Stop Upgrading!!!
There is something I have held to that many people haven't; self-control when it comes to computers and software. As long as you are not a die-hard video game player, what do you need your computer to do?
 | Word Processing |
| Internet Connectivity (email, web) |
| Light accounting and database activities |
| Some Media capabilities |
There are hundreds of other things your computer can do, but I am asking what do you mainly use it for? I created this web page using an application like a word processor. I actually typed it in notepad, so there is no real call for anything stepped up for that.
One of the biggest uses for my computer is burning CDs. The CD-burner cost me $50, installed myself, and isn't the fastest that's out there. You can spend much more, but guess what, after a certain point, you are shaving off only a half of a minute of time, and mathematically, that doesn't add up to value. Computing power required to burn a CD is nil, it doesn't really matter if you have a 200mhz old AMD or a 2 ghz Pentium III. You are just as likely to cause an error in burning the CD if you are in a different application on either machine, so you basically have to just wait it out.
I am still running the same AMD K6 450 that I have had for the last four years. I upgraded the memory to something a little more comfortable, but to tell you the truth, I haven't noticed a big improvement.
As for upgrading Windows, I don't know if you noticed, but you need to up you computing power with each version that comes out. You want to know why? Because it is bogged down, bigger, and for you to have the same level of power, you have to upgrade. Programmers are paid to make programs, and almost like Dickens time, they seem to be paid by the word; programs are ten times bigger than they need to be. But would you notice if the program didn't have a fancy visual interface, spinning graphics, splash screens telling you that you have the best, newest program available.
Look at your solid programs, and you will notice how much better they are due to their small size. If I wanted to type off a quick note, half the time Notepad would be the best program because it turns on immediately, and it does exactly what I need to without a damn paperclip wizard popping up and telling me how I can do what I already know how to do!
Web browsers have become so big, that it takes forever just to load a page up.
The best way to have an efficient computer is to run the least amount of programs at a given time, and ones that are optimized for the task. Old computers are just as good for most people, if not better for one respect; they are cheaper. Computer companies are just like auto companies were in the fifties, coming out with a new model every year. Just like then however, your old car would get you to the same place, just as fast as that snazzy new one.
