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Here are my thoughts on fixing a PC or
getting a new one...
Windows
Vista is what you will generally get with a new PC. It has much higher
requirements for your computer. As new versions of Microsoft products
have problems it would be best to wait at least six months before
upgrading to it. I cannot at this time recommend Vista. Many computer
sellers are offering a "downgrade" to Windows XP. This is worth looking
into.
Now we will get to what you need to know that gives you the most bang
for the buck.
Generally
speaking adding memory and/or a new hardrive will make a noticeable
improvement in your system. A new graphics card may give you a boost
depending on what you do with your computer.
How much memory do you need.
If
you are running windows 2000 or XP the minimum is 256 megabytes (mb)
with 512 mb being my minimum. 1 gigabyte (gb) will be needed by some
folks that run many things at once. For Windows Vista all but the very
low end version will require at least 1 gb and I think 2 gb is what you
will need.
Windows 98 or ME are best at 192 mb.
How big a hardrive.
For
average use a 40 gb drive is fine. Have some music files? Then 80 gb
might be better. Video or your favorite TV shows? 300 gb or more
depending on how many hours of video you are going to store. The cost
of a hardrive is pretty cheap.
How much processor power.
Much depends on what you use your PC for.
Is your primary use is email and surfing the web – then a 1000 mhz or
better processor is going to be adequate for now.
A
1700 mhz to 2500 mhz (1.7 – 2.5) will do most anything you need. There
are just not that many new programs that need more than that. Most new
processors are dual core or 2 processors on one chip with quad core
starting to appear. Speed ratings are becoming pointless except to
compare speed within the processor line itself, like core duo or x2.
Email me if you need a further explanation.
If you are a heavy
duty game player, use a lot of video applications, or just have a need
for speed, then you are in the 3000 plus mhz category. You know who you
are. Unless you need to have cutting edge equipment and are willing to
live with the problems of having the latest you can save a lot of money
by building what you need.
Graphic
cards
If
you do a lot of game playing or video editing a fast graphics card will
be a must. Otherwise whatever came with your computer will be suitable.
To use the latest features in Widows Vista you will need a graphics
card that supports DirectX 10. As of this writing DirectX 10 is still
not ready for the average user.
So, Fix or Buy a new PC.
So with
that behind us it is time to look at buying a new pc. An example would
be that you have a computer that is three years old and is getting
cranky as they do after a while. For me to get it back in top shape
could take several hours if you need to preserve your computer as it
is. A new PC might be in your future. On the other hand if you want to
start by completely cleaning your computer and starting fresh you may
just need some more memory and buying a new PC may not be needed.
Shopping for a new PC
There
a so many variables here that I will not cover most of that. But buying
that $350.00 Dell may not meet your needs either. The stripped down
PC's advertised on TV usually do not have enough memory and small
hardrives. So you will probably need to look at that carefully as there
are big expenses in adding these later or on the phone when you
purchase.
Here is a link to a article about buying a Windows based PC.
http://ptech.wsj.com/archive/ptech-20061026.html
One last thing to think about is buying a Apple Macintosh or Windows
based machine.
A
Mac is slightly more expensive than a Windows based machine but is much
easier to use, rarely gets a virus and comes with most things you need.
If most people used Mac's I would not repair many computers. Also Mac's
have switched to Intel processors which means that you can run a copy
of Windows on a Mac. This was never possible in the old days. With
software you
can now run Windows from inside a Mac which will really make things
interesting.
What this comes down to is, unless you use a special windows only
program on your computer you should look into a Mac.
I
do not use Mac's or Windows for myself. I use Linux which is a free
software system that appeals to power users and people who like to
tinker with computers. It is becoming more mainstream and could save
you quite a bit of money. Ubuntu is a very easy to use Linux
distribution that is free. I only use Windows for a few minor things
having to do with my repair business.
If you have a question about this drop me a email at
beckerco@beckerconsulting.net
Dan |
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