A lot of Internet users have small PCs from years ago.

As long as it runs adequately, you shouldn't bother spending the money (approx $400 for a Netbook or desktop, approx

$600 for a Notebook) on a new PC.

However, more effort is required to keep it running at an adequate speed, if the memory is small (less than 500MB) and/or the hard drive is small (less than 100GB).

Small memory - less applications can run at the same time and interaction with the Web will be slower

Small hard drive - more effort required to ensure 20% unused space to ensure defragmentation can occur

Things you must do with a small PC:

1. spend more time backing up and deleting low usage data/files, to ensure 20% unused spa ce on the hard drive

2. do more defragmentation runs to ensure adequate PC speed (approx once every two days of use)

As I mentioned in a blog item a while ago, I increased memory from 256MB to 1GB on my wife's PC and it improved speed dramatically (saving the purchase of a new PC).

If you have a USB stick, use it for backup. It will allow you to copy most of your important data and then delete from the hard drive.

Another option, if you have a DVD drive, is to buy DVDs when on sale (as low as $18/100) and copy important data before deleting from your hard drive.

Another option, if you are part of the lowly few who continue to use Outlook or Outlook Express, is to switch to Gmail, Yahoo ot Hotmail and then delete Outlook/Express and all your e-mail files. The added value is you can then access your e-mails from any computer attached to the Web.

Deleting unnecessary data/files:

There are various good tools available to help you delete unwanted data/files on your hard drive. The easiest (not the best) is: Computer -> right-click on c-drive -> Properties -> Disk Cleanup

But first, in the Disk Cleanup window, ensure the two items are not checked (Compress this drive to save space, Index this drive for faster searching).

When the system present you with the files to consider for deleting, delete them all - if the items that are 1MB or larger).

Defragmentation:

Regardless if Vista or WinXP, you will need to defragment FREQUENTLY, to ensure adequate performance.

Smart Defrag is the best free defragmenting tool available.

Run it, or another tool, every two days of PC use.

Another method is to let Smart Defrag run every time you turn off your PC.

This is quite easy/free to set up.

Contact me, if you would like help with this approach.