Hardware Upgrade Tips

THE CD-ROM UPGRADE: NOT DEAD YET (PART 1 OF 7)

The high-tech oracles predicted that DVD-ROM was going to kill CD-ROM. But don't count on it just yet. There are a slew of technical reasons why DVD isn't ready to kill off the CD-ROM player. First, prices are high--from two to three times more than CD-ROM drives. Second, there's a dearth of titles. Third, serious compatibility problems remain with discs created by CD- Recordable devices. Fourth, DVD-ROM devices have relatively slow CD-ROM playback performance (they can only spin at rates equivalent to CD-ROM drive speeds between 6X to 8X). While vendors plan to fix these problems in second-generation DVD-ROM drives, it will still be two to six months before new units are available in stores. For business users and gamers who need quick, cheap access today, CD-ROM drives remain a cost- effective, reliable, and performance-enhancing upgrade option. During the next few tips, we'll provide some tips for helping you determine if--and how--you should upgrade.

THE CD-ROM UPGRADE: NOT DEAD YET (PART 2 OF 7)

Who gets the most from a CD-ROM upgrade? Of course, CD-ROM or DVD-ROM upgrades don't make sense for everybody. If you rarely install new applications from a CD-ROM or simply play back multimedia CD-ROM titles, then you won't benefit from a faster drive. Video and sound transfers are optimized for playback on 4X drives, so you certainly won't notice significant improvements even on 16X or 18X drives. On the other hand, if you subscribe to a CD-ROM publishing service from which you periodically receive CD updates, or if you transfer large volumes of data (database, multimedia, etc.) from a CD-ROM or a CD-Recordable disc, you'll definitely notice a vast improvement with a faster drive, since straight data transfer will run your CD-ROM drive at its maximum performance level.

THE CD-ROM UPGRADE: NOT DEAD YET (PART 3 OF 7)

What to buy? CD-ROM vendors like Toshiba, Mitsumi, NEC, Hitachi, and Plextor continue to flood the market with high-speed drives, pushing overall prices lower and lower. Of the current offerings, 16X or 18X speed drives are the best bargains. For example, for about $120 you can pick up an internal 16X drive that transfers data at 2400K per second--literally four times faster than a 4X's 600-Kbps rate. An 18X drive costs only $10 to $20 more. Even faster models, such as the 20X and 24X drives from Toshiba and Panasonic, are priced at $200 simply for being state-of-the-art. So if you need to access your CD-ROM drive constantly, we recommend that you spend the extra money on the faster drive.

THE CD-ROM UPGRADE: NOT DEAD YET (PART 4 OF 7)

SCSI vs. IDE: Unlike hard drives, the controller type doesn't make much difference in CD-ROM performance. The transfer rates of CD-ROM drives are well below the maximum potential of both the IDE and SCSI standards, and neither causes a bottleneck. If you don't already have a SCSI host adapter, an IDE drive will be the cheaper choice. Installing an IDE drive is simple. All you have to do is plug it in to your PC's on-board IDE controller

THE CD-ROM UPGRADE: NOT DEAD YET (PART 5 OF 7)

Internal vs. External: External drives can cost $100 to $200 more than internal drives because of the extra production costs involved. If you have an open drive bay, go with an internal drive.

THE CD-ROM UPGRADE: NOT DEAD YET (PART 6 OF 7)

If you've never installed a drive unit in your PC before, consider a CD-ROM multimedia kit, which will include everything you need: cabling, rails, and even controller cards and external speakers. On the downside, kits can add a lot to the cost, so if you're up for the challenge, buy the CD-ROM drive. For installation instructions, check out the PC World Online article "Add a Card for SCSI Peripherals." You'll find it at http://www.pcworld.com/hardware/desktop_pcs/articles/jun97/1506p294.html

THE CD-ROM UPGRADE: NOT DEAD YET (PART 7 OF 7)

Shop Around: Web storefronts like MegaHaus (http://www.megahaus.com) and PC Mall (http://www.pcmall.com) can sometimes offer cheaper prices due to low overhead. As always, shop around before you buy and check the return policies.

By all indications, CD-ROMs will be spinning for a good long time. Enjoy the ride with a faster drive.

