Do you really need a new computer?
You keep seeing commercials that say that the newest computer is incredible and
that many things have changed. Have things changed that much with personal
computer technology?
Yes and no. The popular computer
manufacturers are always pushing their newest computers and technology. After
all, without new sales, their businesses would be in serious trouble. Do you
really need the newest computer sitting on your desk at home? The computer
manufactures will tell you that you should constantly update your hardware. Is
it really necessary to stay on the cutting edge?
Let me give you a resounding NO. If
your computer is operating well and is able to complete the tasks that you
desire you probably do not need to upgrade your equipment.
Back in the early days of home
computers, technology was evolving at an incredible pace. I remember my first
IBM XT desktop computer. At the time it was an incredible joy to have a
computer at home to call my own. My first computer had a whopping 20 meg hard
drive and two 5 and 1/4 inch floppy drives. It was a dream come true back in
1989.
My next computer was a big leap
forward to a 486. The increase in speed and functionality was incredible. You
see, my first computer (the XT) was not able to keep up with my 90 words per
minute typing speed. I would type a sentence or two and then I would have to
wait for computer screen to catch up. With the 486, the computer was finally
able to process the keystrokes faster than I could type. It was incredible.
As the 1990's progressed, the
technology kept growing by leaps and bounds. Then came the 2000's and still the
technology was improving. However, even though the technology kept improving,
the changes in performance as far as the user was concerned became less
noticeable.
That's where we are today. Yes, the
technology is still improving but the average computer user will not notice
much difference between a new computer and a computer that is a year or two
older.
Do you think that a newer, faster
computer will speed up the Internet? It won't and here's why. Assuming that
your computer is not infected with hundreds if not thousands of ad-ware and
spy-ware programs, your computer has nothing to do with your Internet speed.
The speed of your Internet
connection is controlled by your Internet provider. If you want a faster
Internet connection, you need to upgrade your connection speed with your
carrier.
If you have dial-up, go to cable or
DSL. If you have cable or DSL and your provider has faster speed packages (more
bandwidth) available, take an upgraded package instead. Going from a 768k
package to 5 meg package will definitely be noticeable while you are surfing.
Today, most people can improve the
performance of their existing computer by simply cleaning it. No, this does not
involve a bottle of Windex and a rag. It does require a thorough scanning of
the hard drive and the files that make up your computer's configuration.
This is not always an easy task
though. You really need to be somewhat of a techie if you are going to try to
clean your computer yourself.
You see, every time that you remove
a program, there is a potential that not all of the files were removed
correctly. These abandoned files can go a long way towards fouling up your system.
Additionally, just about every web site that you visit, leaves a small file on
your computer as well.
Not all of these files are dangerous
though. Some of these files, also known as 'cookies', are left to help you log
in the next time you visit the same site. However, there are a vast array of
sites that leave nasty little files on you computer that slow you down and make
your computer seem like it's dying.
To give your computer a pick-me-up,
there are many cleaning programs and services available that anyone can use to
successfully clean their computer. Most of these programs or services are
referred to as 'registry cleaners' or services that promise to 'speed up your
PC'.
If your computer is running slow,
take a look at some type of cleaning program or service before you run out to
the store to purchase a new computer. Sometimes a good cleaning will bring your
current computer back to a blazing fast speed. If your computer is older than 3
or 4 years, maybe it is time for an upgrade to some new hardware.