Memory:
The cheapest and fastest upgrade to any computer is increasing the memory. Current memory prices are the lowest ever. You can see a quantum leap in
performance by just doubling the current amount of memory in your computer.
Storage:
Hard drive space is one of the more expensive upgrades you will do.
Increasing storage space allows you to save more documents, load more programs,
gives you a backup path.
Video:
If you are thinking of a video upgrade you have to consider two things:
the video card and your monitor. One or both? Is your current monitor new enough
to support higher resolutions? Do you want to upgrade to play the latest game
that needs 1024 x 768 with 64,000+ colors? Or does your computer drag when you
open up a picture and you have other programs open?
Audio:
Speakers or sound card? Lousy sound could be either one. One way to tell
if it is the speakers is by distortion, in other words is the sound crisp or
muffled, maybe some sounds don't come out at all. Maybe you want to add some
functions to your Audio card that the current one doesn't have.
Keyboards and Mouse:
Keyboard looking like you picked it up in the dollar store?
Mouse getting on your nerves? Want wireless because the cables are to short?
Want more functions?
Network:
Unless you have a very old network card there is no reason at this time
to upgrade a network card. Most network cards under five years old are running
at 100 MBPS (mega bytes second). The only reason to upgrade your network card is
to go to the 1000 MBPS card, unless you have a 1000 MBPS network this is a waste
of money. If on the other hand you are building a new system then by all means
select a 1000 MBPS card sooner or later the rest of your network will catch up.
The only viable upgrade for a network at this time would be your hub.