GAMBLING ON 56kbps Modem (PART 1 OF 5)

To promote new 56kbps Modem technology, vendors have announced cheap upgrades to get consumers on board. Unfortunately, the International Telecommunications Union isn't expected to release its 56kbps Modem standard, called TR30, until the end of the year, so these proprietary upgrades may require future enhancements--such as a Flash ROM upgrade--to meet the international standard once it's approved. If you feel the need for speed now, check the offers and find out whether your Internet service provider will support the 56kbps Modem standard you choose. But be prepared to exert additional effort, and possibly incur extra costs, before you've finally completed the modem upgrade. During the next few days, we'll provide some 56kbps Modem upgrade tips.

GAMBLING ON 56kbps Modem (PART 2 OF 5)

First off the mark, U.S. Robotics now offers $60 upgrades (to its x2 standard) to owners of its 33.6 Sportster and Courier V.34 modems purchased after August 15, 1996. Be forewarned: The process can be confusing. The Courier modems are all Flash ROM-upgradable through USR's Web site at http://www.usr.com. But some Sportsters require a chip upgrade that you can obtain directly from the company (800/525-8771) once you supply the modem's serial number and the $60 fee (which includes shipping). For faster service, owners of older U.S. Robotics modems who still have proof of purchase can bring their slower Sportsters or Couriers to participating retail outlets and pick up a brand-new x2 unit.

GAMBLING ON 56kbps Modem (PART 3 OF 5)

More good news: Major ISPs such as America Online, CompuServe, and MindSpring now support x2, although many allow x2 local access only from select U.S. cities or charge an extra fee for connecting at 56 kbps over a nationwide toll-free number. U.S. Robotics claims it now has x2-supported ISP access in over 100 U.S. cities. To see if your provider is among them, browse USR's ISP list at http://x2.usr.com/connectnow/index.html

Other modem vendors, including Boca Research and Zoom Telephonics, have opted for Rockwell's competing K56flex chip set to drive their 56kbps Modem products. Service providers BBN, Epoch Network, PSINet, and UUNet have signed up to support K56flex.

GAMBLING ON 56kbps Modem (PART 4 OF 5)

Boca Research hosts two upgrade programs for its K56flex-based 56kbps Modem. In the first, you'll get a $30 rebate by sending in any brand of 28.8- or 33.6-kbps modem after purchasing a Boca 56kbps Modem for $149 to $169 (depending on the model). For the second program, you send in your current Boca 33.6 modem and $99 (plus $14.95 shipping and handling) and receive the 56kbps Modem product. Boca expects to ship the new modems in early April. Sign up for the upgrade by completing a form on Boca's Web site at http://www.bocaresearch.com

GAMBLING ON 56kbps Modem (PART 5 OF 5)

Zoom Telephonics will begin its New Replacement Unit program in early April as well, but owners of Zoom 33.6-kbps modems must register through a form on the company's Web site at http://www.zoomtel.com before July. For $79 plus $6 shipping and handling, Zoom will send you a K56flex-based Zoom 56kbps Modem. You then have 30 days to send in your old modem; otherwise the company will levy a charge on your credit card. Although its 56kbps Modem is Flash ROM-upgradable, Zoom recommends purchasing an optional $20 digital signal processor that will likely make your final upgrade to the TR30 international standard free, as well as easy to install. Call 800/753-0787 for additional information.

Of course, all of this remains in flux while a single standard is being hammered out. To stay ahead of the hype, you can also check http://www.open56k.org for news on Open PEN56kbps Modem, a consortium of industry players attempting to make all 56kbps Modem work together.

PROCESSOR REQUIREMENTS FOR NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR

Trying to upgrade an older PC for Web surfing? Before you sign on with an Internet Service Provider that uses Netscape's Navigator Web browser, check your PC's processor. Navigator requires a minimum 486DX or equivalent chip. Thus, 486SX or lesser chips may cause the browser to crash unexpectedly. The easiest way to check your chip type is to simply remove your PC's cover and read the etchings on the CPU. You can purchase a 486DX chip for as little as $40.

