I told you before that upgrading your old hardware from XP to 7 does not make sense.

Fall fix up—fix that old PC or laptop!

There is a point where your old computer needs to be fixed or needs to go faster. But is it worth it?

Like with your old car, it is up to you. Some people prefer a system that they are used to and do not want drastic changes. And, yes, there are drastic differences between Windows XP and Windows 7.

I told you before that upgrading your old hardware from XP to 7 does not make sense. It would be expensive and slow. Also it might force you to buy new compatible hardware, like printer, scanner, camera, etc. So you will need to decide to buy new hardware or keep that older unit until 2014 when Microsoft has decided to drop support for Windows XP.

What can you do? First, clean up your startup menu or all superfluous programs in the “msconfig/startup tab.” You do not need to have every single instant messenger or printer turned on at all times. Get rid of unwanted programs using the “add/remove” software icon in your control panel.

You do not need seven to eight toolbars in your browser either; use the “view” button under tools and uncheck everything but what you need. Start using the new “Google Chrome” browser— much faster than IE8 or Firefox.

Boosting your tower or laptop memory up to 1GB of RAM is best for Windows XP; 2GB is overdoing it. If your machine is more than three to five years, you may have a slow-turning hard drive, usually 4800 to 5400rpm. Newer drives will offer a 7200rpm operating speed and, of course, a larger capacity of storage for your pictures and movies. There are several programs that will “mirror” or “image” your drive from your old one to the new one (Microsoft does not like the word “copy”). Also Windows will work faster if at least 10% of your hard drive is empty, and Windows will use your hard-drive space as temporary memory space or buffer.

Cleaning up your machine of all dust inside will help, too. Cooling fans will cool your unit at a lower speed. Heat is bad for components and a cause of many failures.

If you have Windows Vista, get rid of it! It is a lemon. Microsoft even stated that they “rushed” when Vista was released. Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade is around $129. Check for hardware compatibility first. Compatibility tool is free from  support.microsoft.com.

A word this month about Microsoft Office. Microsoft through Windows automatic updates has disabled a version of Office PRO 2003 that had a “free product” key and had been around for years. I think it was a free version for IBM private testing only. However Microsoft needs more money; it laid off more than 5,000 people recently. Office 2010 is what they are pushing right now, Office 2010 Pro retail version is $499! For less money, you can download your own software and burn your own DVD and pay for a product key for $100. Or you can buy each individual package Word or Excel or Publisher for $129 each! However you can still use your old version of Office (2003 or 2007) and transfer them to your new tower or laptop. Or you can use Open Office from Sun Microsystems; it is still free!

In doubt? Give us a call! We are located in the Conifer Market Place shopping center next to H&R Block. Questions or concerns, call us at 303-219-0143 or 303-816-0270.