Triona's Tech Tips

Is upgrading your computer the right choice for you?

I’ve mentioned before that computers have built-in obsolescence. This has less to do with your use of them and more to do with computing in general. An older computer is hard-pressed to compete against Internet threats and cybercrime, especially if it’s not running the latest Windows or Mac software. The longer you’ve had your computer, the more susceptible it is to errors and infection.

One popular upgrade option is memory. There are two kinds of memory on a computer, the RAM and the hard drive. RAM is like the top of your desk: the larger it is, the more room you have to work on files. Hard drive space is like your filing cabinet. The more drawers you have, the more you can store. You’re going to run out of RAM before you run out of hard drive space, unless you have a very small drive or are working with very large files. Fortunately, RAM is relatively inexpensive at the moment. Check with your manufacturer to see how you can upgrade your computer’s memory.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to the latest versions of Windows or Mac software, check your hardware against the compatibility lists. Check Microsoft’s requirements for Windows 7 or try the Upgrade Advisor. Mac users will want to compare their hardware against the system requirements for Snow Leopard.

Sometimes you just have to buy a new computer. But if you plan ahead, you might be able to stretch this one a little bit longer.

In January I’ll answer the question, How Secure Is Social Networking? Through December 31st, new subscribers to my Tech Tips email list will receive my tip sheet on Creating Strong Passwords. Click here to sign up.