ADDING MORE THAN ONE DEVICE AT A TIME? REBOOT

Ease your troubleshooting hassles by installing only one device at a time during upgrades, even if all the devices come in one package. You'll spend less time troubleshooting which device is malfunctioning if you reboot your PC after installing each one. Some kits, such as DVD-ROM, arrive with more than one hardware component in the box; the DVD kit, for example, comes with a DVD-ROM drive and a DVD decoder board. Install the drive first. Then reboot the PC to make sure Windows 95 recognizes the drive. Then install the decoder board and reboot again.

CHECK GRAPHIC CARD SPECS FOR DVD-ROM KITS

DVD-ROM upgrade kits can deliver stunning MPEG-2 video to your PC. But in order to do that they have to work with your current video card. Some, like Diamond Multimedia's Maximum DVD kit, use a simple pass-through cable, which can work with almost any card. While others, including DynaTek's DVD471TII, require your graphics card to support PCI bus linear memory addressing, which lets the DVD decoder board pass data to the graphics card over the PCI bus. Read the system requirements on the DVD box before you buy and make sure they match your graphics card's capability.

DOUBLE-CHECK HARD DRIVE IDE JUMPERS WHEN ADDING DEVICES

Your PC features two IDE controllers on the motherboard, called primary and secondary. Each controller supports two devices, but one device must be designated Master and one Slave through jumper settings on the devices. A typical setup will have a hard disk drive on one of the controllers set to Master. But be sure to double-check the hard drive jumpers whenever you add a new IDE device onto the same controller. Many hard drives require you to switch the jumper settings to SP, or Slave Present, when you install a new device.

REMOVE MSCDEX ENTRIES FROM AUTOEXEC.BAT AND CONFIG.SYS

If you upgraded your PC from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95, you may still have entries for the Microsoft CD Extensions for DOS in the AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files of your PC. While your system may be working fine now, when you go to install another CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, these entries might cause a problem. Windows 95 has built-in CD driver software, and these entries can cause conflicts if left sitting in your configuration files. The exact lines vary depending on your setup, but they should look something like this:
AUTOEXEC.BAT: C:\WINDOWS\MSCDEX.EXE /D:MSCD001
CONFIG.SYS: C:\MYDRIVER\MYDRVR.SYS /D:MSCD001
Remove them!

BUYING A PARALLEL PORT SCANNER

Parallel port scanners are cheaper than ever. Many are less than $400 now. Some of these devices are optimized for, or actually require, EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port) support from your parallel port. To check whether or not your system meets this requirement, look up your parallel port settings in your system's CMOS settings (read your documentation on entering your PC's Setup program). The most common options are: Bi-directional, ECP (Enhanced Compatibility Port), and EPP. If your system doesn't have an EPP setting for the parallel port, you need to buy a scanner that does not require EPP.

EXTERNAL MODEMS: MAKE ONLY ONE TRIP TO THE STORE

Many novice upgraders buy an external modem, bring it home, and suddenly realize they are missing a crucial part: the modem cable. Strangely, most modem manufacturers assume you already have this cable. And many consumers end up traveling back to the computer store for this vital part. When buying any external modem, ask your salesperson if all the necessary cables are included in the package. A modem cable (usually a 9-pin serial connector at one end and a 25- pin connector at the other) costs about $5, so bring an extra Abe if you need to purchase it separately.

THE HIDDEN COST OF REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES

Ever-increasing backup demands have made removable media drives (Zip, SyJet, Jaz, and so forth) more popular than ever. If you're in the market for these types of drives, make sure you add in the expense of the blank disks when calculating how much these drives cost. Companies sometimes reduce the price of the drives themselves while maintaining relatively high prices for the media. Try to plan how many disks you'll need in a year's time and then determine which drive is the least expensive.

MAKE YOUR PC DUST-FREE

Dust inside your PC can clog your fan, make your CD-ROM drive malfunction, and cause a host of other problems. Frequent upgraders open their PC's case more than do other users, and they should take extra care to avoid this problem.

Whenever you remove cards from your PC's card slots, be sure to replace the protective metal brackets that cover the hole at the back of the system. Periodically, use a compressed air canister (which you'll find in photographic equipment stores) to blow away any dust that has accumulated on your motherboard and internal cards. Also, try to store your removable media (floppy diskettes, CDs, and tapes) in dust-free containers.

