Home Computer Tips

Are you looking for computer tips and answers to a computer question but want information  without all the geek speak and buzzwords? Well you have come to the right place.

This Home Computer Tips hub provides tech info, news and computer support for non-geeks. Minimal buzz words, techno-babble and geek-speak. Just useful Computer Tech Tips, Support, and News that will help simplify your use of technology. Included are posts from my "Tech Tips blog" and a number of resources that I believe you will find useful.

One question that I hear regularly is "When is it time to buy and New Computer?"

Computers don’t always age gracefully. Have you found yourself wondering lately if it’s time to replace your current computer? Technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. CPU performance increases, RAM become less expensive, computer operating systems improve and change versions, and new devices and connections such as HMDI, rewritable DVDs and USB 3.0 come along. Laptop and netbooks put more and more features into smaller and lighter weight computers.

Eventually the idea of upgrading or replacing your computer system gathers steam. Some questions to consider include: how does an upgrade or replacement fit within your budget; how necessary is the newer technology; is your current adequate, perhaps after a good tune up; is it feasible to just upgrade your current system and not buy a new computer; and is now a good time to buy a new system?

Some factors that may accelerate change are: significant problems with your current computer (slow performance, crashing, lack of features); inability of your current computer to handle newer hardware or software technology effectively or perhaps you just want a faster computer.

Another reason for replacing your current computer may be increased mobility. If you currently have a desktop computer but you want a portable computer the choice is rather clear – you should buy a new computer. No amount of upgrades, cleaning up, or waiting will turn your desktop computer into a laptop or netbook computer.

If portability isn't the main question, what other factors are important? Areas of recent technology progress include:

1. New Windows Versions: added features and capabilities also demand greater CPU power and more RAM.
2. New Hardware Devices: Newer technologies include rewriteable DVD drives (DVD+/-RW), Blu-ray discs, high capacity hard disk drives and higher performance video processors.
3. Overall System Performance: Beyond faster CPUs and more memory, newer systems also allow the CPU to talk to main memory (RAM) and other devices at a dramatically faster rate.
4. New Applications and digital media can place added demands on computer resources and may overwhelm some older computers.
5. New Connectivity Options: Device connections such as USB 3.0, and faster wireless networks
6. Running Multiple Programs More Efficiently: All those programs that load when you boot your computer require resources such as memory, processing power, and data storage.
7. Battery Life: Longer battery life on laptop and netbook computers.

So there are some factors to consider when evaluating whether to buy a new computer, upgrade components in your existing system or just tune up and clean up what you have. Your situation could also be a case of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Hopefully I’ve provided some insights that will help in the decision making process.

The Value of a Computer Tune Up

Prior to replacing a computer is it important to keep what you currently have running effectively. A computer is a dynamic system and the data on your computer changes frequently. Documents, photos, music files, email messages and attachments, contacts and addresses, and many other sources of data are created, modified and deleted. Antivirus and firewall software have regular updates as does Microsoft Windows. So even without hardware changes your computer goes through frequent revisions.

This points to the need for regular maintenance and tune ups. Most computers follow Murphy’s Law and will generally fail when it will cause you the most problems. To keep your computer running smoothly it is important to follow a proactive tune up service. Some of the common computer issues that can be identified and resolved through a tune up process that can include:

• Check antivirus, firewall, antispyware, and spam filtering software to ensure that all items are up-to-date, active, and correctly configured.
• Verify all necessary Windows updates have been downloaded and installed.
• Verify all Microsoft Office updates have been downloaded and installed.
• Check Internet Explorer and Firefox browser settings for optimal use
• Test Internet connection speed/bandwidth performance.
• Identify any additional security issues or potential problems.
• Run system maintenance processes such as Disk Cleanup and Defrag.
• Ensure all data backup processes are being run effectively and completely.
• Empty the Recycle Bin and clean out all temp folders.
• Check hard disk drive to verify enough available data storage space.

Tech Tip: Whether a new computer is planned for or not it is always a good idea to keep what you have running its best.