Many people are starting to notice that their computers are not as powerful as they used to be. Reasons for this are varied, but mostly it is the new software which gets loaded, with extra facilities all using more processing power. In some cases, our hard disks full up. That is a combination of downloaded files and new software being loaded on to the computer. Some things you can do are:

1. Reformat your hard disk, and reload all of your software. This option is free, but can take you a lot of time, and improvements are likely, but not guaranteed. You need to make sure you have copies of all of your documents and original disks for the software.

2. Follow basic Microsoft instructions, such as Defragment Hard Disk, remove temporary files etc. Many hints can be found on the www.microsoft.com site, and in your Windows Help. This option is free, and will help your computer. You should do these sorts of things regularly.

3. Buy a new computer. Will definitely help your processing power, but will hurt your pocket.

4. Upgrade parts of your computer. This often includes a motherboard, CPU and memory. You keep your case, key board, screen etc. This is not a bad direction, and helps your power. It also allows you to keep all of your software on your hard disk.

5. Add Memory. This option is cheap if your computer has DRAM (168 Pin about 110mm long), but only tends to add stability, and improve the performance when you are running several programs at the same time, or running the same program several times over and over.

6. Replace you hard disk with a new one. Use this option if your hard disk is getting close to full. Hard disks are used to swap memory while windows is running, so if they are getting full, Windows will slow down.

7. Buy a second hand computer. Many people try to recover what they spent when they first bought their computer. However computers are like motor vehicles. They go down in value, and are not an investment. If you are thinking about second hand, make sure it is good and cheap. Also, compare the cost of new parts, and make sure you are not getting ripped off.

 

We offer help in the area of advice and the supply of second-hand or new parts. So if you are considering one or some of the steps above, we would be happy to provide some advice or give you quotes or expected costs. At the very least, a quote from us will allow you to confirm you are paying a good price elsewhere. Sometimes, our importer has specials, so if you are considering some sort of upgrade in the future, let us know, and we will keep a look out for the parts you need at good prices.

Celeron, P4 or Dual Core ??.
Read our report comparing normal every day tasks.