DO I NEED A NEW COMPUTER?

I get this question asked to me a lot!

Some will ask that I look at their computer and see if it can be repaired.  Let me start by saying if your computer is over five years old then the time is nearing.    Don't get me wrong.  I have three desktops running Windows XP.  I have two running Windows 7 and one laptop with Windows 7 (see my earlier post).

If your computer is running slow, has trouble connecting to internet, downloads are slow - then you probably do need to update your computer.  The other reason - XP is old and Windows 7 is new and the supported operating system of Microsoft.

Here are my suggestions:

Processor:  Intel i3, i5, or i7
Memory:    8GB DDR3 RAM
Hard Drive:  500GB or more
USB ports   as many as you can have on the MB Mother Board

For desktops:  A good graphics card  GEFORCE or RADEON  If you are one for multiple screens some of the video cards have additional ports on the card.  You can also use the video on the MB and your additional PCI slots to install additional cards that support multiple monitors.

Here are some links to some informative articles:

CNet Computer buying Guide for desktops

Computer Hope on MAC vs PC

Computer Hope - Why Should I Buy a computer?


If you have any questions just email me.


Rhonda

Anti-Virus Software

I have rebuilt 5 computers in the past 3 months. One of those i have rebuilt twice in the last year! Why? trying to use all my spare computer parts. I found old hard drives (two 80GB) and put them in an old Athlon 64 with 1.5 gb of RAM. worked fine! I was trying to update all of Windows XP and add Office 20007 when bam it hit me! A VIRUS!!! I had not put on a virus protector because I wanted to get all of windows updates before slowing down the computer for the VPA (virus protection Application). Ok, yes I know you need protection but I thought I could - doge it! Scanned computer found virus yeah! I even inquired on the instructions to remove it. Writer was cute in saying repeat and when virus doesn't show up have a cup of coffee and sit back and enjoy. Evidently, the writer doesn't know me because the coffee came first and the virus - well it never went away! So what did I do? I took it part built another computer put a copy of Win 7 on it transferred the data and now trying to put the pieces back. Now that I finally have my new network working in the house, I will put on the virus program. Oh but wait which one? You know me I will not spend the money for a program unless I have to!

Look at this article http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.html?tag=mncol and see what you think. I have used Avast in the past on other machines. It has done well for me. I hope you will try it also.

New laptop

I finally replaced my old broken laptop.  I had a lenovo and replaced it with an lenovo!  I replaced my dual core with and i7.  Hey I found it at a good price.

It has the whistles and bows but all in all is a good laptop that I hope will carry me through more than 3 years.  I had looked at the HP’s and really liked the DV6 series.  Some would say that wasn’t good but I look for functionality.  I am not a fan of the Toshiba nor am I a Dell fan.  I see too many refurbished Toshibas for sale and that turns me off.  There are some Lenovo refurbs out there but not as many.  Sony Viaos are rarely seen and I almost replaced my old laptop with a Sony but this Lenovo was an i7 where the Sony was an i5 and the difference in money was only $100.

Most laptops come with the standard webcam and microphone, this Lenovo Ideapad Y560p had a JBL sound system and multi layer DVD/CD optical drive.  Main reason was the price FRY’s had on it.  If you want a good computer and you are at FRY’s in Alpharetta, GA  go see Michael Hill.