your hard drive can fill up quickly. Instead of trading in your computer, the addition of one or more external hard drives might be all that you need. The cost of external hard drives have been drastically reduced over the past two years—drives with 500 GB (gigabytes) of memory can be found for under $120 and will store over 100,000 digital photos.

Still unsure about needing a new computer? Try answering the following questions:

If you have a PC, is the operating system Windows 2000 or earlier? If you have a Mac, are you still running OS 9?
Do you have to wait a long time while your computer performs operations?
Does your computer have less than 512 megabytes of memory.
Did you buy your computer prior to 2003?

If you answered YES to one or more of these questions, you should definitely consider buying a new computer. If you have questions or need help with the process, pay a visit to one of the Travelers Rest Computer Club meetings. The Computer Club meets on Monday, and the Macintosh group meets on Tuesday. Check the TR Times or Channel 25 for times and location.