Computer Upgrading 101
 
Hard Drive - Increasing the size of your hard drive will allow you to put more "stuff" (programs and files) on your computer. Also, if your hard drive is nearly full (less than 50 MB free), it can affect the performance of your PC. Being low on hard drive space can keep you from being able to print and slow down your computer.
Memory (RAM) - increasing the amount of RAM will increase the speed of your computer. A Windows based computer will use a portion of the hard drive to simulate RAM whenever the existing RAM is all being used. This slows the processing speed. We always say, "The more RAM the merrier!"
CPU/Motherboard - Upgrading the processor (CPU) will improve the speed of your PC. However, the motherboard must be able to support the new processor speed. In a lot of cases, the speed difference between the processor you have and the maximum speed the motherboard will support is so small that the upgrade would not be noticeable. In that case, it would be necessary to upgrade the motherboard along with the CPU.
Video - If you are planning to buy one of the latest 3D games to play on your PC, you may benefit from a video card upgrade. Also, you can add features to your PC by upgrading the video card. You can add a TV Tuner, DVD Playback, TV Out, or the ability to create movie files.
Sound - Upgrading a sound card can add features and sound quality. The new Sound Blaster Live! Platinum card adds access to speaker, midi and mic controls to the front of your PC. You can also add surround sound with a sound card upgrade and special speakers.
CD-ROM - You may want to upgrade to a faster CD ROM if you run programs that access the CD ROM drive frequently. This will speed up these types of programs; i.e. encyclopedias, maps, games. You can add a writable CD drive which will enable you to make backups of important data or make your own custom audio CD's for your car or home CD Player. Adding a DVD drive will enable you to watch DVD movies on your PC or on your TV (if you have TV Out on your video card).
Modem - Upgrading to a 56K Modem will boost your speed on the Internet. If you already have a 56K modem and want to have more speed, you will want to consider cable or DSL Internet access.
Network - Adding a network to your home or office computers will allow you to share printers, files and even an internet connection on all your computers. Since Windows 95/98/NT has all the software built in, all that is needed is the cabling, a network card in each machine and a network hub. The hub is only needed if more than two computers will be connected.

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