When is your home computer 'too old'?

By Rick Castellini Special to PRIME "Keeping up with Jones" probably started in the days of the caveman, with two cave dwellers eyeing each other's belongings. However, this kind of social status acquiring, especially where technology and technology purchases are concerned, can quickly lead to a slim pocket book. For example, one question I encounter almost daily in my consulting work is . "Is my computer too old?" The answer to this question varies for every individual computer user. It's not the age, its how you use it Calendar age for a computer means very little in the grand scheme of computing. Many of my clients quite happily use computers that are ten to twelve years old (ancient in computer years), but useful to them. I use a computer that is nearly five years old as my main computer (nearing or past retirement in computer years) and don't have immediate plans to replace it. However, there are users who buy a new computer every twelve to eighteen months just because they feel compelled to keep up with the changing technology, although they use only one-tenth of it. Which user are you? When I'm asked "is my computer too old", I always ask the person, "what do you use your computer for now?" Casual user: If the answer is writing letters (non-email) and playing solitaire, then any computer made after 1994 will suffice. Since neither of these tasks require much processing power or memory, a newer computer would be a waste of both monetary and computer resources. E-mailer: If a computer user enjoys not only playing solitaire and writing a few printed letters, but also sending and receiving email without browsing the Internet, then the needs change slightly. The addition of email requires that the computer be a little more robust. I recommend a computer made after 2001 and a high-speed Internet connection. Financial whiz: Users who use their computers for all of the above plus running home financial software (like Quicken), Internet searches and browsing, maybe creating spreadsheets and other similar programs will get by with computers built after 2001 as well, but will need at least 512mb (megabytes) of RAM (Random Access Memory). Shutterbug/traveler: Lastly, we come to the group of computer users who enjoys scanning photos (or uses a digital camera), plans trips online or with mapping software from Rand McNally or AAA, and still performs all the functions we mentioned previously. These folks can get by with computers built after 2004. Extending your PC's life The easiest and least expensive way to extend the life of any computer and get a boost in speed is to add memory (RAM) to it. Find out from the documentation in your computer (e.g. under: about this computer) or from the computer manufacturer, which type of memory and how much your system can use. You can also visit www.crucial.com and use their convenient memory scanner to let you know how much memory you currently have, and how much you can add. Windows XP users should have a minimum of 512mb and I recommend at least 1gb for good performance. Vista users need to have a minimum of two (2) gb (gigabytes) with at least four (4) gb for good performance. Bottom line on the age of your computer: if the computer does what you want with few complaints, there is no need to upgrade. Use it until it wears out. But, if you have a hankering to try digital photography or use newer programs and your computer is circa 2001 or older, then you will need to think about upgrading its memory or buying another computer. Don't get roped into buying a new computer just because it's newer and faster. Take a step back and look at your needs and then make your determination. Rick Castellini is an author, computer consultant, and hosts a computer radio show from Colorado. Visit his web site at www.HelpMeRick.com for new tips every week and sign up for his free weekly email newsletter. You can also follow Rick on Twitter @HelpMeRick