Tip #3978 - Do You Need a New Computer?
Printer Friendly Version | E-Mail This Tip
Q:
I have had my computer for quite some now and my grandkids are always
telling me I need to get a new one. They say mine is too slow and it just
doesn't work right. As for me, I'm not convinced. Do you have any guidelines
I can follow to see if I really should get a new one or not?
A:
Isn't it funny how everyone's views on the same exact topic can be so
different? I mean, it's obvious that the person who asked today's question
is being bombarded by their grandchildren to get a new computer. Now,
why do you think they want a new one? Well, so they can have all the perks
they're used to when they go visit grandma and grandpa, of course! Then
on the other hand, grandma and grandpa don't agree and they think their
computer works just fine.
Well, it's hard to
tell who is right here. Children these days are very much into computers
and they know a lot more about them than some of us would like to admit.
But then again, if our computers are working good enough to do what we
want on them, why bother buying a whole new one? This debate could go
on and on, so I think I'll end it by giving you some pointers you can
follow to see if you really should buy a new computer or not. Let's check
them out!
First of all, as we
all know, technology is changing everyday. There's always something new
coming out and there's always something different to try. It's not always
pertinent that you go along with all those changes, but here are some
reasons why you may want to. You need a new computer if:
1.) Your processor
speed is less than 1.0 GHz (gigahertz). (On another note, if your computer
is still running on megahertz, you'll definitely want to make an upgrade
soon!) See, most programs and other applications that you may put on your
computer require a lot more power than 1 GHz can give them. If you don't
have a fast enough processing speed, your computer will run very slow
and you won't be able to browse the Internet, play games, etc. with the
ease you should have. You can check your processor speed by going to Start,
Control Panel, System.
2.) Your computer
has less than 256 MB of memory. (Again, go to Start, Control Panel, System
to check on this information). If you don't have at least 512 MB or 1
GB of RAM memory, your computer will not run smoothly or with its best
ability.
3.) You're using a
Windows version that starts with a 3 or a 9 (for example, Windows 3.1,
95 and 98). These older operating systems lack a lot of the features every
computer should have these days, including security features and other
updates that are required to keep your computer running properly and protected.
This same thing applies if you're using a Mac version that is older than
OS X.
4.) Your monitor is
a 14 inch or smaller. If you don't have at least a 17 inch monitor, you're
not going to be able to see full Web sites, which really is a shame!
5.) You're always
getting an error message of "Operating system not supported"
when you try to install new programs onto your PC. Or when you're trying
to upgrade to a new operating system and you get an error message of "Hardware
not supported."
6.) Your computer
has no USB ports. Nowadays, most external devices (such as keyboards,
mice, printers, etc.) require USB ports. So, if you don't have any, you're
going to have trouble keeping up with the newer computer devices.
7.) Your PC has a
5.25 inch disk drive or even a 3.5 inch floppy drive. Floppy drives are
still around, but they're being phased out as well. Software has just
outgrown these two drives and they won't be of much use in the near future.
Flash and thumb drives are definitely taking over.
Alright, those are
just a few things you should look into if you're wondering about buying
a new computer or not. They are all good reasons why you should fork out
the money and invest in a new PC. And I'm not just saying this to make
your grandchildren happy either. With a brand new computer, everyone who
uses it (including you!) will benefit. Now, I realize you may use your
computer on a very limited basis (maybe just for checking your e-mail
and playing a game here and there), but if you fall into any of the categories
listed above, you should still look into getting a new computer.
Yes, I know change
is hard to take, but I think once you get your new computer up and running,
you will agree with me on everything I said today. On the other hand,
if you answered "no" to almost all of the specifications above,
you should be fine with the computer you have. And if your grandchildren
still complain, just tell them once they give you enough money for a new
PC, you'll go right out and buy one! Either way, enjoy the computer that
you do have!
~ Erin
Want To Comment On This Tip? Click Here! We'd love to hear from you :-)
Like These Tips? Get 'Em Free In Your E-mail
