From WelchWrite News...

If you are not a subscriber to WelchWrite News, here is this month's column. Have you thought about replacing your Windows 98 computer?

Time to retire

As we head into the holiday season, you might want to think about giving yourself the present of a new computer. This is especially true if you are still using Windows 98 (or (gasp) Windows 95) or Mac OS 9. the time has come to retire these older systems and start fresh with a new computer that can better deal with the software, and security threats, of the next 5 years.

I know, some of you will say, "But my computer works fine. Why should I get rid of it?" Here are a couple of solid reasons.

1. Microsoft's support for Windows 95, 98, NT and 2000 is rapidly disappearing. Support for 98 was suppossed to have been discontinued this year, but Microsoft gave everyone a 1 year extension. If you have problems with these older versions of Windows, there will be no official place to turn for help.



2. Certain spyware programs and viruses can damage Win 98 so badly that, even after successfully removing the infection, the machine must be reformatted and Windows re-installed from scratch.



3. Fixes and upgrades designed to plug security holes will no longer be released for older versions of Windows. This means that even when a security problem is discovered, there will be no way to fix it.



4. More and more software will require Windows XP in order to run. As software manufacturers make continued use of the special features of Windows XP, software will cease to function under older versions of Windows.



5. A new computer today, rated at 1 gigahertz or above, with generous levels of memory (512 MB), large hard drive (20-40 GB) and a CD or DVD writer, can be expected to last for 4-5 years. The days of immediate obsolesence in computers are (thankfully) gone. Any system with the above specifications will serve you well down the road. Secondly, computers are now cheaper than they have ever been. Watch for specials at your favorite computer retailer.

Make your New Year a happy one. Treat yourself to a new computer. It will simplify your computing life and prepare you for a fun and productive future!