Category Archives: Hardware

My Most Recommended Upgrade: Adding Memory

I get asked by the average Joe computer user about what they can do to speed up their aging computer. I often give them a few tips like checking for spyware/malware, defragmenting, and removing unused programs. However, I often tell them that if they want to see big differences quickly, they should consider a memory upgrade.

There are multiple reasons I recommend this upgrade. First, memory upgrades are usually quite inexpensive. Most times, you can add a ton of memory for $100 or much less. Next, installing memory is not too difficult. It is simply unplugging the computer, popping off the case, and snapping the new memory into the appropriate slots. Here is a quick how-to for installing memory. The last reason I recommend this upgrade is that for the person who checks email, browses the Internet, and not too much more, a memory upgrade will yield pretty big results when it comes to computer speed and responsiveness. read more

Recommended Hard Drive Setup – SSD + large SATA HDD drive

I get asked by a ton of people, both online and in real life, for recommendations on what to use for their desktop setups. Today, I want to key in on the hard drive setup.

Generally, most people are fine with the standard 500GB-1TB SATA hard drive. However, when I get asked by someone looking to do more than the standard Internet Browsing and Word processing, I often offer a more complex solution. I will recommend that they go with a SSD drive for Windows and a few key programs and then also add in a SATA drive for less intense programs, music, video, and more. Until SSD drives become less expensive, this configuration allows for performance while not breaking the bank. I like this setup so much right now that I even use this in my own primary desktop. read more