Introduction
1. Think about what you are trying to achieve, and how much time, effort, and money the goal is worth.
2.
Don’t wait until you have an impossible situation before
you try to fix it.
WHAT are some items I can replace or update in
computer software or hardware?
Software: Programs, operating system, drivers
Hardware:
Internal: RAM memory, hard drive, CD writer, USB 2.0 board
External: Scanner, printer, monitor, hard drive, optical mouse, keyboard, speakers, reader for digital camera memory card
Computer: Desktop, laptop
WHEN or WHY do I replace or update computer software
or hardware?
1. Hardware breaks or fails to function properly.
a. Hard drive fails
b. Motherboard fails
c. Laptop falls and the display breaks
2. New hardware or software won’t run with the current computer set-up.
3. Numerous computer crashes or error messages (could also be software conflict or virus)
a. New driver (tells the computer how to interact with a device)
b. New software or hardware
c. New computer
4. No light or non-adjustable color on the monitor.
5. Spilled fluid on keyboard and keys are sticky.
1. Want new features only available with new software or hardware.
2. When you want a much more stable operating system.
3. RAM memory
a. Memory errors
b. Faster computer functionality
4. Hard drive
a. Need more memory for programs or data (such as photos)
b. Want back-up memory for data.
5. CD writer
a. Burn-Proof technology for error-free writing
b. Faster
6. USB 2.0 board
a. Much faster than USB 1.0
b. Connect four additional USB devices
7. Scanner
a. Create Adobe Reader pdf files
b. Better OCR capability (Optical Character Recognition)
c. Scan slides or negatives
d. Faster
8. Printer
a. New inks that are water-resistant and fade-resistant
b. Separate containers for 3 or 4 colors
c. Higher resolution (better photos)
d. Faster
9. Monitor
a. Larger screen size
b. Lower weight and heat (LCD monitor)
10. Optical mouse
a. Tired of erratic movement of the mouse pointer, and don’t want to clean the ball and internal rollers.
11. Keyboard
a. Better placement of hands on keys
b. Includes CD, volume, internet, and email controls.
12. Speakers (3 or more, including sub-woofer)
a. Listen to music
13. Reader for digital camera memory card
a. When a digital camera is purchased
14. Laptop
a. When you want to use the computer in more than one location in your house.
b. When you want to use your computer while traveling (short or long term)
15. Desktop
a. Brand name versus “clone”. Service and tech support are important. (See last page for resource information)
16. Bought a digital camera
a. Reader for memory card
b. Software for editing photos
c. Better printer
d. Larger hard drive
HOW do I choose what to buy?
2. Read computer magazine reviews.
3. Read reviews and user comments on the internet.
a. www.amazon.com/ Search for the item you are considering. If found, then scroll to the bottom of the page to view user comments.
b. http://reviews.cnet.com/?tag=cnetfd.sb
e. www.google.com/ Search for the item you are considering, plus the word “review”, without the quotation marks.
HOW do I get a good price?
3. Price quotes on the internet
a. www.amazon.com/ Search for the item you are considering.
d. http://www.dealcatcher.com/
e. http://www.addall.com/ Books
i. http://www.studentdiscounts.com/ Academic pricing for students and teachers
j. http://www.shoptrc.com/ Academic pricing for students and teachers
o. www.resellerratings.com/ User ratings of internet stores.
r. http://www.dealdealdeal.com/
t. http://hardwarecentral.dealtime.com
u. www.google.com/ Search for the item you are considering, plus the word “review”, without the quotation marks.
HOW is the replacement or updating performed?
1.
Follow instructions
2. Hire someone (probably $40 to $100 per hour) (See last page for resource information)
a. Install
b. Debug
c. Instruct
3. For a hardware device, usually install software, then hardware.
4. When installing an internal hardware device, turn off the computer’s AC power and use an anti-static wrist strap.
1. Transferring data from an old computer to a new computer.
a. Programs cannot or should not be transferred to a new computer. That would require transferring the registry, which may have corrupted files.
b. Burn one or more CDs.
c. Buy and use software and a cable, or hire someone to do this.
d. Install an antivirus program on the new computer and update the virus definitions before transferring data.
2. Transferring data from a failed hard drive to a new hard drive: Cost can be hundreds or thousands of dollars. Backing up data frequently will prevent this cost.
Thanks to Brian Loss for his numerous suggestions regarding this topic.
The following people and companies are known to be good resources for technical support and for custom built computers.
Kristopher Liu
877-383-9858
klconsulting@skytel.com
Doug Johnston
302-764-7151
dougej@bigfoot.com
At Home Computer Services
Wilmington DE
On-site service and training, evenings and weekends.
Larry Golub 215-364-3782
4gtek@comcast.net
Tech support via phone, email, or his home in Trevose, PA.
Larry Golub 215-364-3782
4gtek@comcast.net
Tech support via phone, email, or his home in Trevose, PA.
Motto Computer
3610 Kirkwood Highway
Wilmington, DE 19808
302 633-6783