Keeping older computer can be costly

By BILL HUSTED

Cox Newspapers

September 08, 2009

ATLANTA -- It was as if someone froze time and movement. Almost every person in the parking lot stopped and stared as a 1957 convertible Chevrolet pulled in. The candy apple paint, the gleaming Lake pipes, the beautiful murmur of the 289 engine worked on the crowd like a hypnotist.

Old cars are often more beautiful and more expensive than new ones. Not so much with computers. But there are people -- for various reasons, including economic ones -- who want to hang onto an old PC as long as possible, and then for a few years past that.

If that's your plan, there are things you should know that will help you keep that old beast running. For starters, forget about updating the operating system. If you're using an equally outdated version of Windows don't even think of moving to a new version. In almost every case, newer versions demand more resources. If the new version works at all on your old computer it'll certainly slow it down.

If you feel stuck by that, there is an elegant way to change operating systems that should work on your old computer. Go to this Web address: www.ubuntu.com and take a look at Ubuntu. Unlike Windows it is free and it isn't as demanding of resources. So it can add new life to an old computer.

It isn't for everyone, but it is worth your time to at least get acquainted with it in case ditching Windows appeals to you. Outside a move like that, you need to plan to stay with your outdated version of Windows.

Also, forget about moving to more modern versions of other programs such as word processors, databases, etc. It's the same story as with operating systems, the new version may not work at all and, if it does, it'll almost certainly strain the limited resources of your computer.

Consider souping up that aging computer's engine. Adding a decent video card and perhaps some RAM to increase the machine's memory can make the PC a bit more lively. There also is good reason for replacing the old hard disk. For one thing, an old hard disk is just waiting for a good time to fail. The fact that it's a combination of electronics and mechanics means that it has an invisible tattoo that says "Born to Die."

Besides, it's almost certainly lacks enough storage space. Just keep an eye on how much you are spending -- don't go overboard on a clunker.

Next, consider doing a little networking with friends. Many people either junk or give away old computers. Just as some folks do with cars, having a "parts machine" around can help.

For instance, it's likely the power supply on an antique computer will give out at some point. If you're lucky you can replace the failed unit with one from the parts machine.

Do you notice a common thread here? It is something that folks who keep old cars are often forced to do. You need to be able to do some work on the old machine yourself. It's not worth taking into the repair shop and yet maintenance becomes increasing important as a machine ages.

Here's the upside of learning the ins and outs of a computer. That sort of education will stick with you. So you'll profit from the knowledge the rest of your life.

How do you learn all that? The best way of learning seems to vary from person to person. Most of what I've learned comes from hands-on experience -- and, over my life, I've has left a trail of computers I either damaged or destroyed as I learned. So you may prefer enrolling in a community college class or by haunting bookstores and Web sites for how-to lessons.

All this sounds like a lot of trouble and it is. When computing was a new and exotic thing I enjoyed keeping old computers alive. Some of them had so many parts changed and updated that they became Frankenstein machines. Truth is I've gotten lazy in my old age and now tend to just replace a PC that's long in the tooth.

But there is a certain satisfaction, and a valuable education, in keeping an ancient PC purring. It will never have the glamor of a 1957 Chevy with Lake pipes but -- for those who are bent that way -- there can be the same kind of pride of ownership.

Bill Husted writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: tecbud(at)bellsouth.net.