To Update Or Not To Update, That Is The Question.

Probably the single most significant thing a computer owner can do to maintain a healthy computer, is to install the updates they are provided by their software and hardware manufacturers. Many of our customers tell us that they are either scared to do this or that they intentionally ignore the Update messages. Consider this, though. Software often needs improving, either for security reasons, improved functionality, or just plain because parts of it are broken. Choosing not to apply these updates deprives you of using a computer that runs better. When we come to fix a computer, one of the first things we do is to make sure all of the available updates have been applied. On a very rare occasion an update may go badly, but in this day and age it is a fairly rare event. If you receive messages from Microsoft, Adobe, Java or HP that an update is available, please feel free to install them. One side note: there is a virus that masquerades as a Microsoft update for ant-virus software. Microsoft does not send out such an update, so call us if you receive this message.

When Should I Replace My Computer?

As I have shared with my clients for the last 25 years, based on my experience, computers have a 2 to 4 year life in business and a 3 to 5 year life in the home. In business, computers tend to be used more heavily and their importance to the daily function of the company is significant, so that if they fail, the failure has a real dollar impact. In the home, computers can limp along a little longer. After 5 years, technology and the speed of computers usually have improved drastically. So, if your computer is 6 years old or older, then you have definitely received your money's worth. Also, Windows 7 installed on the new generation of computers (64 bit processors) has proven to be a real winner. It is so much better than Windows XP, faster and more secure.

As a service to our clients, we scour the internet for the best deals on personal computers for home and office, and list them on our website weekly. Check out our homepage at http://www.mrtechsupport.com/ for this week's best buys.