By Dick
Maybach, Columnist, Brookdale Computer User Group (BCUG) Brookdale, NJ
www.bcug.org
n2nd(at)att.net
Obtained
from APCUG with the author's permission for publication by APCUG member groups.
I can think
of three valid reasons for upgrading a PC: (1) to try something new, (2) to
improve performance, and (3) to solve a problem. Trying something new means you
are treating your PC as a hobby. In this case you don’t really need to upgrade,
but you want to. Just bear in mind that there are risks, which means that you
may get more adventure than you planned on. Improving performance is difficult
to justify, unless your system is very old. Almost any system will do just fine
surfing the net, word processing, balancing your checkbook, etc. Upgrading your
hardware will often provide no discernable speed-up, because the speed is
really limited by your typing speed or Internet connection. Upgrading your
software may actually slow things down, because newer software has more
features and requires more computer resources. This leaves problem solving.
Your hard disk may be full; your motherboard may have only old, slow version 1
USB ports; or your bank may require a recent version of Quicken for on-line
banking.
You
shouldn’t upgrade to Windows Vista unless you replace the PC, and even then you
may have problems. A friend of mine bought a new Dell PC with Vista and found his
old printer wouldn’t work and he could no longer access the Internet. Operating
system designers can’t possibly test every combination of hardware and
software. As a result, they concentrate on new components, since most operating
system sales are for new computers, and there may be problems with older
peripherals and software.
You should
back up all your files before you make any system change, no matter how
trivial. And any time you open your system case, you should use a grounding
strap to avoid damaging components with static electricity. This is especially
important during the approaching winter months, when the humidity in your house
is low.
Let’s look
at the easy upgrades first. Adding RAM is usually not difficult; just plug it
in and look at your CMOS screen to be sure the PC has recognized it. (Of course
you must use the correct chips. Check your PC manual.) You can usually add new
peripherals, such a CD-ROM, DVD, or a second hard disk drive without problems,
although if you have already filled all of the available ATA slots, you will
have to add a second disk controller. Take your system to a reliable shop if
you have doubts about your abilities. Replacing a hard disk is somewhat more
difficult, because you must transfer all your software to the new unit, which
requires disk copying software. You can’t just copy your files with Windows
Explorer.
More
adventuresome is installing a new motherboard. Be aware that upgrading your
motherboard may not result in a noticeable performance improvement unless you
also upgrade your hard disk and/or your video controller. If your current
motherboard is very old, you must also upgrade its case and power supply.
Changing the video controller or monitor is also not too hard. Most monitors
are plug-and-play so Windows should automatically recognize your new monitor.
When you
buy new peripherals, be sure you get any drivers they need. Many PC
manufacturers don’t include a complete Windows, but strip off all the drivers
except for the equipment they sell you. If necessary, download any missing
drivers from the Internet before you change your hardware.
An
alternative to an upgrade is a complete new system, and the vendor will insure
that all the software and hardware plays well together. This leaves your old
system intact so you can transfer your files without risk of losing anything.
Regardless
of your approach, you must also choose where and what to buy. Where is a
choice between mail order and a local dealer. What is a choice between
name brand and commodity hardware.
The choice
between mail order and local dealer depends on how much experience and time you
have. The low profit margins in PC hardware mean that both component
manufacturers and system assemblers spend little time on testing.
Dead-on-arrival hardware and infant mortalities are common. When this happens
you are entirely dependent on the company that sold it to you. If you purchase
from a mail-order firm, you must either trouble-shoot any problems yourself or
ship the entire system back to the seller, while a good local dealer can often
make repairs in a few hours. You are trading off convenience for cost, because
using mail order can often save you a few dollars.
Name brand
hardware costs more than its commodity equivalent. The difference is between Sound
Blaster and “Sound Blaster equivalent”. I favor name brands. You can be sure
that every vendor of software that uses sound has tested its products with
Sound Blaster cards, but it is impossible for a small manufacturer to test its
sound card with every program.
The less
you pay for a system, the more likely it is to contain commodity parts. System
manufacturers and assemblers usually purchase components on an Original
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) basis, and most parts sold at computer shows are
OEM. The cost of these is less because the dealer relieves the manufacturer
from all customer support. This means that the component manufacturer often
won’t even talk to the end purchaser. Your only warranty is from the seller,
and you must select him or her with care.
Finally,
schedule any upgrade when you have some time. Plan on taking a weekend for
simple jobs and more for complex ones. I’ve found that I need a couple of weeks
(not full time of course) to get my PC fully functional after reinstalling an
operating system for example.
This article has been provided to
APCUG by the author solely for publication by APCUG member groups. All other
uses require the permission of the author (see e-mail address above).