New Computer or Upgrade?

We are often asked when it is time to buy a new computer, or alternatively, whether it would be wise to simply upgrade an existing computer. To answer this, the primary consideration is what the computer is being used for. Most of our clients are doing simple, mundane tasks like searching the Internet, word processing, and keeping up with the household budget. In this case, a computer that is 3 years or newer can simply be upgraded in most cases, giving it a little more life for far less money than a new computer would cost. However, if your family is using the PC for picture or video editing, playing the latest video games, or running a home business, then you most likely need a faster / more powerful machine than the average person. Your family would be a good candidate for purchasing a new PC (as opposed to a simple upgrade) if the current one is 3-5 years old (or older).

For the first group of users, upgrading a PC is the cheapest way of getting more life out of your PC without spending the equivalent of a new one. If you are asking "buy or upgrade," then we would ask you why? Is it because the PC seems too slow? Is it not allowing you to install that new application you just bought? Do you feel like it has turned into a money pit, having to replace hardware regularly or needing frequent service because of computer crashes? Your answers to these questions will allow us to help you figure out what is best for you.

For the group needing a new PC, there are going to be a plethora of questions you will need to answer so that you don't spend $4000 when you could have purchased a sufficient computer for $800. Questions to consider:

1. What are we using the computer for?
2. How much are we willing to spend?
3. Do we need 1, 2, or 4 GB of RAM?
4. How much storage space do we need?
5. Do we want a new monitor that connects digitally? Is it time to upgrade the size of our monitor, or are we ready to ditch the old CRT monitor and replace it with a flat screen unit?

These are just a few questions that are prudent to answer before making this major purchase.

We will be more than happy to walk you through this process so that you are getting what you actually need. Keep in mind that if you buy a new PC, you will likely want us to transfer your old files over to the new PC, install any applications that you are currently using, and figure out what to do with the old PC. This is important to take into consideration when you budget for your purchase. Normally this process takes approximately 2 hours if you bring the old and new PCs to us.

One more alternative for improving the performance of your current PC is to reinstall the operating system. If you are going to attempt to keep your computer for more than 3 years, then we would recommend doing this at the computer's life expectancy midpoint (approximately every 2 to 3 three years). This way your PC can be wiped clean and restored to "like new" condition. Over time there are bugs and glitches that accumulate on the operating system, and reinstalling helps the performance in many cases.

In any of these scenarios, we are always here to answer your questions and concerns so that you are making an educated decision before making the impulsive buy when seeing that shiny new machine at a local retailer, or listening to your friend brag their newest toy.

Double-Check Your BSafe Filter

Many of our clients use BSafe to protect their families while surfing the Internet. Recently one of my clients discovered that despite the green light bulb in the lower right corner of her screen, the Content Filter in BSafe had been disabled. So, for all you parents out there using BSafe, here are a few simple steps you should follow on a regular basis to make sure the Content Filter is running:

1. Double-click the Bsecure Internet Protection Services icon on your desktop or the Bsecure lightbulb in your system tray (bottom right-hand corner of your screen)to open the Internet Protection Control Center.
2. Check the summary screen to make sure that Content Filter is ON.

If the filter has been turned off for some reason, then you'll want to re-enable it:

1. Click the Content Filter tab.
2. Type your password.
3. Select the Enable option button.

Please don't take it for granted that your filter is on. Check it regularly!

Closing Thoughts

As always, we appreciate that you entrust your friends and family to our care. For almost 5 years now, we have thrived on your referrals. Please keep them coming! And you can forward this email on to your friends and family using the link below.

Don and Aaron

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