Computer and Software Support


Should I buy a new computer or upgrade the one I have?

Info on buying a computer

Computer technology changes almost daily. To keep up with the technology is a full time job. To advice someone on what type of computer to get, is an impossible task. Everyone's needs are different. Everyone's preferences is different. Therefore, these pages are for your information to make an educated decision. There is so much information that it may confuse you more than help you. However it is important to review all the information. Also as technology changes, some of the information provided here may not apply.

For more information that I don't have included here, see the following

Hardware questions       Information on computer parts.

 

 

 

This is  tough question and a question that only you can answer. However here is some pointers to consider.

 What are the requirements of the programs I currently need to run?

Does your current system meet the requirements for the programs you are currently running? Is the programs sluggish or the system hangs? If you are having issues with the current programs, is it due to the age of the computer or is it corruption in the software? You may want to use the software troubleshooter to see if the issues you are having is software related and can be fixed without getting a new system.

What are the requirements of the programs I need to run in the near future?

Do you have an idea what software you need to use in the near future? If you do, do you know if your current system meets the requirements for that software? When you are looking at the requirements, don't accept the minimum requirements as means to determine if your system meets the requirements. Usually the company that makes the software will give the minimum requirements as bare minimum. This means the software will run but not run efficiently.

Does the programs you have work with the operating system that you are purchasing

Sometimes a program will not run on newer operating systems. You should check with the manufacturer of the program and Microsoft to see if they know it will work or not. If it is a program that you have to have, you may not want to upgrade to a newer os or keep the old system to use the program with.

Does my system meet the requirements of the two points above?

If your system does meet the requirements than you might be able to just upgrade your system.

What will it cost me to upgrade my system to meet the requirements?

You will need to determine what parts of your system you need to upgrade to get it to the level that you need the system to be at. If you decide, you need more memory and a bigger hard drive, then look at the costs to upgrade both parts.

What would it cost me to purchase a new system to meet the requirements?

Decide what is the requirements you need in a system in order for it to run efficiently as you need it. Once you determine that, then look at different manufacturers and price the systems that match the requirements that you need. Once you do that, you will have an idea how much it will cost you to purchase a new system.

Does the upgraded system offer further upgrading capability?

When you do upgrade the system does it have the capability to be upgraded further if you decide later, you need to add to it? That is a factor that may or may not be an issue down the road. This is a personal decision that only you can make. Others cannot make it for you. A system may seem adequate for me for a long time, may not be adequate for you. It is personal preferences.

Does the new system have ability to upgrade in the future?

Does the new system offer options to upgrade later? To some this may be an important issue but to others it may not.

What is the cost difference between upgrading and purchasing a new system?

You will need to look at the costs to upgrade the system that you determined above. You then need to look at the costs that it will cost you to buy a new system. Once you compare the two, you will need to also decide possible future upgrading capability on the system you upgrade and the future possibility of upgrading the new system. Once you look at all those factors, you can make an educated decision.

Best thing to do is to make a list of what the requirements you need or want to have in the system. Make a list of what requirements your system does not meet and see how much it would cost to add those parts to your system. Make a third list of what the prices of new systems would cost and compare the three lists. This will help you make an educated decision on which route to take.

Trying to decide to upgrade or buy a new computer is a decision each individual has to make. No one will have the same view on this. What may appear too expensive to me, may be fine for you.

Below is information to consider also when deciding what you need.