CONNECTING INTERNAL CABLES THE RIGHT WAY

Both IDE and SCSI internal cabling connect to devices properly in only one way. A thin red line normally runs along one edge of the cable and is meant to align with Pin 1 of the controller port or device port to which you are attaching it. In most cases you'll see a tiny "1" symbol on the motherboard or device next to one edge of the port, which indicates Pin 1. If you don't match up the red line to this pin, your system won't recognize your device and you'll likely spend a few minutes tracking down this frustrating problem.

DEFRAG! DEFRAG! DEFRAG!

Before you upgrade that full or malfunctioning hard drive, run a disk defragmenter utility to clean up the disk's file structure. Often, disk errors can be fixed this way. And, in any case, if you're going to copy all your files onto a new drive, you'll first want to optimize your data so the new drive doesn't start off with a disorganized mess. Windows 95 includes the Disk defragmenter utility under Start|Programs|Accessories|System Tools|Disk defragmenter. Even if your disk isn't yet showing any symptoms of defragmentation (disk errors or slow access speeds), you should periodically run this tool to avoid hard drive trouble.

CARD SLOT SCREWS: MORE THAN A GOOD IDEA

The screws that secure add-in boards into card slots aren't just for looks. Their job also entails more than just holding the card in the slot. Many novice upgraders don't realize that the screws actually electrically ground the card by making a connection between the card and the metal PC case. Those in a hurry sometimes leave out the screw, thinking it might be an unnecessary step. Don't! An ungrounded card could cause electrical problems and even short- circuit your PC in the event of a power surge.

UPGRADING YOUR FLOPPY DRIVE

If your floppy disk drive needs replacing, consider upgrading to a larger format removable medium. During the next year or so, it's very possible that the computer industry will retire the limited floppy medium in favor of new technology. Some new systems already ship with LS-120 style drives, which use 120MB disks in addition to being compatible with the older floppy format disks. LS- 120 drives start at about $200.

NO STATIC AT ALL

Ever shocked yourself unexpectedly by walking across a carpeted floor and touching a metal object? Unpleasant, wasn't it? Well, your PC doesn't have feelings, but that same shock could negatively affect its internal components and cause them to malfunction. Even though it might be a hassle, try to wear an anti-static wristband (available at any computer store) while working inside your PC. These wristbands electrically ground your body by connecting you to the metal frame of your PC (by a thin cable), ensuring that you'll do no damage when you install new cards or devices. If you aren't wearing an anti-static guard, at least touch the metal frame of your PC before touching any internal component.

ENABLE YOUR USB PORTS

The latest PCs ship with new Universal Serial Bus (USB) port capability. These USB ports allow you to plug and play a wide range of devices--including monitors, scanners, digital cameras, and more-by simply attaching cables between them and your PC. Because this technology is brand new, not all PCs have these ports enabled under the PC's CMOS settings. If you're having difficulty installing USB devices, go into your PC's Setup program (read your system's documentation) and check whether or not the USB port setting is enabled.

HARD DRIVE UPGRADES: MEASURE YOUR DRIVE BAY

Hard disk drives have been shrinking in physical size, even while growing tremendously in capacity. You can now purchase 5 1/4-, 3 1/2-, and 2 1/2-inch drives and smaller. Before you purchase a new hard disk, jot down the measurements of the open drive bay into which you intend to install the new drive. Not all manufacturers supply the necessary mounting brackets, which make a smaller drive fit correctly in a larger slot. If you need to, purchase these mounting brackets separately.

SCSI HARD DRIVES (PART 1): THE LOWER THE SCSI ID, THE BETTER

If you've paid that extra money for a fast SCSI hard drive, take advantage of the performance edge by setting it to a low SCSI ID (0, 1, or 2). Lower ID devices will achieve slightly faster access times over the SCSI bus. Additionally, if you use this drive as a boot drive, your SCSI adapter may require it to be set at 0. Your SCSI adapter software will provide the means to set these IDs.

SCSI HARD DRIVES (PART II): DELAYED START

If you have several SCSI devices attached to the same SCSI controller, you may want to set them to Delayed Start via jumper settings on the devices (read the documentation that came with each component). If all the SCSI devices start at the same time when you boot your PC, it may cause a power drain on your system and could cause errors. With Delayed Start, each device starts separately (one after the other) when the SCSI controller sends the start signal.

