PC Speed Up Secrets – How to Enjoy High Performance Computing on a Shoestring

PC Speed Up Secrets – How to Enjoy High Performance Computing on a Shoestring
By: Zach Hope

The latest computers can cost serious amounts of cash, but here is some wisdom that will enable anyone to buy a fast system without leaving you strapped for cash.

Everyone would love to save cash when it comes to PCs. It is so gratifying to never have called out a tech guy to sort out errors because you can sort them out without any help. Friends of mine throw away an amazing amount of cash on computers - they buy the fastest components as soon as it is released and then not long after it is old hat. In contrast, I only purchase the best value equipment and keep them well maintained so that it is just as fast other more pricey computers.

When it comes to PCs, there is a rule of thumb that says that the cost of performance halves every 12-18 months. In my mind, this translates as if you really want the latest and greatest component just exercise a little patience. You will get it sooner or later, and at a huge discount, depending on just how patient you can be. As they say great things come to those who wait, and that is certainly the case with computers.

The real secret is to combine this rule of thumb with another that PCs are faster when they are correctly configured.

The reward is that:
1. You will save $100s per annum because you are allowing prices go down before buying.
2. Your PC is always performing at its best and thus often out-performing more expensive PCs with higher specifications.

It is an obvious idea that most people don't ever think about. When you see adverts for the latest PCs they always tell you just how fast they are. They don't mention that your old PC is only functioning at a fraction of its possible speed.

I guess there is more money to be earned by selling another machine, than repairing your old one. In the UK the computer store PC World now has a department called the Tech Guys. If you ask me they ask for extortionate fees when you bear in mind some of the remedies can be carried out by the typical home user if they only had the secrets. To make matters worse, I read a report in the Times newspaper that said inexpensive jobs have been mistakenly diagnosed as, leading to more expensive repair jobs. I get the feeling that they are using the Tech Guys as a ploy to get users to purchase unnecessary upgrades.