Mouse Clix

By: Hobie Lunin

Onward and upward with your PC

In this instance “upward” refers to upgrading. If you have had your present PC for 3 to 5 years, you may be thinking about whether (or how) to improve it. Many of the software applications you have been using, get updated by the suppliers to keep you “up to snuff.” For instance, if you have AOL, you are encouraged to download the latest revision, as you are with Windows Explorer, QuickTime, Netscape and many other applications already in your computer. Make sure you keep upgrading these programs.

If you have Windows 95, you may be wondering whether you need Win 98 or ME. The answer is that there is not much difference, IMO (in my opinion). The next Windows Operating System up-grade (XP) is due out in October. With the “bugs” that were in Win 98, I would wait until next summer to upgrade.

But you may have only 0.5 GB hard drive and 16MB of RAM and have had problems using your computer because of it. Or you may be concerned about speed. ( IMO, there is not a noticeable difference between 125MHz and 750MHz.) It might not be the processor. There may be other things that are slowing your computer down. It could be an accumulation of obsolete files. Maybe e-mail that you have been saving since you got the computer.

Of course, going out and getting a brand new PC is one way to go, but there may be some other things to include in your thinking. First, a new computer is great but so is a reconditioned/remanufactured computer that has all the bells and whistles that you want. Most all of the manufacturers have a web site that has a place to see what reconditioned or surplus computers are in stock. (Surplus are mostly units that were for sale and have been superceded by a new model and so are not actively being promoted.) Secondly, you may just be happier with a larger monitor. If the one you have is 15”, get a 19”, for instance. This will be less expensive than a new computer.

With all the above in mind, here are some tips about what you can do with your present computer setup that will be less expensive than buying a new computer, if that is your concern.

If you have a hard drive of 1 or 2 GB, you may solve your problem by just getting a bigger one or adding another. These are not cheap (if new) but are less than the cost of a new computer even if you pay for installation. A less expensive way to beef up your hard drive available space is to buy a Zip Drive. They now have several versions which can easily double or triple your current hard drive space available. Leave it attached and treat it as another hard drive but one that allows you to change the disk should it become full.

Memory is also relatively inexpensive so that you may be able to go from 16MB to 64 or 128MB without leaving an arm and a leg at the door. Going from Windows 3.1 to Win 95 or 98 is relatively cheap as Win 95 upgrade disks, although hard to find, are usually under $50. Upgrading from Win 95 to 98 will run about $80 for the disk. If you are using Office 97 and would like Office 2000, you can buy the upgrade rather than a new computer that has it installed. Before you purchase any new software, check the hardware requirements on the box.

If you are happy with what you have but just need to get on-line, adding an internal modem will be less than $100 even if you have a tech do it for you. If you would like to have sound and don’t currently have it, the cost of a sound card installed and speakers should also run under $100. If you have no CD-ROM, this can be added but you have to have an empty spot in your computer panel or you will need to have it in a separate box. If you are going to get a new CD-ROM, consider getting a writeable or rewriteable model, which will definitely make your computer very current.

Consider getting a new printer if your old one is extremely slow. If you do a lot of printing, this alone may make you feel like you have a new setup.

Add a microphone so that you can voice chat with your cousin in California. Buy a PC camera to send your image live to your e-mail pals.

Think about what upgrades will make you happy. Then decide whether you are going to do the upgrades yourself or go to a local tech. If you wish to do the latter, contact me via e-mail and I can give you some advice in that regard.

If you are going to do it yourself, you should make sure that you have a roomy well lighted place to work, that you know about the dangers of getting zapped and also how NOT to zap your components (ground your self with a cuff).

Additionally, I would say that a unit with a very old processor like a 386 (or earlier) is probably not worth upgrading, but one that is a 486 may be a good candidate depending upon what you plan to do with the unit. If it’s that old, you may want to upgrade it to either sell it or give to someone who just wants to do e-mail.

And lastly, if you plan on getting rid of your present computer, monitor or printer, please consider donating it to my favorite non-profit organization, the Falls Township Senior Center, where I arrange for upgrades and sell the improved PC’s to Seniors for the out of pocket costs.

Hobie Lunin is a Computer Instructor and Consultant. He can be reached at mouseclix2@yahoo.com