Keeping older computer can be costly
By BILL HUSTED
Cox Newspapers
September 08, 2009
ATLANTA -- It was as if someone froze time and movement. Almost every person
in the parking lot stopped and stared as a 1957 convertible Chevrolet pulled
in. The candy apple paint, the gleaming Lake pipes, the beautiful murmur of
the 289 engine worked on the crowd like a hypnotist.
Old cars are often more beautiful and more expensive than new ones. Not so
much with computers. But there are people -- for various reasons, including
economic ones -- who want to hang onto an old PC as long as possible, and
then for a few years past that.
If that's your plan, there are things you should know that will help you keep
that old beast running. For starters, forget about updating the operating
system. If you're using an equally outdated version of Windows don't even
think of moving to a new version. In almost every case, newer versions
demand more resources. If the new version works at all on your old computer
it'll certainly slow it down.
If you feel stuck by that, there is an elegant way to change operating systems
that should work on your old computer. Go to this Web address:
www.ubuntu.com and take a look at Ubuntu. Unlike Windows it is free and it
isn't as demanding of resources. So it can add new life to an old computer.
It isn't for everyone, but it is worth your time to at least get acquainted
with it in case ditching Windows appeals to you. Outside a move like that,
you need to plan to stay with your outdated version of Windows.
Also, forget about moving to more modern versions of other programs such as
word processors, databases, etc. It's the same story as with operating
systems, the new version may not work at all and, if it does, it'll almost
certainly strain the limited resources of your computer.
Consider souping up that aging computer's engine. Adding a decent video card
and perhaps some RAM to increase the machine's memory can make the PC a bit
more lively. There also is good reason for replacing the old hard disk. For
one thing, an old hard disk is just waiting for a good time to fail. The
fact that it's a combination of electronics and mechanics means that it has
an invisible tattoo that says "Born to Die."
Besides, it's almost certainly lacks enough storage space. Just keep an eye on
how much you are spending -- don't go overboard on a clunker.
Next, consider doing a little networking with friends. Many people either junk
or give away old computers. Just as some folks do with cars, having a "parts
machine" around can help.
For instance, it's likely the power supply on an antique computer will give
out at some point. If you're lucky you can replace the failed unit with one
from the parts machine.
Do you notice a common thread here? It is something that folks who keep old
cars are often forced to do. You need to be able to do some work on the old
machine yourself. It's not worth taking into the repair shop and yet
maintenance becomes increasing important as a machine ages.
Here's the upside of learning the ins and outs of a computer. That sort of
education will stick with you. So you'll profit from the knowledge the rest
of your life.
How do you learn all that? The best way of learning seems to vary from person
to person. Most of what I've learned comes from hands-on experience -- and,
over my life, I've has left a trail of computers I either damaged or
destroyed as I learned. So you may prefer enrolling in a community college
class or by haunting bookstores and Web sites for how-to lessons.
All this sounds like a lot of trouble and it is. When computing was a new and
exotic thing I enjoyed keeping old computers alive. Some of them had so many
parts changed and updated that they became Frankenstein machines. Truth is
I've gotten lazy in my old age and now tend to just replace a PC that's long
in the tooth.
But there is a certain satisfaction, and a valuable education, in keeping an
ancient PC purring. It will never have the glamor of a 1957 Chevy with Lake
pipes but -- for those who are bent that way -- there can be the same kind
of pride of ownership.
Bill Husted writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail:
tecbud(at)bellsouth.net.
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