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Technology Watch |
| June 2001
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Upgrading - Should you or shouldn't you? Even if you only keep an occasional eye on computer ads, the question arises whether or not you need to upgrade. Your next door neighbor or colleague at work just received the latest and greatest in computer hardware and software, and your mind naturally has a little question for you..."Do I need what they have?" Keep an eye on this column and an ear on your radio this month as we shed some money saving light on the wide and wacky world of computer upgrades. Discussions this month will range from software and hardware upgrades to computer peripherals to browser plug-ins and more! Software Upgrades Windows 2000, Windows Me, Office XP, Corel Office 2001, Adobe Photoshop 6... The list goes on and on and quickly becomes confusing. My basic rule of thumb regarding software upgrades is: Does your current software allow you to do everything you need or want to do? If the answer is yes, then upgrading software is not only unnecessary, but also a waste of your hard earned money. Underlying questions you should ask to help determine whether your software is performing up to your needs are:
If you answer "no" to two or more of the questions above (assuming that you have taken the time to learn your current software), then maybe you do need to investigate an upgrade. However, if most of your answers are "yes", then an upgrade is not a necessity. I did hint to another big reason not to upgrade...lack of training. Many computer users will upgrade their software thinking that the next version of software will solve all their woes and simplify the current problems they are having with their software. This kind of thinking will not only bust your budget, but continue to frustrate you and hinder your computer skills. Take the time to really learn and utilize your existing software before even considering an upgrade. Hardware Upgrades If you have an older computer, you can avoid shelling out the bigger dollars for a new computer through a few key upgrades. The easiest and most economical upgrade (and most effective) is a memory upgrade. Computers use RAM to store information and make it available to the computer for quicker access. If you have too little, your system may feel sluggish. And you can't have too much. I recommend 128 megabytes as a minimum for today's memory hungry software . If you like working with pictures or video editing, then 256 would be a minimum to shoot for. Computer users who work with computer aided drafting, music or sound editing, and desktop publishing also require more RAM. Adding a new video card to an older system can also reap big performance benefits for around $100-150. Today's computers should have 16 megabytes or more of video memory. Buying a new and larger computer monitor may not beef up system performance too much, but users are surprised at how much more usable even an older system is with a new screen. I personally like the 19" monitors, but if you have the budget for it, a 17" flat panel or 21" CRT monitor make for easy viewing. Expect to pay around $300 for a 19" monitor and around $1,000 for a 17" flat panel (LCD). However, the added benefit of upgrading a monitor is that you can use it with any system. I am not a fan of upgrading your motherboard or processor because generally these types of upgrades create conflicts and problems in a system that you didn't have before. And for the price of these upgrades, it just doesn't make a lot of sense. Unless you are a computer wrench monkey and like fooling around with the innards of computers, then save your money and buy a new system. Firmware Upgrades Firmware combines hardware and software written into what's called ROM (read only memory). The most common firmware upgrade is for system BIOS (basic input/output system)...remember the Y2K hassle. Most systems that were not ready for the year 2000 could be make ready through a flash upgrade of the BIOS. Occasionally firmware upgrades are available for modems, CD-ROMs, CDR-RWs, and other hardware devices. If you have a device that is acting funny, chances are a firmware upgrade my cure the ailment. Go to the device's web site and check for an upgrade. One thing to keep in mind with firmware upgrades is that they don't always install like a software upgrade. Make sure that you read the site's directions carefully on how to carry out the upgrade. Fun Upgrades Here are some ideas for fun (and useful) upgrades for your desktop computer: Optical Mouse - Forget the 'old fashioned' mouse with the ball and pins that get dirty and hard to move. These optical mice use light technology to propel the cursor and never need cleaning Wrist Pad - If you use your computer often (more than a couple of hours per day), get yourself a keyboard wrist pad. They are comfortable to use and help keep your wrists and elbows healthy. Digital Post It Notes - Keep your desk clean and clean those stickies off your monitor. This little FREE software lets you create sticky notes for your desktop. Check it out. Palm enabled device - You knew I was going to add this to the list. Palm devices (also from Handspring, Sony and Handera) are a perfect supplement to almost any computer users desktop. Laptop Upgrades External mini-mouse - Our very own Adam loves his mini-mouse for his laptop. They can usually be had for under $20 and help speed up your work over the integrated laptop mice Form fit case - Sometimes carrying a large laptop case can be cumbersome. There are many smaller cases for that quick trip to the coffee shop or the park. Extra memory - Unlike their desktop brethren, laptops often come quite anemic in the memory department. Double your RAM and watch the responsiveness of your computer increase.
Call us on Saturday mornings Read our past Technology Watch features: PDA's (Personal Digital Assistants) Viruses -- What, How, Who, Why? Computer Measurement Standards AOL The good, bad and the ugly
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