I have a 6yr old Dell PC with 256 MB Ram and Windows XP. It runs okay, but is starting to get painfully slow with all of the software for new technology we have added to it (ipods, cameras, etc). It also doesn't have a dvd drive and only has 4 USB ports. Do you think I should upgrad to more memory, dvd drive, USB ports, etc? Or should I just break down and get a new one and give this one to my sons to learn the computer on (they are 1 1/2 and 3)? Also, if I do get a new one, do you suggest a laptop or a PC?

I hate to spend the money since we make due. Plus, I have MS Office and MS Publisher, among other programs on it that I no longer have the disks for because they were installed when my stepdad was still alive and I was doing work for his business. All of the disks were given to the people who bought his business right before he passed. So I would have to buy all of those programs again too.

On the other hand, when my business takes off I really don't want to have the learning curve of Vista and Office 2007 to be slowing me down. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Kellie Stotsky
The Essential Virtual Assistant
www.theessentialva.com

I would buy new. By the time you add memory, etc it will cost close to what a new computer would cost.

Since you're not getting rid of it, you could do the majority of your work on your new computer and just use the publisher on the old one. You could use OpenOffice for now instead of getting MS Office.

As far as laptop/desktop, I'd personally get a laptop because I like to be mobile, but it depends on how you plan on using it.

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Amanda Moore
Virtual Assistant
VagabondetteVA Blog

I agree with Amanda about picking up a laptop (if that's what suits your needs) and buying new. You could also use your old PC as a backup to your new system, too!

Good luck!

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Kate V. Kerans
Kerans Virtual Assistance

Definitely purchase a new unit, I agree that the cost of parts upgrade will probably be close to the price of the new unit. Just look at the expenditure as an investment and you get to write it off on your taxes for 2008 as a business expense. As for laptop vs desktop, it definitely depends on your needs and preference. You should take into consideration that a laptop would be convenient if you ever had to do an onsite visit. Mobility is a definite plus.

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Tania Knowes
Bonus Proficio
"Vision is the art of seeing things invisible"

I recommend having a computer shop transfer ALL old files to the new computer (including software programs). This usually costs less than $100 and you won't have to purchase new software licenses. Just explain to them that you don't have the software disks. Any competent shop should be able to do this for you...

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

Kellie
Purchasing the new computer is really the right way to go. Usually when you purchase a new computer they can transfer your programs but if they can't save to an external drive.
And don't worry about learning Vista and Office 2007. In a few days time using them you will wonder why you didn't want to update to them.

I would purchase a new laptop and transfer the softwares from the old computer to the new one as Office Goddess suggested. I would also use the old computer as back up which is great to have.

I plan on purchasing an Apple MacPro laptop in the next few months and use my curent computer as a back up.

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Brenda A. Jones
www.brevos.com

I agree totally with everyone, purchase the new computer. For what you'd spend to update/upgrade your current system you'd be better in the long run buying new. Vista and Office were easy to transition to. I use use Vista Ultimate and have had very little transition problems. I do have a client who used the standard Vista and he had a lot or problems, but once I convinced him to upgrade to Vista Ultimate - all his problems were resolved.

Happy computer shopping!

I have to agree as well with the majority with buying new.

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Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
Our business is about making yours better

In your case I would probably buy a new laptop, since your comp. only has 256 mb RAM. But don't buy a cheap one, spend more money go for IBM-LENOVO T60 for eg. - they are more expensive but worth all the money.

I work on a 4 year old laptop, very good model of IBM. I was thinking of buying a new one too, as it had problems with virtual memory. Then my IT friend said: why spending 800 eur on a new laptop, just upgrade the RAM. I paid less than 50 eur for additional RAM and it works perfect.