fbpx

Have you ever found yourself in the situation of wishing you’d done more research before buying a new computer? Maybe you didn’t pay enough attention to the storage capacity and now you find yourself running out of space. Or maybe you overlooked the memory and have been struggling with regular freeze-ups ever since. If so, then you’re likely familiar with the feeling of buyer’s remorse.

If you’re thinking of upgrading to a new PC, it’s important to do your research. Don’t just rush into buying a computer – it could end up costing you a lot of money and regret later on.

Before investing in a new computer, there are a few key points to keep in mind.

New computers cannockThe Amount of

Memory (RAM)

If you’re in the market for a new computing device, don’t make the mistake of overlooking the Random Access Memory (RAM)! It may be labeled as “RAM” or “memory” on the specs of your chosen machine, but whatever you call it, low RAM can cause a whole slew of issues. Don’t skimp on RAM: it’s one of the most important components of a computer!

These issues can include:

  • Browser freezing up when you have too many tabs open
  • Issues watching videos
  • Some software not working properly
  • Sluggish behavior
  • Inability to open multiple applications
  • Constant freezes

Computer memory is essentially its “working brain”. If it doesn’t have enough, it won’t be able to multitask, which can be incredibly annoying and put a serious dent in your productivity.

If you want your PC to be as responsive and efficient as possible, you’ll want to look for a system with at least 8GB of RAM. You may even want to consider going higher if you’re into graphics, video editing, or other types of intensive processing. The more RAM you have, the better performance you can expect.

Whether the PC is for Personal or Business Use

If you’re running a business, or are a freelancer, you may be tempted to go for the cheaper option and buy a consumer PC. However, you may find that in the long run, this could end up costing you more money.

If you’re looking for a dependable and secure computer for your everyday use, you may want to consider a business-grade PC. While the prices of good consumer PCs have decreased, they are still not designed for heavy, 9-to-5 use and may lack the necessary firmware security for some users. However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can find a business version with all the features you need.

The Processor Used

Are you struggling to make sense of the processor specs for your new computer? Can’t decide if an Intel Core i7 or i3 is the way to go? Or maybe you’re wondering how AMD and Intel processors compare in terms of performance? Don’t stress – we’ve got all the answers to help you pick the perfect processor! We’re more than happy to help you find the right product for your needs. We’ll break down the features and specs and explain them in plain language so you can make an educated decision. Plus, we’ll make sure you get the processor that’s the best fit for your intended use.

For Laptops: The Case Type

If you’re looking for a laptop computer, it’s important that it is durable. Laptops have some unique characteristics that differ from desktops. For example, the screen is often folded down one or more times per day. Additionally, the keyboard is part of the case and is not easily replaced by the user.

If you opt for a laptop with a low-cost, plastic shell, don’t be surprised when it starts showing signs of wear and tear after a short period of time. Keys may also become loose and fall off the keyboard, making a trip to the repair store necessary.

Storage Capacity

Ignoring the amount of hard drive space you’ll need can leave you with an insufficient amount of room to transfer your data from the old system. Believe us, it’s not a pleasant experience.

If you’re looking to pinch pennies, storage capacity can be a great way to do so. Instead of opting for a massive hard drive, you can store most of your files in the cloud and save yourself some serious cash. Plus, the fewer gigabytes you need, the lower the price tag!

Hard Drive Type

If you’re in the market for a new computer, you absolutely should go for one with a solid-state drive (SSD) instead of a traditional hard disk drive (HDD). With an SSD, you can expect faster speeds and less risk of experiencing read/write issues.

It’s amazing to see how much the prices of solid-state drives (SSDs) have dropped recently, making these speedy storage solutions more accessible than ever! There’s no shortage of affordable options, and you even have the option of combining an SSD with a hard drive on some PCs.

Before investing in a new computer, consider coming to us first! We can help you determine the right machine for your needs and make sure you get the best bang for your buck!

A new computer is a significant investment for any business, large or small. Many companies end up using older systems for longer than they would like because they want to get their money’s worth out of the purchase.

Do you find yourself banging on your keyboard in frustration? Have you tried every tip and trick you found online, only to still struggle with a slow PC?

