how can i upgrade my computer?? Can I do it myself? Is it expensive?

Answer 1

You can upgrade your computer by finding new parts to install. With proper instructions a person with no computer experience is capable of doing it themselves. However, Having built several hundred computers in my lifetime i would strongly advise letting someone who has done it at least 5 times handle it. It can be expensive if you buy the latest and greatest possible upgrades, however for most computers being three generations behind in computer hardware is usually sufficient in supplying all the needs of an office computer. If you entend to play serious games on your computer expect a high price tag.

There are several things to take into consideration. I will show a question, and what your course of action should be based on your answer.

How old is your computer? If you have purchased your computer in the last three years it is likely still ok to use and no update is neccessary. If you answered 4 to 7 years your computer needs to be upgraded. I would suggest getting a new CPU and double your memory. IF you said 7+ years buy a new computer, you will save money in the long run.

What is your reason for updating? If you said the computer is to slow, freezes at random and does not run the software you ask of it then there is two likely reasons. First and formost is Viruses, Viruses reduce the performance of computers like the plague reduced the population of europe. Second, your computer sucks and needs an update.

Are you trying to do this yourself to save money? if you answered yes consider this, if you break your computer how much more money must you spend to fix it? If you answered no then please see additional questions.

Are you doing it yourself to learn more about computers? if you answered yes then why not take a college course on computer hardware and maintanence? this way you can save yourself the cost of breaking your own things.

How much am i willing to spend? If you answered between 100 and 150 bucks save your money, the upgrade will not be noticed. If you said 150-300 then go ahead and update the CPU. If you said 300-500 then update the CPU, Memory, and if you have enough left the harddrive. If you say 500-700 consider saving up for a new computer.

Hails to the learned heart,
Silence

Answer 2

You have two options, basically. You CAN just go to a computer repair shop, and have them do it, but that's very expensive, and (in my personal opinion), not worth it. That is, of course, you don't feel confident enough to do it yourself, or you just don't have the time to do it yourself. If you're upgrading the CPU and motherboard, it would probably be best to have a professional do it. But there are many books you can find on the subject that will help you otherwise. Changing a disk drive, floppy drive or hard drive is a fairly simple process. And changing a PCI card is simple. But you'll need an anti-static wrist strap, to dissipate any harmful static discharge from your body. Upgrading RAM is a snap (literally), but you have to know about the parts you're changing., before you get into the nitty-gritty of things. You can even go to: www.google.com, to find and print out web pages on upgrading anything. For example, "How to replace an CD-Rom drive". The more you read, the more you learn. I changed my first hard drive a few years ago, after reading a book on upgrading. Once I spent almost $200.00 on computer upgrades at a shop, when I could've done them myself for under $20.00. A lot of computer techs (though not all of them) are dishonest. They know a target when they see one, and they'll take you for a ride. Just read up a little first, then decide. Good luck!

Answer 3

it depends what you want to do. Upgrading memory (RAM) is cheap. Upgrading a video card is not. It also depends if your computer was built from available components, or is a brand name computer with proprietary parts.


Of course, if you only use your computer for internet and word processing, like most people, a new off the shelf computer is probably the same price as a decent upgrade. A computer that cost $250-400 will do the trick.

Don't forget that if you upgrade yourself and something goes wrong, you now have an expensive doorstop. If a company does it and something goes wrong, they fix the problem for you or give you a new part.

Answer 4

Your first move is to visit a computer shop where they know what they're talking about - private vendors are the best. You can ask them about upgrading, the minumum theings you can you is replace sticks of RAM, upgrading your video driver and depending on the age of your PC replacing the processor.

Ram is now relatively inexpensive, video cards are cheap - processors vary in price and you would have to discuss the most appropriate processor with your vendor.

Look up the brand of the PC on the web as the manufacturer will give you a lot of information regarding your PC and what upgrades are available.

Answer 5

Go to these web sites!

