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Upgrading
vs. Replacing Your PC Your PC, unlike our bodies, does not slow down due to old age. It should always work as fast as it did when you first purchased it. But this is true only if you don’t change anything. Some of our customers are still using PCs with their original Pentium 1 processors running Windows 95 at 75 or 100 MHz. And as long as they remove temporary files, defragment the hard drive, and don’t upgrade or add any software, the computers keep on running at the same speed. Yet most people enjoy taking advantage of the additional benefits of adding new programs or keeping their existing applications up-to-date. Some programs, such as Internet Explorer and anti-virus programs, must be kept current to provide the best protection against malicious viruses or other security threats. Newer program versions are usuallay larger and require more “horsepower” (CPU speed, RAM and/or disk space) to handle the additional features. And that’s where older PCs start slowing down. Another factor to consider is that Microsoft has stopped supporting Windows 95; this means that you can’t get any security updates or support from Microsoft. Also, many new programs won’t run on Windows 95 – they require Windows 98 or later. Windows NT support will end in June of this year, and Windows 98 support will end early next year. The expected life expectancy of a PC is three to four years. So if your computer is over four years old and you feel it’s too slow for you, we recommend replacing it with a new one rather trying to upgrade it. The easiest way to speed up a computer is to add RAM (memory). Most RAM modules are relatively inexpensive; however, the RAM used in older computers is more expensive since fewer factories make the older types. And older operating systems such as Windows 98 or ME don’t usually run much faster if you have more than 128MB RAM. So when you get frustrated with your slow computer, call us at (713) 861-4183. We can determine if your PC just needs a little tune-up, if more RAM will help, or if it’s time to replace the system.
Part of your decision to purchase a new computer includes deciding what to do with your old computer. If it’s fairly new and you want to sell it, the profit you receive can be included in the total cost of purchasing the new computer. If you decide to sell it or give it away, keep in mind that it won’t do other people much good without the monitor. Donald Clerc is starting a project to create computer resource centers at area Assisted Living Centers. (His mother-in-law is living in one nearby.) This project is the result of a Self-Expression and Leadership Course from Landmark Education (for more information, refer to www.landmarkeducation.com). People working on this project will clean up your old computers, erase any data, set them up, and work with the residents so they can enjoy learning and using these computers. We are asking for three things: old computers, help with this project, and people to contact who work at area Assisted Living Centers. If you can help with any of these things, please call Don at (713) 8614183. Thank you very much.
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In With the New
One of our consultants, Michael Gates, has decided to leave the company. We wish him well in his future pursuits. We are in the process of hiring his replacement, and we will make a formal announcement in the next newsletter. This new consultant brings even more knowledge and experience into our company. So now you will get even more of the great service and support that made us one of Houston’s 100 Fastest Growing Companies last year. |