Should I Upgrade or Repair my Computer?

Over time, computers tend to become slower. A lot of users automatically assume that the problem lies with their computer and they immediately rush to purchase a new one. However, unless you use your computer for very advanced purposes or gaming, your computer should last you approximately two years before the component become too outdated for practical use.

The first step to fixing problems with your computer is to physically clean it. Use a pressurized air system designed to blow away dust from keyboards and components, and give it a once over with an anti-static cloth. The cleaning will remove dust and debris that cause the computer to overheat and freeze or slow down.

If a cleaning does not do the trick, try removing unused software programs and files. You can store the files on archival DVDs or blank Blu-ray discs, among other options. Computers often run slowly and freeze because too many programs and files are using up precious hard disc space and taking up too much system memory.

Hardware problems can also cause computer issues. The best way to determine if you have a hardware problem is to take the computer to a professional computer repair shop for an evaluation. They can diagnose and repair many problems for a fraction of the cost of a new computer.

In many cases, however, the computer is just too old or outdated for any of these techniques to help. New programs and webpages with multimedia components require a lot of memory and resources, and if your computer is not up to the task it simply will not perform well. In that case, it may be time to replace your system.

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