Q: I'm getting ready to purchase a new computer and I'd like to know the importance of the processor. I see many versions of processor chips. How does the processor affect performance and how do I determine which is best for my needs? I don't play many games. I mainly use my PC for information gathering, some Excel spreadsheets and e-mail.
Pat Mellett
A: Think of the computer itself as a car and the processor chip as the engine for that car. The more powerful the engine, the faster the car can go. But, using that same analogy, most of us don't need a car that will go 180 miles an hour.
Most home users will do fine with the processor chip in even the least expensive PC at the store. Nowadays you'll find computers for well under $500 that use the Intel Dual Core. Gaming enthusiasts might want a faster chip, but for what you're doing -- heck, for what most of us are doing -- that chip is fine.
If you are curious about processors, then go to Google search and do a search like this:
compare processor chips
You'll find lots of information and opinions. And it's good to know about all the choices out there. But if you just want to buy a computer that works, there's no need to do it.
Q: I have a six-year-old computer. Lately I'm getting messages from Norton that say my memory usage on certain programs is very high and it causes my system to slow down. I only have the 512 k of memory that the system came with and was thinking I should upgrade to 2 megabytes to eliminate those error messages and hopefully increase my system performance. Your advice would be appreciated.
Tom Dvorak
A: Considering the age of your computer, the best thing to do would be to replace the machine. But, if you don't want to replace the computer, then adding the memory does make sense. Just make sure that you check the manual for the specific type of memory your old computer uses. You can also find that information online at the manufacturer's website.
By the way, you mentioned the message saying your computer was slowing down. But does it seem slower to you? If it doesn't seem slow to you and there's a chance that you'll be replacing the machine in the next year, I'd do nothing at all.
Q: The speed I get from my modem often starts off fine but the speed gradually decreases. If I reboot the modem, the speed goes back to normal. Any suggestions?
Peter Rosen
A: All I can do is guess. When a connection is bad -- because of problems from your Internet provider, or the wires outside your home, or the wiring inside your home -- most modems slow down automatically. Another thing to know is that most speed tests show higher speeds (sort of a false speed burst caused by the way the speed tests work) at the start of a download than the speed you'll see toward the end.
If you think your modem is misbehaving, the best place to start is with the Internet provider you use. It can do tests that are far more accurate than the tests available online. And at times the Internet provider can pinpoint the source of the problem and solve it.
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