Computer Repair Blog / Compudoc Computer Repair Phoenix AZ

Posts Tagged ‘upgrade’

When you are thinking of data storage on your computer, it all comes down to the size of the hard drive.  The size of the hard drive will determine just how many files, data, and software you can store on your computer.  Often, we hear customers refer to ram as the hardware part where data is stored, probably due to the fact that ram also goes by the term “memory”.  In reality, RAM does not store permanent data, the hard drive is where your data is at. Read the rest of this entry »

Windows 8 is out and we are already getting calls from customers asking if they should upgrade to the newest operating system.  We still see many computers in the shop using Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7.  Windows XP was one of the most popular operating systems of all time, but is at the end of its life cycle.  Windows Vista was resource heavy and had some issues at first, but ran well after service pack 2.  Windows 7 was a major improvement over Vista and was quickly adopted and became even more popular than Windows XP!  Now, we have Windows 8, the newest offering from Microsoft. Read the rest of this entry »

 If you’re in the market for a new desktop computer, size of the desktop is something you need to think about before making that next purchase.  Desktop computers, like laptop computers have started to come in smaller sizes or form factors.  The standard desk top or tower is still the traditional size and shape.  Nowadays, we are starting to see more slim and mid tower sizes available.  Most of the smaller desktops are marketed towards business use where size is a premium in a small office space.  If you really are press for size, then a smaller desktop may be right for you.   Read the rest of this entry »

Windows XP

Are you one of the majority of computer users still using Windows XP?  Well, you’re not alone, most of the computers that we see in for service are still using Windows XP.  Windows Vista was the follow up operating system from Windows XP.  Windows Vista was followed by Microsoft’s newest operating system, Windows 7.

Why should you upgrade from XP?  Well for one, security issues.  We arent saying that Vista and 7 are totally secure, but there are many upgrades that help those systems resist some virus infections that XP would fall to.  I know that there are less Vista and 7 computers out there, so it would make since that we see more XP computers, but its a known fact that many older viruses that will infect XP will not work on Vista and 7.

Another reason to upgrade from Windows XP is that Microsoft will be discontinuing support for it soon.  That means no more updates or service packs.  This will lead to software and driver conflicts.  Many updates are to patch security flaws as well, so those flaws would go unfixed with no more updates.

The biggest impact to me is speed.  Especially if you are updating to Windows 7 with at least a dual core processor and at least 2 gigs of ram.  Vista may have looked better than Windows XP, but it didn’t run any faster.  If you are using Vista, make sure you’re using service pack 2 as it cleaned up many of the issues Vista was famous for.  Windows 7 boots faster, shuts down faster, repairs some of its own issues, is more secure, and looks great.  Its well worth the upgrade.  Another plus to upgrading to Windows 7 is that although we recommend using at least 2 gigs of ram with it, we’ve used it on a ten year old test box with 512 ram and it still ran well, can’t say that for Windows Vista.  For more help on a Windows operating system upgrade, see us for computer repair Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale Arizona area.