Upgrading A Computer....

[Misky]

When we bought a computer for home a few years ago, it was just to mess about on and get hubby into the habit of using one so we just asked for a basic package. The internet part of it runs slowly and sometimes stalls. Now he has a new job and will need to work from home a lot more. Will upgrading the computer and investing in a better package be worthwhile (something about Pentel rings a bell)? Our neighbours are on the same broadband network as we are and their internet runs well, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we don't need to change broadband providers. We have Windows Vista at home at the minute, and would get the newer one, but are there are any other improvements to be made?

[Mattk]

Internet shouldn't be effected by PC power unless it is seriously low spec!

If it is low spec then there is no point in upgrading. Either buy new or maybe get the company to fund his PC?

[Misky]

Sorry, by upgrading I actually meant buying a new one... I think the old one probably is "really low spec" - as we asked for a really basic model just to mess about on. I'm just happy to know that if we get a new computer with a better spec, the whole thing will run better. Now I'm off to find out what "spec" is. Thank you Mattk.

[hc4361]

It's not your pc - my older XP machine's internet speed is the same as my Windows 8 machine.

[Old_Geezer]

If you posted your existing PC spec folk might be able to give an opinion as to whether it could be updated or whether a new one is necessary. There are many reasons a PC might run slowly.

It is a given that a higher spec PC will give a better / faster (usually) experience than a lower spec one. But the question is, is it the spec that is the issue ?

[Old_Geezer]

Oh to ask the obvious. You do have anti-virus running and a firewall ? You have scanned for malware and suchlike ?

It'd be interesting to know how much spare/free hard drive you have, and how much memory is installed.

[SlackAlice]

We might be able to give you a better answer if you tell us about your existing computers specs. Make, Model No. etc.

One of the easiest ways to upgrade your pc is add additional Ram memory, but tell us about your pc first.

[Misky]

I obviously need to give more info - the computer's at home, and I'm at work so will have a look tonight. I know we "de-frag" the machine every now and then, there is AVG anti-virus (the free one) and the firewall is on.
I didn't bring all this info with me as it was to be just a general question, not a specific one, but I'll find out what I can.
Thanks everyone....

[WyeDyed]

When you get a chance go to Control Panel and select System.
Then you can tell us what your processor is and how much RAM you have.
We already know that your running Vista (not good IMO)

[Misky]

Thanks for telling me how to get the info WyeDyed - I would never have found it! This is what it says:-
Acer Aspire SA90
3.2 Windows Experience Index
Intel Pentium 21600 1.80GHz
1GB RAM
32 bit operating system
System Pack 1
It doesn't say how much memory I have empty.
Would a new computer help? I guess with a bigger RAM and update to Windows 8....?
Thanks everyone

[hc4361]

1GB of ram is not enough these days but that is very easy, and cheap, to upgrade yourself.

When you say the internet runs slowly and stalls, what exactly do you mean?

[Misky]

Hi hc4361, I mean that it can take a long time to download something (a picture/photograph sent by e-mail for example), or that if we're on a site then we can use it for a while but then we lose it, well, it's still on the screen but we can't move it or move away from it. That part's as though the internet connection is lost. That's why I asked my neighbour who I knew had the same provider as we have and he says it doesn't happen on his. And he can download things quickly. What do you think?

[LochNessMonster]

Hi Misky
Time to get new computer as time spent getting parts and repairs for your current computer will cost more.

He will need processer like i3 or i5 and at least 4gb of RAM. Laptop/desktop will cost £300 to £400.

Glad to help you :)

[hc4361]

I would like you to run a broadband speed test several times over the next few days to see what sort of speed you are getting - ask your neighbour to do the same so you can compare.

http://www.broadbandspeedchecker.co.uk/

Do it now and tell us the results.

[Misky]

Thank you both. At least I know what to ask for if we need a new machine (and it's great to have an idea how much it will cost!). I will need to wait to do the broadband test because we're off to a bike rally tomorrow and will be well away from the computer thank goodness. I've kept a note of the link and will do as you say hc.

[hc4361]

You can also use this tool to find out what RAM can be installed and how much it will cost.

http://www.crucial.com/uk/systemscanner/

[LochNessMonster]

Can recommended this laptop.

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[hc4361]

Do it now, Misky, it only takes a minute or two.

[Misky]

I'm at work at the minute, and won't be home till after 8 o'clock tonight. But I'll do it as soon as I can, and compare the prices between adding in to our existing computer and buying a new one. Thank you.

[hc4361]

:)

[SlackAlice]

I'm with LochNessMonster on this one as the upgrade path costwise would be outweighed by the benefits of a new system.

Your existing system is weak on CPU and Ram memory. I'm assuming HDD is 250Gb as original and nowadays that will not go far either. Also if you upgrade your O/D to W8 there may be compatibility problems.

Bearing you will be using it for business purposes a laptop may well be the way to go, although a desktop may well be cheaper. I'd go for an i5 processor with minimum 4Gb ram memory and minimum 750Gb HDD.

Id carry on with the Broadband speed tests as you may have a separate problem there.

I think you need to bite the bullet and splash the cash ☺☺☺