Obsolesence
November 2, 1999
© 1999, Douglas E. Welch
The speed of computer innovation, and indeed all technological
innovation these days, forces us all to face the reality of obsolescence.
Over time, usually faster than we would ever wish, our computers
inexorably move from the cutting edge to the junk pile. While
I am never one to recommend suffering with an aged computer, the
fact is that many computers still have many useful years in them
even after they are no longer the latest and greatest.
What can it do?
In most cases even the oldest computer can perform useful tasks
for various members of the family. Almost all adults and children
have a need to turn out text documents for business, for class
or just for fun. Newer machines with a CD-ROM drive can still
be used for older educational games even if they are slower than
the current drives. Home automation systems can make use of an
older computer as a dedicated light and environment controller.
If the computer is equipped with a FAX modem you can turn it into
a dedicated FAX station. Finally, if you no longer need an older
computer you can donate it to a worthy cause. As you can see there
are many needs your computer can fulfill.
What does it need?
Of course, any computer needs to be working properly and have
a few critical components in order to be truly useful. First and
foremost, the computer needs to be reliable. The system should
startup properly every time without producing error messages.
You shouldn't have to fight with the computer.
Second, the computer should have a way to store and backup your
data. The internal hard disk and some type of floppy disk drive
should be in good working order. If the computer only has an older
5 1/4" floppy the simple addition of a 3 1/2" floppy disk drive
to a computer increases its usefulness at a small cost. This will
allow you to move any files to a newer computer when you do decide
to upgrade. You shouldn't invest a lot of time or money in an
older computer. It often isn't worth it to upgrade memory or hard
disk space. You are better off investing that money into a new
computer.
Third, you need a printer. The computer itself is somewhat useless
without a way to produce final output. You could move files to
another computer for printing but it is always more convenient
to print from the original computer.
Finally, you need a small collection of software to allow you
to perform your work. Often this will be the software that originally
came with the computer. It needn't be the most current version
and, in fact, it is best that it isn't. As software is updated
its requirements in both memory and disk space increase dramatically.
You might be able to locate older versions of software at your
local computer swap meet or through a computer user group. It
is important to remember that you are going to be using this computer
for a limited number of tasks so your software needs are also
limited.
But is it enough?
It is important to understand the limitations of your older computer.
Don't try to make an old computer do new tricks. You will only
waste time and money and frustrate yourself. If you need a more
capable computer to get on the Internet, manipulate digital photos
or other high-end tasks there is no substitute for a new computer.
Put the older computer out to pasture performing simple tasks
and bring in the new thoroughbred for the tough work.
Douglas E. Welch is a freelance writer and computer consultant
in Van Nuys, California. He also writes Career Opportunities, a weekly column on high-tech careers and A Gardener's Notebook. You can find more of Douglas' writing on his web page at: http://www.welchwrite.com/
He can reached via email at douglas@welchwrite.com
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