FYI Features
Glencoe McGraw-Hill
 

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Should You Buy or Upgrade a PC?

At some point, you probably will face the problem that plagues nearly every computer user. That is, you will need a computer that is faster, has more features, or can run newer or more sophisticated software than your current system can.

This problem leads most users to ask a question: "Should I buy a new computer or upgrade my existing system?" Both approaches have advantages, and you should consider them carefully before deciding. It's a choice that can bring satisfaction or regret.

Evaluate Your Needs
Before deciding whether to buy or upgrade, look at your computing needs, especially if this will be your first computer. The more complex your tasks, the more computing power you need.

If you plan to use basic applications or run only one program at a time, an older PC may provide adequate performance. If you need to multitask, run powerful applications, or use the latest multimedia software, then you need the most powerful system you can afford.

Buying a Computer

Before you run out and buy a new computer, consider some rules of thumb that can help you make the right choice.

Power Users
If you are a "power user" or use sophisticated software for graphics, databases, multimedia, or programming, then purchase the most powerful system you can afford. Affordability is the key, so here is a good rule of thumb: Invest the most in the features that will give you the most benefit. Purchase add-ons only if you can afford to, and only after your primary needs have been adequately addressed. In other words, if you need a large monitor more than you need a Zip drive, invest in the monitor first. If you have enough cash left over to buy the drive, go for it. If not, you can always add one later.

Will you work with large or multiple applications? Then RAM and processing power are important considerations. Look for a system with at least 128 MB of RAM and the fastest processor you can afford. (We'll examine processor choices later.)

Will you use large files, such as book-size documents, a database, or graphics? Or, will you need to store lots of different programs (such as multiple productivity suites) on your disk at one time? If so, storage is a primary concern. While most new computers feature hard drive capacities of 10 GB or more, you should consider an even larger drive or multiple hard disks. To preserve disk space, also consider getting a high-capacity backup system, such as a tape drive or a CD-Recordable drive. This will allow you to move data off your primary storage device (the hard disk) and keep it free from clutter.

Is cutting-edge multimedia a requirement? Then your system needs a large monitor (at least 17 inches), a high-speed graphics card with enhanced 3-D capabilities, and a 32-bit sound card with high-quality speakers. These enhancements are costly, but they can increase overall performance when using multimedia-intensive products.

Do you plan to connect your PC to a network or use a cable modem? If so, your new PC needs a network card. Luckily, network cards are pretty inexpensive (between $50 and $250, depending on your needs). But you still need to allow for one in your budget. Here's another hint: Be sure to find out exactly what kind of network card you need before buying it. Your cable modem provider, for instance, may require you to use a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet card, whereas a home network may require something else.

Beginners or Casual Users
If your needs are limited, consider buying a "budget" system, many of which sell for less than $1,000. These systems can easily be found in computer stores, department stores, and mail-order outlets.

Budget systems offer plenty of horsepower for desktop applications (usually by using a slower-model Celeron or Duron, or even an older Pentium II). Today, even the most basic home systems provide adequate RAM (64 MB, 98 MB, or 128 MB), plenty of storage, a CD-ROM drive, a modem, and a 17-inch monitor. Fast video cards and stereo speakers system are standard even on low-cost PCs.

For the true beginner or the user with very simple needs (strictly word processing, for example), a used computer may be the perfect solution. Early Pentium- and Pentium II-class systems can easily be found for a few hundred dollars. These older systems are perfectly adequate for basic applications and can be upgraded in a variety of ways. In fact, if you want to try your hand at upgrading, an inexpensive used PC can be an excellent way to start.

Making an Informed Choice
If you decide to purchase a new computer, feel confident that you can make a fully informed choice before you buy. A decade ago, consumers were on their own when it came to finding the best PC for their needs, comparing features and prices, and looking out for scams. Today, however, that has all changed. You can easily find many sources of reliable, authoritative information and reviews on all kinds of PCs and related hardware.

The easiest place to find information and reviews is on the World Wide Web. The following sites regularly feature product reviews and information on newly marketed computer systems:

Many other organizations post updated product reviews and announcements on their Web sites. Click here to visit Yahoo's Computer Product Reviews Web page to find a complete list.

If you prefer to use printed magazines rather than online versions (a good idea if you want to carry information with you), a visit to any well-stocked newsstand will pay dividends. Look for current editions of magazines such as PC Magazine, PC World, Computer Shopper, and others for the latest information on PC technology.

