IntroOne of the big advantages of PCs over earlier types of computers is that they're upgradable. If you get to the point where you need a faster computer, more storage space or whatever, you don't have to buy a new PC. You can upgrade it by buying just the extra part you need. But sometimes it's better to just take the plunge and replace it. and how do you know what part to upgrade? Here's my guide:
Laptop Battery Memory
Adding memory is one of the most popular upgrades. It makes a big difference to how fast your PC runs. When your PC runs out of memory for what it's doing, it stores information on your hard drive instead. Your hard drive is nowhere near as fast as the memory. The more memory you've got, the less often your PC will need to store things on the hard drive as it works. So the faster it will go.
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Thinkpad How much memory is enough does depend on what version of Windows you're running. With Windows XP, 256MB is considered a bit on the low side, though it'll be just about OK. 512MB is decent and 1024MB is really good. If you have Windows 95 or 98, you can get by on 64MB though it's worth going to 128MB even if you just use your PC for basic office work. More will make it really hum along.
PCs left over after an upgrade often do an admirable job as file servers. You just need to know what components are important, what parts you can do without, and how to adjust Windows so other computers on the network can access the file server. The following steps will tell you how to create a file server using an old computer with Windows XP installed, although with a little tweaking most of the following tips apply to a computer using any version of Windows...
Microsoft It also depends on what you're using your PC for - if you're just typing up the odd letter and sending emails, then 256MB will probably do you but if you're editing video or playing the latest 3D games, it'll be worth getting the full 1024MB.
You can also get a PC to TV converter. These are perfect when you don't want to upgrade your video card (especially with laptops, small multimedia PC's or integrated graphics). The PC to TV converter connects the VGA out on your computer to composite, video, component or even high definition component. You can also use a wireless PC to TV converter if your computer is in another room or far from your TV.
Laptop Computers If you buy memory, make sure you get the right type for your computer - the best thing to do is go to a shop and get them to pick the right type and to fit it for you. You CAN fit it yourself if you know what you're doing but be careful!
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Laptop Computer Hard Drive
Another upgrade that can be worthwhile is a bigger hard drive. If you don't have enough space for all your files and programs then it's obviously a good plan! I'd also recommend it if you have only just enough space. When your hard drive is nearly full your PC has to scamper around it trying to find empty space every time it wants to save something. and that takes time.
You searched for information on battery and laptop computer. Your new compaq laptop battery comes in a discharged condition and must be charged before use (refer to your computer manual for charging instructions). Of course, once you decide on the laptop computer battery you need, you will want to receive it right away. Plug battery pack into DC input of your laptop computer which is located in backside of laptop usually. Toshiba laptop battery laptop batteries, laptop battery, toshiba laptop battery, batteries for laptop computer.
Desktop Computer I'd recommend keeping your existing hard drive and adding a new one instead of actually replacing your existing one. No point in throwing it away if it's still working!
A typical hard drive nowadays is anywhere from 40GB to 160GB - if you're getting a new one it might as well be big!
Notebooks With a hard drive you can either fit it yourself or get a shop to fit it. or there's a third option. You can buy an external version which plugs into your computer via a USB port. These are great for moving information from one PC to another. If it's always on one PC, I prefer the hard drive neatly tucked away inside the case. but again, it's up to you.
Lenovo
Bigger/flat monitor
If you've got a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitor (the type with a box sticking out the back, like a television) you might fancy one of those stylish flat ones. It's not just a fancy gadget, they also fit better on a small desk and you can have it closer to the wall than a big cumbersome CRT.
Hard Drive If you decide to go for it, think about whether you want one with built in speakers. It keeps you desk nice and tidy and looks more stylish. But you can get much better sound quality with separate speakers.
Travelstar You also could think about what size of screen you want. It's measured in inches from one corner to the opposite one. 17inch is pretty standard for desktop PCs though the flat screen types tend to seem bigger than the CRT type even when they're the same size. For normal use, I wouldn't particularly recommend getting a big one but if you do a lot of design or gaming, it might be worth it.
Gateway Processor
I'm not a big fan of processor upgrades. People talk about the processor speed when they're saying how fast a PC is but there's a lot more to it. Upgrading the processor without upgrading the other parts doesn't tend to make much difference. And if you're going to change the other bits too, you're probably best off just buying a new PC. It'll probably be cheaper.
Laptop Parts CD Writer/DVD player/DVD writer
This is a simple one. If you don't have a CD writer and you want to be able to write CDs, get one! As usual, I'd advise you to get it fitted at the shop you buy it at. Or you could get an external one that plugs into a USB port.
If you fancy it you could even get a DVD player or DVD writer, if you want to put your home movies on DVD. Again, you can either get it fitted or buy an external one.
Software Graphics Card
This is a bit of a specialist one. If you're into fast 3D games, then it might be worth getting a faster graphics card. If you aren't, it probably isn't. A standard graphics card can handle ordinary graphics pretty well. It's only when the PC throws fast 3D at it that it struggles. Then the PC itself has to do some of the work for it, leaving less time for the PC to work out whether you've been clobbered by a goblin.
Hard Drives Epilogue
The crucial point about upgrades is that it really does depend on what you use your PC for. If you're happy with what your PC is doing for you, don't let anyone talk you into feeling you have to upgrade.
Electronics Tim Wakeling is the Author of Computers One Step at a Time, a home course using plenty of pictures of the screen to show you how to use your PC. He also writes a free monthly newsletter about computers for non-experts. Find out about both at http://www.osaat.co.uk
© Tim Wakeling, UK 2005. You may re-publish this article online and in print as long as you leave it unchanged.
