Trashed Old ComputerIt’s been ten years since you’ve bought a new computer.  The big, heavy tower is sitting in your living room and when you turn it on things are moving at snail’s pace!  You try and you try to troubleshoot the problem yourself, but to no avail.  You call the manufacturer on the phone and they tell you they no longer support the product!  You get quite frustrated and ask yourself what to do?  Is it worth it to buy a new computer that you use so sparingly anyway?  Or, would it be a better idea to pay to have a technician make upgrades to have it running like a new computer.

When experiencing problems with older computers, our first tendency may be to just replace it.  However, there are certain instances in which simple repair or upgrading parts may be more beneficial.  When making the decision on whether to replace or whether to repair, you must look at a few factors:

1. Operating System- The Operating System is the main software on your computer.  Operating Systems are usually determined by the age of your computer.  They range from Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP and Vista and all the way up to Windows 7.  If your computer is pre-Windows XP, then you might consider getting a new computer.

2. Memory (RAM)- A lot of people misinterpret the purpose of Memory in a computer.  They think that memory is the amount of space the computer has.  However, memory is the speed at which the computer runs.  Computers with less than 1GB of RAM should definitely upgrade and make that old computer feel much newer.

3. Storage Capacity- The storage capacity is what most people think of when they hear memory.  It is basically the amount of space on a computer.  With this space, you can install programs, music, photos and videos.  Older computer have significantly smaller hard drives than newer models and as a result  should be the first thing to upgrade.

Repairing an older computer does not have to be as complicated as it sounds.  When debating on whether or not to replace or to repair, consider the aforementioned options.  If your operating system is Windows 95 or Windows 98, then you will also have small amounts of Memory and Storage Capacity.  As a result, you might find it very difficult to run even the most basic of programs that are released today.  The internet, especially, requires a certain amount of speed in order to run smoothly.  Most computers nowadays will run fine granted they have at least a 20GB HDD, 512 MB of RAM, and Windows XP.  Instead of shelling out hundreds and hundreds of dollars, you can simply upgrade some key essential parts to your computer and have it running like new again!