While you're at it, don't forget to check out some PC manufacturers, as well. At PC makers' Web sites, you can find information about each company's newest systems. Many PC makers will even help you order a computer online. Here are the Web sites of just a few leading PC manufacturers:

Many other computer manufacturers host Web sites, filled with valuable information that can help you shop for a system that is right for you. To find a complete current list of computer makers on the Web, click here to visit Yahoo's list of computer manufacturers.

Picking the Right Processor
Today's computer shopper must make a choice that simply was not an issue a few years ago. That is, what kind of processor do you need? As recently as 1998, the question was basically moot because most Windows-based PCs featured Intel processors; only low-cost, low-performance systems used processors from a different manufacturer such as Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) or Cyrix.

That has changed, however, and buyers now have a wide selection of processor types, including Intel's Pentium II, Pentium III, and Celeron processors, as well as AMD's K-6, Athlon, and Duron CPUs, and others. Depending on how much you want to pay, you can buy a middle-of-the road system with a 600 MHz Celeron or a workstation-like 1 GHz Athlon with a 200 MHz bus. Today's processor lines are available in a variety of speeds, as well, from 500 MHz at the slow end, up to 1 GHz at the high end. Remember, too, that other features--such as RAM, cache type and size, and bus configuration--can affect performance.

But for the most part, processor brand doesn't matter that much. Why? Because the ongoing "processor wars" have resulted in chips of similar quality, speed, and performance. So an 800 MHz Pentium III and an 800 MHz Athlon, for instance, will turn in very similar performances when tested side by side (as is commonly done by reviewers). Unless you are concerned about tiny differences in speed, you're better off simply to decide what general level of performance you need and then base your decision on price.

Also, don't be fooled into thinking that one brand of processor can do things that other processors cannot. Once upon a time, there was a legitimate concern that AMD processors could not run some types of software as well as Intel processors. Newer-generation AMD processors, however, can run anything an Intel processor can. If a salesperson tells you something different, then you know he or she is simply trying to sell one type of system.

For more information on different processor lines, visit the following chip manufacturers' Web sites:

You can also get information and reviews on processors by checking the magazine Web sites listed earlier.

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Upgrading a Computer

Everything in a computer can be upgraded. The CPU, RAM, disk drives, motherboard, pointing devices, video, and audio systems can all be replaced to improve your computer's performance.

Upgrading, however, can be a tricky and time-consuming process. If you have time and money to invest, and if you don't mind running the risk of doing more harm than good, then upgrading can be just the ticket.

There is one rule of thumb to consider when upgrading: Upgrade your PC only if you can get the performance boost you need while spending less than you would for a new system. At a time when new Pentium III systems are available for $700 (including a monitor), upgrading may not save you very much at all.

Once upon a time, a new processor was the quickest way to a faster computer. A few years ago, you could increase a Pentium computer to a Pentium Pro CPU with MMX technology for under $200, and the task was as simple as removing the old chip and inserting the new one in the same socket.

Newer-generation (Pentium II and III) processors and motherboards, however, are not as upgrade-friendly as older ones. For example, if you have a Pentium system and want to upgrade it to a Pentium II or Pentium III system, you need to replace the motherboard. This may cause problems for other devices, such as RAM, cache, and others. In short, a processor upgrade may ultimately be more difficult and expensive than buying a new system. Do your homework before trying to change your CPU. (The links at the end of this page can help.)

A RAM upgrade can enable your PC to process data faster, by keeping more information on hand for the processor. Currently, 64 MB is the practical minimum for nearly any operating system, with 128 MB yielding faster performance. Simply stated, the more RAM in your system, the better. A RAM upgrade can be as easy as plugging one or two additional SIMM (Single Inline Memory Module) chips into the motherboard. Check with your system's manufacturer and read your PC's documentation to learn exactly how to add memory. And remember that you can't use just any RAM chip. Use only the type of RAM recommended by the computer's manufacturer.

For greater storage capacity, add or replace a hard disk. Newer disks also tend to be faster than older ones and are reasonably inexpensive. A hard disk upgrade is more challenging than a RAM upgrade, but most kits provide everything you need. The easiest way to increase storage is to add an external hard disk that plugs into the PC's parallel port.

Changing the sound or video display card is another easy upgrade; just replace the current card with a newer one. Older computers may have less than 1 MB of video memory (VRAM). The minimum VRAM for most systems now is 2 MB, with 4 MB the norm for systems you routinely use for graphics work and navigating on the World Wide Web.

Be an Informed Upgrader
The Web is the best source of general information and tips on upgrading your computer. Here are some especially helpful sites:

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