There are some great upgrades you can do that won’t cost as much as a new computer, and they’ll make your PC feel like new again.

Computer speed upUPGRADE TO A SOLID-STATE DRIVE (SSD)

The price of solid-state drives has decreased significantly in recent years, making them a budget-friendly upgrade that can help speed up an older computer.

HDDs have moving parts, while SSDs do not. SSDs use flash memory, which allows for quicker response time. This results in faster boot times and smoother performance when opening files and applications.

Some of the advantages of upgrading your computer’s hard drive to SSD include:

  • SSD read/write speeds up to 2500 MB/second compared to HDD at up to 200 MB/second
  • SSD access time of 0.1ms as compared to HDD at 5.5-8.0ms
  • SSDs use between 2-5 watts of energy compared to HDD at 6-15 watts

INCREASE THE RAM (MEMORY)

One low-cost upgrade that can lead to significant performance gains is a memory upgrade. If your PC only had 4GB of RAM when you bought it, you’re likely to have trouble opening too many tabs in your browser or using any graphics-heavy program.

Adding more RAM to your computer can make a big difference in its speed and performance. If your PC has available memory slots, upgrading to 8GB or 12GB of RAM can make it feel like you have an entirely new computer.

GET A PROFESSIONAL COMPUTER TUNE-UP

Online PC cleaners might not provide the same level of tune-up as a professional IT provider. We will deep clean your system by eliminating all the duplicate files, repairing internal errors, and checking the Windows Registry for any issues. This will help to speed up your system and keep it running smoothly.

We can also check for failing parts and provide guidance on your most impactful upgrade options.

GET HELP IMPROVING YOUR COMPUTER’S PERFORMANCE TODAY!

Don’t struggle with an older PC! We can help you with cost-effective upgrade options that will fit your system and budget perfectly. Call us on 01543 889 444

Make your computer or laptop feel like new again

Like many things, computers and laptops suffer from wear and tear over time. Remember when you bought your ultra-fast machine a couple of years ago, you would turn it on, and it would be ready and waiting for you. Now it doesn’t seem so quick does it?

If your computer or laptop is no longer running at peak performance, a simple upgrade will breathe new life into it…and for a fraction of buying a new one.

SSD prices have fallen dramatically in recent years. At one-point SSDs was a rare treat for only the most serious PC enthusiasts, but now they are the most common and popular upgrade for any computer.

 

 

I am speed

Unlike a normal hard drive, that has many moving parts, an SSD has none. The process of retrieving and saving data is a lot quicker than a traditional hard drive. Your computer loads up in a matter of seconds instead of minutes, and your programs will open as soon as you click the icon.

 

Combine it with an ultra-modern Operating System

Although Windows 10 has been out for many years, we still see a lot of Windows 7 machines. Windows 7 was an extremely popular Operating System and many machines that run Windows 7, are more than capable of running Microsoft’s latest OS, Windows 10.

But the problem with Windows 7, is that Microsoft is ending support in January 2020 for it. This will mean no more security updates and if there is an exploit or problem found within the OS, Microsoft will not fix it. This will leave you open to a cyber-attack.

 

Windows 10 October 2018 Update

Upgrading to both an SSD and Windows 10 isn’t as much as you think and is just a fraction of buying a new computer. Call us on 01543 889 444 and let us handle your upgrade.

 


Why do some computers feel so slow?

So your old computer is starting to show it’s age. It takes ages for it to boot up, it’s randomly crashing, and you hate using it. Enough is enough, so you start to think about investing in a new one. But before you do, you might want to think about upgrading your existing machine. Here’s three common reasons why computers aren’t as fast as they should be.

 

Mechanical hard drive

Mechanical hard drives are the most common reason why a PC or laptop slows down. Mechanical hard drives are like a record player, a series of spinning disks arranged in a delicate stack known as a platter. Each disk reads and saves data using a tiny head moving across the disk’s surface. Swapping out a mechanical hard drive for an SSD will give you a serious boost in performance.