SCSI HARD DRIVES (PART III): TERMINATION

The most common mistake made when installing a SCSI device is incorrectly setting the termination jumpers. Each end of a SCSI chain of devices (including a chain of internal and external devices) needs to be terminated. If your internal SCSI device resides at the end of the chain, you must set the termination jumper on or it won't function properly. Read the drive's documentation on how to set this jumper.

REMOVE OLD DRIVERS BEFORE UPGRADING YOUR SCANNER

Old scanner drivers are notorious for disrupting the use of a new scanner after an upgrade. Before you install that new scanner, make sure you uninstall any remnants of your previous scanner. Your best bet is to use the uninstall routine supplied by your scanner manufacturer. Otherwise, try the Add/Remove Programs icon in the Control Panel of Windows 95. You'll thank yourself for this cautious behavior when you're up and running with your new scanner.

CD-R DISC TROUBLES WITH DVD-ROM DRIVES

In case you haven't heard the news, some of the first-generation DVD-ROM drives (still on store shelves) have compatibility problems with the greenish tint CD-Recordable discs (used in desktop publishing, PhotoCDs, and other arenas). If you've tried unsuccessfully to access a CD-R disc in a new DVD-ROM drive, it's likely that your DVD-ROM drive has this problem. Unfortunately, there is no fix, as new laser heads are required to solve the problem. If possible, re-attach your old CD-ROM drive (so that you have both the DVD-ROM drive and CD-ROM drive installed) to get to your data.

UPGRADE No. 1: MORE RAM

When it's time to upgrade an out-of-date PC, always think first about adding RAM (Random Access Memory). More than any other enhancement you can make, increasing RAM provides improvement in overall performance. Regardless of the minimum requirements from Microsoft, you should be running Windows 95 with at least 16MB of RAM. You'll notice still faster responsiveness if you upgrade from 16MB to 32MB.

RECORD AND SAVE SCSI ID SETTINGS

To save valuable time when adding new SCSI devices to your system, write down a list of your current SCSI devices and their SCSI ID settings. Then save it in an easy-to-reach place. You can quickly set a new device to a unique ID (via jumpers) if you know which IDs are already taken.

INSTALLING SCANNERS--PART 1

The most common mistake people make when installing a new flatbed scanner is forgetting to unlock the scanning head. All flatbeds ship with the scan head locked so that no damage can occur during transport. But your scanner cannot operate with the head secured in this way. The unlocking switch may be at the back of the unit, on the bottom, or underneath the scanning surface cover. Read the documentation for details on your scanner.

INSTALLING SCANNERS--PART 2

After you've installed your SCSI -interface scanner, Windows 95's Plug N' Play features will attempt to find and install software drivers for it. Before you go through with this process, read your scanner's documentation carefully. Some scanner installation procedures ask you to bypass Plug N' Play and use a special software program (included in the product box) to install the drivers. Following the recommending driver routine will increase the chances of a trouble-free installation.

INSTALLING SCANNERS--PART 3

Even if you're in a hurry to begin digitizing images, don't skip the calibration step. Some scanners include a calibration sheet in the package that sets the levels for black, white, gray-scale (and sometimes color) scans. If it does include one, make the calibration sheet your very first scan. It will make all your subsequent scans look better. Don't worry if your scanner does not include a calibration sheet; some scanners are calibrated during the manufacturing process.

SOUND OPTIONS IN DVD-ROM UPGRADE KITS

Excited about the home theater possibilities of DVD-ROM upgrade kits? If you already own or are thinking of purchasing a six- speaker surround sound speaker setup in conjunction with a DVD-ROM kit, first check whether or not the DVD-ROM kit provides a S/PDIF (pronounced SPEEDIFF) connector port on the DVD playback board. Not all DVD-ROM kits do. The S/PDIF connector outputs the raw Dolby AC-3 surround sound signal that six- speaker setups require. If your DVD-ROM kit does not provide a S/PDIF port, you won't be hearing the full surround sound effect, even on high-end speakers.

ADDING A NEW IDE HARD DRIVE? MAKE IT THE BOOT DRIVE

If your old hard drive still functions, but has run out of room, you're probably thinking of adding a new drive, not replacing your old one. That's fine. Make sure, however, you install your new IDE drive as the Master device on the primary IDEcontroller channel (making it your primary boot drive). Your new hard drive will likely have faster seek times and data transfer rates; and you'll notice the performance improvement if you install it as your primary IDE controller channel, rather than a Slave device or on the secondary IDEcontroller channel.

