{"id":1204,"date":"2011-08-15T18:51:54","date_gmt":"2011-08-15T22:51:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/geekitdown.com\/blog\/?p=1204"},"modified":"2011-08-15T18:51:54","modified_gmt":"2011-08-15T22:51:54","slug":"how-to-get-your-old-computer-running-like-new-again","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/geekitdown.com\/?p=1204","title":{"rendered":"How To Get Your Old Computer Running Like New Again"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"HardwareWouldn’t it be nice to get your old computer into ship shape form and running fast like it used to? Well in many cases you can. Of course you could try to put some money aside and buy a new computer later, but with wallets strapped and this volatile economy, it’s hard to save for any new gadgets let alone drop a couple bills on a new pc. It’s time to do some inexpensive maintenance on your pc and get it running new again. Besides, aren’t your eyes getting tired from reading on a smartphone screen?<\/p>\n

Software Maintenance<\/h3>\n
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The first advice you’re likely to hear involves getting a PC Tune-up<\/a>. That is a sound suggestion and if you haven’t done routine maintenance on your own, then your computer likely needs it. Aside from that, the other measurable change is a complete reinstall to completely wipe your hard drive and start with a clean slate. Both options work well and each can be done in a relatively short amount of time, but what if you’ve already exhausted those options and still need a boost?<\/p>\n

Hardware Upgrades<\/h3>\n
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Computer performance can get a huge boost from hardware upgrades<\/a> and the prices for replacement parts make upgrades an attractive choice. Here are your best options:<\/p>\n

Upgrade your RAM<\/strong>. Most systems have the ability to expand their inner memory beyond what was shipped with the system. Increasing the RAM in your system will yield an immediate and noticeable improvement in system performance. Determining the type of RAM and how much it can be increased depends entirely on your computer make and model, but if you are at this stage then the best recommendation is to use the max your system will allow.<\/p>\n

Increase your storage<\/strong>. If your system is several years old then you could be running into a space issue on your hard drive. If you have less than 15% of your hard drive available for use then you’ll experience sluggishness. A larger hard drive can alleviate that pressure as well as give you more space overall for storing photos, music, etc. Again, hard drive type will vary by system so it’s important to check before you buy.<\/p>\n

Replace your video card<\/strong>. If you do a lot of heavy graphic editing, are a huge multi-tasker or enjoy watching a lot of video on the computer, then upgrading your video card could be beneficial. Video cards have their own specifications and memory so the more advanced the card, the better the output. A new video card will help, but you’ll get the most from it by combining the new card with upgraded RAM.<\/p>\n

Cloud Options<\/h3>\n
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If storage is the only thing holding your system back, then you can also look into cloud storage options. By storing your data in the cloud, you’ll free up space on your hard drive. Additionally, think about using web apps instead of traditional software. For example, look at Google Docs vs MS Office. If Google Docs works, then you can uninstall MS Office and free up more space on your hard drive. Another example is email. Use your browser to check your email instead of an email program. By doing so you don’t have to worry about saving or backing up your emails nor do you need the software that takes up valuable disk space. There are many more cloud options and you’ll have to decide if they’re practical for your situation. If moving to the cloud sounds appealing, but need some help or input, contact us<\/a> for some guidance.<\/p>\n

Your Thoughts<\/h3>\n
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Have any other suggestions for turning an old pc new again? Have you tried any of these options with success or failure? Let us know in the comments!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Wouldn’t it be nice to get your old computer into ship shape form and running fast like it used to? Well in many cases you can. Of course you could try to put some money aside and buy a new computer later, but with wallets strapped and this volatile economy, it’s hard to save for any new gadgets let alone drop a couple bills on a new pc. It’s time to do some inexpensive maintenance […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1209,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,29,9],"tags":[1622,1623,1783,1964,2391,2664,2912,3458,4587,4588,5059,5060,5063,5064,5065,5066,5067],"class_list":["post-1204","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cloud-computing","category-computer-repair","category-how-to","tag-fix-old-computer","tag-fix-old-pc","tag-get-old-computer-running-new","tag-help-upgrading-old-pc","tag-increase-speed-of-old-computer","tag-make-old-pc-run-faster","tag-new-hardware-for-old-pc","tag-old-computer-running-new-again","tag-speed-up-old-computer","tag-speed-up-old-pc","tag-upgrade-computer","tag-upgrade-computer-service","tag-upgrade-old-computer","tag-upgrade-old-pc","tag-upgrade-pc","tag-upgrade-pc-hardware","tag-upgrade-pc-service"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t