 

Not enough RAM

In some cases, the computer does not have enough RAM (Random Access Memory) and is your computers main memory. It allows your computer to do more at once. When you turn on your computer, the operating system, programs and data are stored here to allow for quicker processing. But when the RAM gets full, the processor needs to go to the hard drive, which can slow down your computer.

We recommend at least 8GB of RAM to run Windows and all your programs, and upgrading your memory can be quick and affordable.

 

Bloatware

When you buy a new laptop or PC, most of them come with a lot of pre-loaded software. A lot of this software you will simply not use and can be uninstalled. Also, when you install a new piece of software or hardware, such as a printer, manufacturers will include additional software that can slow down your computer. Again, most of these are simply not needed.

Computerworld recently reported computers without the additional bloatware installed, boot up 104% faster, shutdown 35% faster and on laptops have around 28 minutes of additional battery life.

Don’t let a lagging laptop or PC disrupt your productivity. We can help. Give us a call on 01543 889 444


SSD: Make Your Old Computer Your New Computer

The solid-state drive (SSD) has swiftly become the go-to upgrade to breathe new life into an ageing computer, and for good reason too. An SSD swiftly brings an old laptop or desktop up to date with modern machines in just a single step.

The price of solid-state memory has fallen dramatically in recent years. As costs have dropped, the popularity of the technology has increased exponentially. At one time an SSD was a rare treat for serious PC enthusiasts, now it’s cheaper and more readily available than ever. No other single solution is as cost-effective, quick to swap, and impressively effective as swapping out an old hard drive in favor of the faster and more modern SSD.

 

SSD Upgrades

Out with The Old

The hard disk drive (HDD) is a technology that dates back as far as the 1950s. They became the default solution all PCs would use for decades to come. Most old laptop and desktop machines still contain their original, worn hard drives they left the factory with.

The HDD was a mostly mechanical device. Inside a solid outer casing was a series of spinning disks arranged in a delicate stack known as a platter. Each disk could read and save data using a tiny needle moving across the disk’s surface.

The technology looked and worked much like a miniature record player. Like a record player, widely in use at the time that hard drives were developed, the hard drive had some serious drawbacks in their use.

The series of tiny disks and needles that made up the HDD were incredibly fragile. Vulnerable to dust or movement, computers commonly succumbed to hard drive failures that rendered the machine and its stored data unusable. Occasionally, simply moving a laptop while reading or writing data can damage a hard drive’s spinning disk.

In with The New

The primary reason to switch to a more modern SSD, on top of their impressive durability, is the incredible increase in speed. The SSD has no moving parts at all, working more like a digital camera memory card than a vinyl record player.

An SSD simply makes the process of retrieving and saving data to storage many times faster. Eliminating the mechanical component, removing the need to move a physical disk, and not needing to physically pick up the data means a much faster and smoother operation.

Computer startup, where the operating system loads all its data from storage, can take as little as one-quarter of the time of a comparable HDD. Additionally, loading regular applications and data from an SSD takes a fraction of time of an HDD.

An SSD completely breathes new life into an old machine. Computers with an SSD replacement for the hard drive feel like using an entirely new machine for a fraction of the cost.

Replacing the main mechanical component additionally eliminates wear and tear working to break down your machine. While an HDD slows over time, degrades, and can eventually suffer mechanical failure; an SSD remains as durable as the day it was purchased.

Ideal Laptop Upgrade

In a laptop setting, the SSD makes complete sense. They require less power than older hard drives, making the most of your battery charge.

In addition, not needing a large disk platter, mechanical parts, or protective outer case means they are about half the weight of a mechanical drive. Making an old machine lightweight brings it another step closer to a modern machine.

They run almost silently too. The familiar click-clack of the hard drive inside a laptop is a thing of the past. Many users comment on the noise their laptop used to make starting up and loading programs. Noisy laptops are a tech throwback we’re happy to leave behind.

For many who feel like their old laptop or desktop is showing its age, the prohibitive cost of purchasing a whole new machine keeps them invested in their old one. A simple, fast SSD upgrade can make your old machine new again at a much smaller price. If swapping long startups, and slow load times sounds right for you, consider upgrading to an SSD. You won’t look back.

Give us a call at 01543 889 444, and we can give your machine a new lease on life.