If you have been using your computer for sometime, then chances are you may need to upgrade one or more of your computer components. Upgrading a computer component is not a simple option, but a more economical one. For those who are running on a budget, many times it is better to upgrade than to buy a new computer. But, how do you know that your computer component needs upgrading? They are many warning signs, but the most recognizable is in the performance. You may notice that your computer takes some time to start up, it does not perform well with multiple tasks, it has louder than usual sounds, it has floppy drives, it does not have a USB port, or the hard drive space is full. If one or more of these describes your computer, then chances are you need to upgrade one or more of your computer’s component or your computer.
Slow Start-Up
The component that usually relates to slow start up is your RAM memory. It is possible that you have used up this memory and you need more. Chances are you may have been adding applications and therefore your RAM memory is used up. To resolve this issue, all you need to do is buy more memory.
Unusual Sounds from Hard drive
Sometimes you may hear a clicking sound coming from your computer. This could be coming from your computer’s hard drive. This happens when your hard drive is full and the read/write heads is trying hard to read data from a full disk. According to Tech Specialist, David Levine of Colby-Sawyer College, a computer’s hard drive need to have 10% free space to function properly, because when a hard drive gets 90% full, it will slow down.
You can resolve these unusual sounds by deleting unnecessary files, programs and applications.
Multi-Tasking Slows CPU
Your computer should be able to multi task without slowing down. However if your computer is slowing down when you are using multiple applications or files, then more than likely your CPU or processor needs upgrading. Installing a newer faster chip should restore your multi tasking capabilities. However, you need to ensure that you have sufficient RAM, because a CPU upgrade may not make a difference with your multi tasking issues, if you have insufficient RAM.
Floppy Drives and No USB
Having a floppy drive is a big indicator that you have an old computer. Floppy drives are no longer used, and computers manufactured these days do not have floppy drives, instead CD Drives are used. Floppy disks are not sold on the market anymore; instead, Flash drives are sold as the storage medium. If you have a floppy drive, then you may need to do more than upgrade your floppy drive, you may need to purchase a new computer.
Similarly, if you do not have a USB port, then your computer is old and you will need to purchase a new computer. USB ports have replaced floppy drives. So, if your computer does not have a USB port then you will not be able to store data externally.
These are only some signs that your computer components need upgrading. Of course they are others, but it is most important that your computer is checked out periodically. This way you will be aware of the needs of your computer, before unwanted signs start to manifest. So, you need to ensure that the performance is not sluggish and it is capable of managing tasks efficiently in a reasonable amount of time. However, before you perform any upgrades on your computer, get the advice of a computer technician. Have them look over your computer to verify that an upgrade is needed.