BACK UP YOUR DATA BEFORE UPGRADING

Back up your hard drive data before attempting any upgrade that involves your hard drive, particularly replacing or adding drives. During the formatting/partitioning stages of new hard disk installations, it's all too easy to erase data accidentally from the wrong drive. A complete backup will give you peace of mind and may save you hours of hassle in the event of an upgrade disaster.

EASY DOES IT, WHEN REMOVING EXPANSION BAY COVERS

When you add an internal tape, Zip, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM drive you have to remove the plastic rectangle on the front of your PC that covers the expansion bay. If you're not careful, this cover can crack or break when you remove it, which will be a problem if you ever need to use it again in the future.

Use a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry off the cover (after you've removed any screws that hold it in place, of course). Then, store it someplace where you won't lose it.

CHECK FOR NEW SOFTWARE DRIVERS

It's a good idea to check the Web site of your peripheral device manufacturer periodically. Often you'll find new software drivers that fix bugs or add features to a product you already own. And usually the new driver is free. You'll just need to download the new driver and install it according to the manufacturer's instructions. The products that most commonly fall into this category include scanners, modems, and graphics cards.

PROTECT YOUR DVD-ROM DISCS

While testing still needs to be done, initial reports claim that DVD-ROM discs may require a little more care regarding dust, dirt, and scratches than their CD-ROM disc ancestors do. In order to achieve higher bit density (and therefore greater capacity) DVD-ROM drive lasers focus on very small sectors of DVD-ROM discs and may be more susceptible to errors when attempting to read through fingerprints, scratches, and other grime. Make sure you put DVD-ROM discs back in their jewel cases after you're finished with them. Additionally, a CD-ROM disc-cleaning kit will also work with DVD-ROM discs and be useful for frequently used DVD-ROM discs.

GAUGING YOUR POWER SUPPLY

If your PC is chock-full of devices, you should check your power supply's output before adding another drive. An overstressed power supply can cause system malfunction or failure. If your power supply's output is less than 200 Watts of power (see your PC's documentation), you might need to replace it. A typical system with two or three drives installed, however, should be capable of handling one additional drive.

USING A POWER SUPPLY CABLE SPLITTER

Can't find a power supply connector to plug your new drive into? You can purchase a cable splitter, or Y-connector, which turns one power supply connector into two. A cable splitter (available from any electronics store) costs only a dollar or two and snaps right in to an existing power supply connector. Do be sure to read your PC's documentation. You don't want to attach more devices than your power supply can handle.

IS YOUR HARD DRIVE CALLING FOR HELP?

Noticing any strange new sounds coming from your hard drive? A hard drive heading for failure often makes loud whirring or chattering noises during the final days. Consider replacing your hard drive before it fails, as transferring data from it to a new drive will be much easier while it still works. Even if you're planning to run your current hard drive into the ground, make a full backup of your data so you won't lose anything when it dies.

CD-ROM DRIVE SPEED MAY DEPEND ON YOUR DISCS

Thinking your new CD-ROM drive is slower than it should be? Your CD-ROM discs just might be the problem. Newer variable-speed CD- ROM drives transfer data at different rates depending on whether they are reading data from the inner or outer tracks of the CD-ROM disc. Due to disc rotation speeds, data transfer is usually slower on the inner tracks and faster on the outer tracks. And the difference can be dramatic (12X vs. 20X speeds). All CD-ROM discs, however, are recorded from the inner track outward. If a disc isn't full (at 650MB), then your CD-ROM drive may never reach its maximum speed.

MORE INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS SUPPORTING 56K MODEMS

While the 56kbps Modem standard has not yet been finalized, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) continue to roll out support for one or both of the competing 56K technologies (3COM/US Robotics' x2 and Rockwell's K56Flex). If you're considering a 56kbps Modem, first ask your local ISP which modem type it supports. Most modem manufacturers now offer free flashROM upgrades for their 56kbps Modem, so that they can be upgraded to the standard once it's approved.

