Upgrading Your Software

Money Saving Secrets About Upgrading Your Software & Technology

I consider myself to be somewhat of a well-rounded technical expert, but some technology I just don’t get into unless it makes sense to me or is practical.

To be honest, much of the technical advancements that are coming out are just a different spin on the same “old” technology. For instance, I was among the first to get good quality “streamed” video on the web. Rather than to pay a service, I still use those same techniques. Of course, I am a web developer and video producer. You would only know certain things if you followed technology over the years.

I learned how to use Microsoft Office 97 when it first came out. So then they came out with Office 2000, then 2003, then XP . . .

Because I’d learned Office 97 fairly well, I knew enough in it to do most of the advanced stuff and even some stuff they didn’t teach you how to do so when they came out with the new version, it offered some functions that were done manually to be easily mastered with the “click” of a button. Now users with average intelligence and skill who could have mastered the same task if they’d only taken the time to max out the features of their previous product are “goo-goo – ga-ga” for the new features. Newer does not always equate to better. I have seen it over and over especially in the area of software.

Secret #1: YOU DON’T HAVE TO UPGRADE YOUR SOFTWARE EACH TIME A NEW VERSION COMES OUT
When you buy a newer version of a software, you are buying it because of the additional features it offers. It’s not mandatory to upgrade every time a new software upgrade comes out. The question to ask yourself, “Does the new upgrade have features I will need or will my current version satisfy requirements I have?” I used a laptop containing a Windows 95 Operating System up until 2006. I didn’t use it for everything. I used it as a development (test) PC. I trained on it. It worked perfectly for every function I used it for. The only reason I don’t use that PC anymore is because I let a friend borrow it.

I use a laptop with an XP Operating system and I use Flash version 6 to develop with.  I am just now thinking of upgrading and that is because the new version of Flash has some additional capabilities that I need. I say, if the software you use does everything you need it to do and is compatible with your current Operating System, then there is no need to upgrade. Don’t fear not upgrading to the next version. You can skip versions. Many times the prior versions work better.

Secret #2: A REFURBISHED COMPUTER IS JUST LIKE A NEW COMPUTER
I purchased a refurbished computer several years ago for $200. Buying a used PC is not like buying a used car. The PC I bought is a Pentium III, for those of you who are familiar with PC versions. A version is a model. A “Pentium” processor describes who makes the PC or the processor. The type of processor describes how fast the PC is. A Pentium processor is pretty fast. Processors process information and each processor is so named based on it’s speed performance. So when you buy a PC make sure to find out what kind of processor it has. The processor has to do with speed.  It will affect how long the PC will hold last.

Now, to get a little more technical… An Intel Celeron processor (intel is the brand – celeron is the type) is inferior to the Pentium processor. Don’t get me wrong. It is sufficient for the average consumer’s use and even many business uses. Now back to the Pentium III that I purchased years ago. I am still using it today. I’ve refurbished (wiped it clean) it at least 3 times, whereas the average person would have purchased a new PC if they experienced the problems I encountered.

Most issues with your PC can be resolved by wiping your computer completely clean when all other efforts to restore your PC are exhausted. Wiping off a PC clears up most viruses and spyware that may have compromised your system. In fact, wiping your PC clean is the only way to get rid of those issues.

If you have a restore CD that came with your PC. Just insert the CD and select the option that allows you to delete all content on your hard drive. But first, be sure to save any files on your PC that you want to keep because it will wipe everything off.

The only down side is if you save a lot of files to your PC, like photos & documents, etc. it will take a while to back up those items. Also if you have a lot of software, you have to reinstall each one. In rare cases it will involve a little more than using the “Restore CD.” This is where you will need the help of a professional.

Secret #3: DON’T BUY NEW PARTS FOR YOUR PC
I don’t recommend buying parts for a PC to fix it unless it is memory, because for the price you pay for parts and labor could end up costing you just as much as purchasing a new PC. You can now purchase new laptops for under $300.

Secret #4: LAST AND FINAL SECRET.
A Blog is the next best thing to owning your own web site.  You can use a blog in lieu of a web site until you are able to afford your own web space. Some blogs like WordPress.com are free and you just purchase your “DOMAIN” name (web site name) so that you have your own dot com. A Domain name costs approximately $10/year to register.

You create a new blog and point your domain name (your.com). There are design templates that come with the blog that are easy to customize. You can sell products or services via your blog, add video and music and once you point your domain to it, no one will ever know it is not your own web space. For writers, this is the perfect thing, because you don’t have to know HTML or web programming and you just log in and begin writing and click “publish” to post your entry for the day. There are limitations though. Free doesn’t always equate to the best bargain. Visit my section on web design for more information.  The only difference is that you don’t own it.  You own the name, but not the site and if you ever want to do more than what is available, you will need to move all your stuff.

Your own web space and domain gives you more control.

Many choose to host their own blog and have it designed around their company logo and brand to maintain their company look and feel.  It also allows for easy update and from anywhere without having to depend on the main computer I use to develop web sites.

I share more about blogs in another article on the difference between a blog and a website.