(910) 799-8585

Upgrading

Windows 98 users: Lets talk basics first. The processor, which is generally a component of the motherboard ($$$) is always the hang up in doing large scale upgrades. Large scale upgrades including updating to an Operating System (XP or Vista) that the machine was not built to run. Think of it this way, your Honda Civic may be able to pull a small rowboat, but upgrade to that 25' pleasure boat and you’re going to have to have something bigger to pull it.

So, we don’t upgrade computers to new operating systems, and we won’t let you spend any money on a 98 upgrade solution in our shop. You can find that service at other places in town, just not here.

So if you can’t upgrade it, what about repairing it?

RULE #1 for us is we do not work on Windows 98 ME, SE, MILINIUM or Windows 2000 Computers.  These machines are high risk for attack as the operating systems are weak, especially the 98 series.  If you spent one hour with us on a machine like this it would be more then the machine is worth.  Remember we’re honest.  It would be like stealing from you to work on Windows 98 computers.  It’s best to get a new computer if yours is this old.

Exception to RULE #1 - We will repair computer with older operating systems if the computer is critical to the business need.  Examples include some insurance agencies in town and emissions testing machines.

Work around for RULE #1 – If your budget situation offers no other option but repair, the students at the Miller-Motte College PC Repair Clinic may be able to help.  They are located at:

Room 211
5000 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 202-3011

Solution for RULE #1 – It’s a great time to buy a new computer.  Prices are down and speeds are up.  See New PC Purchases for information about replacing your computer.
Windows XP or Vista - We recommend 1G RAM for XP and 2G RAM for Vista, under average conditions. If you do photography, gaming or video editing your needs may be greater.

You can diagnose your computer specs by doing the following:

• Left Click Start
• Right Click My Computer
• Left Click Properties

The General Tab tells you about your computer specifications:

• Operating System
• Processor Speed
• RAM - Usually done in 256, 512 or 1 G you may see numbers slightly lower then that when the computer is using some of the resources. 1.99 GB of RAM is really 2GB.

RAM varies in cost widely but has been coming down in price lately.
We install RAM free, in most cases, at the shop.
Some laptops require ½ hour of work to get to the RAM, (under the keyboard) we have a fee for this type of laptop. Stop by and see our friendly staff and we can determine your needs together.
Other Upgrades

• Make your desktop wireless
• Add a DVD burner to a PC with a CD drive
• Add a larger Hard Drive

Click here to check
out the latest tech
tips at our blog »

View my page on Wilmington Professional Group