By eHow Computers Editor
Rate: (5 Ratings)
New computers have become so inexpensive that people often believe replacing a computer has better value than repairing it. However, new computer prices are low partly due to cuts in build quality, parts quality, and included hardware. Repairing a good computer by spending up to 10 to 20 percent of its original cost is a better value than a new machine, unless you will receive a significant speed and performance increase.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 This is late 2005, technology is advancing at great speeds as are prices declining for newer systems and upgrades. RAM (Random Access Memory), also known as just plain memory, upgrading is a pretty cost effective way to speed up your PC. If you are hearing load noises coming form your PC you probably need to take the side panel off and find out what is making the racket. If it's your hard drive and your PC is running Windows ME (Millennium Edition) or older it's time to upgrade your system. A basic system that you would use to surf the net, check e-mail, write papers, and play simple games (nothing like Half Life or Halo) shouldn't cost you more than $300-$400 (Tower Only, including taxes, shipping, etc.). That should get you a system with Windows XP Home, around a 2GHz CPU (processor), 256MHz DDR (Double Data rate) RAM (for a little boast in performance make it 512MB), around a 20 or 40GB Hard Drive (there really is a small price difference in the two), 350 watt Power supply, a decent motherboard (If you want quality try making sure you get a DFI, MSI, ASUS or Abit motherboard), CD Burner with DVD playing capabilities (not a DVD Burner, add about $40 for that feature), and a standard ATX mid tower case with a floppy and a couple of extra USB ports. If you're having software problems due to Spyware and Viruses and your system is as new as this system mentioned or newer then make it easy on yourself when you take your system in for repair and request for a data backup, format and reinstall of your operating system. Also make sure you have all of your systems software and driver disks handy for re-installation. Most repair shops will re-install these for a small fee, and the driver disks help them configure your hardware. After that make sure you install some anti virus software, Spyware software, and a good spam and pop up blocker. All of these things are available for free online. Just read some reviews and pay attention to which ones are downloaded the most those are usually the better ones. One last thing, be sure to update all your protection software before doing any surfing. Also make sure you download all the current security updates for your operating system. These will protect you from most of the current security threats floating around out there in cyber space.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 If you have a Model T, probably it is better to restore it into a classic. But, if you have a 486 or lower PC the best option is to junk it. This is because it will be hard to find replacement parts for repair. Most will be used parts or low quality. Also, if you can make it perform 100%, you still will not be able to run the latest softwares available because of the processor speed.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Most people who are looking at this forum probably don't know what is wrong with the computer. Here is what I have to tell them.
First, even if you get it evaluated for repair, you may be charged for it. So if you have a machine that is made more than 5 years ago, just forget it and go for a new machine. If it is younger, then try the unplug-plug tip(always power off). If it still doesn't work, and you can, try reinstalling the operating system. If that doesn't fix it, ask a computer geek in the neighborhood. If he/she can't do it (probably because you have a laptop), try looking at new laptops and think about it. Either way, repairs are expensive (unless under warranty) and you are better off simply upgrading. Always buy a 2 year warranty if you can, at least 1 year minimum. And don't worry, it's just a computer!
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 We repair computers all the time. What it really boils down to is the money spent on repairs versus the money to invest in a new computer. If you bought a cheap system to begin with and it broke three years later, then get a new cheap system. If you invested an arm and a leg in a system, then consider the overall cost of repair compared to the original price and the price of a new one. Go for the cheapest option. Any good tech shop will do a data recovery or transfer for minimal cost to you if you choose a new system. As a technician I can say that people love to hang onto their dying Windows 95 machines and don't know when to let go, or their afraid of the future, however that's money in my pocket and not yours.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Upgrade your website. I can't believe you are telling people to upgrade if they have a 486. That's like saying to someone to get a newer car if they have a Model T. Klowns!