World's Best (and Cheapest) Upgrade
What's the single best way to upgrade your computer? If you said add more RAM or a bigger hard drive--BUZZZZZ! The best upgrade isn't really an upgrade at all, though it'll feel like one when you're done. I'm talking about reformatting the hard drive and reinstalling Windows.
This is not for the faint of heart. You need to make a list of all your installed applications; offload all your vital data to, say, CDs or an external hard drive; make sure you have access to all necessary drivers (for your video card, printer, etc.); and then do the actual drive wipe/Windows reinstall. When you're done, you'll have to reinstall your programs, restore your data, etc. Plan on devoting at least a full afternoon to the project--perhaps even the better part of a weekend.
Trust me, it's well worth the effort. A fresh install of Windows returns your computer to factory-new condition, meaning it'll run as fast as the day you unpacked it (and trust me, you've forgotten how fast that is). Your hard drive will be devoid of file clutter, spyware, viruses, and other performance-choking detritus.
Best of all, this won't cost you anything but time. Step 1 is to sift through some online guides detailing the process; before you do anything to your computer, read as much as you can; knowledge is power. PC World has a helpful step-by-step guide that's a great place to start.
This is not for the faint of heart. You need to make a list of all your installed applications; offload all your vital data to, say, CDs or an external hard drive; make sure you have access to all necessary drivers (for your video card, printer, etc.); and then do the actual drive wipe/Windows reinstall. When you're done, you'll have to reinstall your programs, restore your data, etc. Plan on devoting at least a full afternoon to the project--perhaps even the better part of a weekend.
Trust me, it's well worth the effort. A fresh install of Windows returns your computer to factory-new condition, meaning it'll run as fast as the day you unpacked it (and trust me, you've forgotten how fast that is). Your hard drive will be devoid of file clutter, spyware, viruses, and other performance-choking detritus.
Best of all, this won't cost you anything but time. Step 1 is to sift through some online guides detailing the process; before you do anything to your computer, read as much as you can; knowledge is power. PC World has a helpful step-by-step guide that's a great place to start.
posted by Rick Broida at
7:19 AM
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