Don't Buy A New Computer. Let's Save Money!

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DON'T BUY A NEW COMPUTER. LET'S SAVE MONEY!

Have you been thinking about buying a new computer to replace your 1-2 year old system? If so, let's take a moment to decide if this is the *best* decision to make, or if there are some other options you have to help save a substantial amount of money.

First off, ask yourself if you really need to spend $1500+ just to have the latest computer system sporting the newest, fastest processing chip. Are you really going to be using all that computing speed and power?

Your answer all depends on how well your current computer system is performing, and what you are SPECIFICALLY going to use the computer for. The majority of you may find that an "upgrade" is all that is necessary to give your aging system new life.

For those of you unsure of what an "upgrade" entails, it is merely the process of replacing a specific component of your computer with a new, faster, improved replacement part.

Please note that YOU MUST MAKE SURE the upgrade components you select are compatible with your specific computer system. Just like you wouldn't put diesel fuel in a tank designated for unleaded fuel. :-)

Here are some of the most popular upgrades computer users make to their aging systems:

Does Your Computer Need A Modem?
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If you are thinking of buying a new computer just because it lacks an internal modem, hold on one second! You can simply purchase a 56k modem for under $20 at any computer electronics store like Best Buy, CompUSA or Fry's Electronics.

You then simply slip the modem into the proper location and install the software program that comes with the unit. You can even opt to pay a little extra to have a technician from the store install it for you to guarantee a hassle-free upgrading experience!

How Much Memory Do You Have?
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Is your computer running slow? Take a moment to find out how much RAM your computer has installed. The amount of RAM (random access memory) determines how fast your computer accesses programs and the amount of tasks you can perform simultaneously.

Your computer's RAM is defined in megabytes (MB). Most older computers have anywhere from 16-32mb. Computers sold today have anywhere between 64-256mb. That's a big difference we're talking about.

If your computer has 16mb or 32mb RAM and you want to improve the performance of your system, seriously consider upgrading to either 64mb or 128mb. This is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to improve your computer's performance for under $100.

* IMPORTANT NOTE * You must FIRST check your computer specs to find out how much RAM your system can handle AND what type of RAM you need to buy. There's tons of options out there so make sure you know what kind to get before buying anything. If you are unsure of what type to get, or if you "misplaced" the computer manual, simply take your computer in to your local service center and they will find out for you.

You can CHECK how much RAM your computer currently has by using the mouse to "right-click" the "My Computer" icon on your desktop and select "Properties" from the options list that pops up. Your "System Properties" will then display and inform you of your computer's status.

Need More Storage Space?
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Whenever you save a file on your computer (not on a insertable diskette), that particular file gets stored on your internal hard drive. The amount of information you're able to save on your hard drive all depends on it's capacity (defined in gigabytes) ranging anywhere from 1gig to 200gigs.

To find out how much space you've used on your hard drive, using your mouse, simply "double-click" the "My Computer" icon on your desktop, and find the "C" drive/icon. "Single-click" the "C" drive and a pie-graph representation of your hard drive should automatically be created in the left hand margin illustrating how much space is used, and how much is still available.

If you notice that you're running out of space, you can opt to purchase an additional 5-10gig hard drive (approx$50-$80) and install it side-by-side your current one so you will have dual internal hard drives, or you can purchase a 10-50gig hard drive (approx $80-$180) to use as a complete replacement.

NOTE: If you are unfamiliar with replacing hard drives, you may need to pay a computer technician to perform this installment. Ask your local computer dealer for details.

You also have the option of purchasing an external hard drive that will plug directly into the USB port in the back of your computer allowing you to bypass installing an internal component however this type of drive does cost a bit more.

Want To Upgrade Your Computer Processor?
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Upgrading, or replacing your computer's central processor is a bit more complicated, however it can be well worth the investment if needed.

Your computer processing chip is identified by its speed in megahertz (mhz) until recently when the industry broke the 1000mhz (1 gigahertz) mark.

If your computer is a year or two old, most likely you have anywhere from a 75mhz - 600mhz processor.

If you are a "typical" computer user who browses the Internet, emails friends, and does some work in word processing software like Microsoft Word or ClarisWorks, you can easily get by with a processor ranging anywhere from 200mhz-500mhz. There really is no need to spend more money on a faster computer (unless you just absolutely must have one).

The only time a user would need this extra processing power is if they are editing video, constantly running multiple programs simultaneously, working with large graphic or music files, or high intense gaming applications.

Unless you fall into one of these categories, upgrading your processor is really not cost effective. You can put your money to much better use by increasing your RAM memory instead of replacing your processing chip and your motherboard/mainboard.

Conclusion
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Keep in mind that the computer industry is constantly trying to get you to "throw out" your old system to buy one of their new speedy computer systems. This is understandable since they will make MUCH more money selling you a brand new computer instead of just a single part.

Shocking as it may seem, the fastest computer I own is only 500mhz and I have two other computers, one 300mhz, and the other a 200mhz and I'm happy to say that both work flawlessly.

For what I use the computer for; writing, emailing, html editing, and browsing the net, these computers work fine and get the job done just as well as a 2.3 gigahertz computer costing over $2000 would.

All I've done is upgraded the RAM to 64mb in one, and 128mb in the other, but that's about it. I'm content, happy, and familiar with my computers and will keep them as long as they are problem and error free.

And since I am an avid money saver at heart, I can't justify spending $1500+ on a new computer. Personally, I could find a much better use for $1500 than spending the money on a faster computer. Couldn't you? :-)