We have all been guilty of keeping our computers a little longer than we should. It can be a tough decision to decide to buy a new computer, after all they are expensive. If you are unsure if it is time to buy a new computer or not, read below for some helpful tips on how to make that decision.
Age And Condition
Take into consideration not just the age of your system but the condition as well. How does your computer run, does it bog down or lock up or does it still run smoothly? If you are having issues with your computer locking up or it seems to just be much slower than before, try running a registry cleaner on it as well as install an updated anti-virus software. If the system seemed to slow down after installing new software and there are no viruses on the system or corrupted registry issues then you may just need to upgrade the system components or the system itself.
If your system is running smoothly and has no issues running the applications and the software that is installed there may be no need to replace it. Unless you are planning on installing software that requires a faster machine, you can keep the one you have.
Upgradable
If your system is upgradable, then that may be the better option instead of replacing the system. Adding extra memory can increase the speed of the system and help to run your applications more smoothly.
Operating System
The operating system in many cases can be upgraded but if the system requirements are not met it will create serious problems for your computer. If you are running an operating system that is out of date, chances are your computer is as well. Keep in mind that when you look at your operating system that it is the original environment in which your system came with. You may have already updated your Windows 98 system to Windows XP but the actual date and condition of the system will be reliant on the original OS.
Hardware
You can make many of the hardware changes on your system without having to replace the entire computer. DVD burners, larger hard drives, more memory, system fans and even faster CPU’s can be purchased for replacement on compatible machines.
Features
The newer computers offer more features and if your system does not offer them and is not capable of upgrading to them you might consider a new computer. You can find a variety of features available with new computers that you might be interested in and since the prices of computers have went down dramatically you can easily fit the purchase into just about any budget.
So, in order to determine if it is time to buy a new computer or not it will greatly depend on what your needs and wants are out of the machine.
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