The type of motherboard will determine your update capabilities.

http://extremetech.com

7 OCT 2005 PC Building Info

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,674406,00.asp

• The ExtremeTech Killer Gaming Rig: Fall 2005
• Double-Double--The Dual-Everything PC
• Bang-for-the-Buck Gaming PC
• Build an $800 Gaming PC
• Water-Cooled Killer Athlon 64 Gaming Rig
• SageTV Media Center PC
• Windows Media Center PC
• MicroBTX System
• A Home Server Using Linux
• The Most PC for Your Money
• A Mini-ITX Home Server

Answer 6

what kind of upgrade will u do?
i think first time u must upgrade the RAM.
my computer => properties. more RAM gives u more performance and speed. about 512mb until 1gb very nice.

i think put the RAM in ur computer is not hard. open ur cpu case, find the motherboard (the biggest chipset in ur cpu) put the ram in to slot Ram, the length about 15-25 cm.
1 gb ram about $100

more harddisk, more space in ur computer.
100 gb- 200 gb good, i think.
with this harddisk u can store ur data like mp3, video, or games.
this is harder than Ram. buy it, then ask someone in computing to put the HD in ur computer.

that is the most basic upgrade u can do. OK!

Answer 7

To check out your specs (limited), click start, programs, accesories, system tools, system information

Hardware wise
---------------------------------------------------
Ram (how many programs/stuff you can run on computer at same time): If you are below 512 mb, then you are running pretty slow, even if all you do is use Microsoft Word and the internet. Upgrade to 512 mb or above. To find compatiable memory, go to http://www.crucial.com.

Storage (how much stuff you can store on your computer): Right now, if your a music lover, you need more than 30 gigs. Videos lover, 60 gigs. Designer, 120 gigs. Just a regular person who sometimes uses the computer, 20 gigs will do. To check faster for how much space u have, click My Computer and right click on your 'c: drive', and click properties. Go to a computer store, or ebay and u can shop for one.

Sound/Video card: if you like that theater or surround sound, get a creative thx sound card, just type that up on ebay and look for a good one. For games and you want some good graphics, read up on nvidia.com. Look around at the FX series that has Direct X 9.0c supported.

USB (connect cameras, printers, and random stuff): If you only have two, look for an interior or exterior usb 2.0 hub. I got mines on ebay at a good price and its great.

Speakers: anything creative or logitech thats around $200 if you want bass and surround sound. Just google "creative+surround sound speakers" or "logitech+surround sound speakers". The regular brand names are not that good in creating computer speakers, just speakers for tvs and stereos.

DVD/CD: If you dont have a DVD or CD r/rw drive, then get one. That easy and affordable.

For the interior/exterior stuff, if you dont want to go inside your computer, period, just get exterior (bad side is too many cords and stuff at your desk), if you want to go inside your computer, or get a technician, get interior stuff.

FOR SOFTWARE:
---------------------------------------------------
Latest programs:

Writing letters and stuff: Microsoft Office 2003
or
Microsoft Office 2007 beta (its free to try out beta, but will have bugs. Nice though)

Music/Video/DVDs: Winamp 5.24 or whatever is great
Realplayer 10 is ok
Windows Media Player 11 is good
Make sure your install DivX player on your computer (divx.com)

Designer: Adobe Photoshop CS 2 (about 600 bux, but do what you have to do if you NEED it really badly)

Photo Editing: Photoshop CS2 is cool, but takes a minute to learn, I forgot those other programs because all i use is photoshop, lol.

anything else, just add on the question.

Answer 8

it really depends on what do you have now.and what you wanna do with it.
do you have an off the shelf system from say hp?
or a custom build?
add a post on what you have and what you want/wanna be able to do and i can help you some more, if you just wanna add memory hdd space or a new video card those are easy to do your self in any system(if the case is not a pain to work with common with older dells) Ive added a few links to check out.
gl and happy modding!

Answer 9

Upgrade hardware or software? Both are expensive.

Answer 10

just give it a dimploma and send it off to college