INVESTIGATE YOUR CARD SLOTS BEFORE UPGRADING YOUR VIDEO BOARD

Trying to nurse that old 486 PC along by upgrading the video graphics card? Almost all new graphics cards use either PCI or AGP (Advanced Graphics Port) interfaces, and your 486 may not have either. If you hunt around, you may find a VLB or ISA card that fits your system. Read your PC's documentation and take a look under the cover before you go shopping.

PAUSE BEFORE CLOSING THE COVER ON YOUR PC

Learn from others who have made upgrade mistakes before you-- always check whether or not your new device (or CPU or RAM) works before screwing the PC's case back on. You'll save yourself frustrating minutes of time if something isn't functioning properly. Simply leave the case off, reattach the power cable, boot up your PC, and check if everything works properly. If you do need to change something inside your PC, DO NOT FORGET to shut down your system and remove the power cable before you touch anything inside.

CREATE A STARTUP OR BOOT DISKETTE

n addition to a backup tape or diskettes, you should also always have a bootable diskette lying around. In case something goes wrong during upgrades, you can always boot from a floppy and access data on your hard drive. In Windows 95, select Start, Settings, Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, then click on the Startup tab. Under Windows 3.1, exit to DOS and type
sys a:
with a formatted disc in your A: drive.

BUY A SURGE PROTECTOR

If you don't already have one, go immediately to the store and purchase a surge-protecting power strip to plug your computer into. A surge protector will pop its own fuse in the event of a power surge from a wall outlet, saving your PC (and monitor) from receiving the overdose of current and frying the electronics. A surge-protecting power strip costs from $5 to $15 and is well worth the money.

USE NEEDLE-NOSE PLIERS FOR CHANGING JUMPERS

Plastic jumpers on your motherboard or add-in cards are often too small to pull off with your fingers. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers, which will grasp the edges of the jumper without disturbing anything else in your system. Remember to use an antistatic wrist guard or touch the metal of your PC case with your hand before touching anything inside your PC.

CHECK YOUR UART CHIP

Before purchasing an external modem, check your UART chip. It regulates the speed of your serial ports. To run at 56-kbps speeds, you'll need to have a 16550 UART. You should find a reference in your system's documentation, but you can also call your manufacturer's technical support line for assistance.

USB SUPPORT IN WINDOWS 98

The beta releases of Windows 98 show that Microsoft is keeping its promise regarding enhanced support for USB devices in the operating system. Early users of USB devices have reported problems when using several USB devices simultaneously under Windows 95. If your PC's parallel port is getting logjammed with devices (scanners, removable drives, printers), consider USB support for any new devices you purchase.

FLASHROM UPGRADES FOR 56kbps Modem MODEMS

If you're considering a 56kbps Modem modem, make sure it has FlashROM upgrade capability. The new 56kbps Modem modem standard should arrive shortly from the ITU (International Telecommunications Union) and it's likely that all 56kbps Modem modems will require an upgrade to meet the new standard. FlashROM will enable you to get this upgrade via a software download as opposed to sending the modem in for chip-set replacement. Ask the vendor for information on FlashROM upgrades.

BEWARE SPEAKER MAGNETS

The computer speaker business is booming. With the high- quality sound available from CD-ROM games, DVD titles, and the Internet, new speakers are a reasonable upgrade choice. Be aware that many speakers contain powerful magnets that can affect your monitor's display if you place the speaker too close to the monitor. You might waste time troubleshooting your distorted, discolored display, when what you need to do is simply move your speakers a few inches away.

PHONE LINE POWER SURGE PROTECTION

Big sales in surge protection power strips and devices prove that many people know that a power spike coming through the electrical outlets can damage your computer system. Sometimes, however, people forget about the current that runs through your phone line.

If you're connecting to the Internet through a modem, you likely have a phone line that directly connects to your PC. Unfortunately, a phone line power surge can cause the same type of damage as a surge through your electrical outlets. That's why it's a good idea to invest in a surge-protection device for your phone line as well. You'll find such devices in your local electronics store.

HEARING MONO OVER STEREO SPEAKERS

Computer speaker systems come with so many cables, it's easy to connect them incorrectly. A common symptom of misconnected speakers is a mono sound coming from a stereo source. If this happens to you, reread the instructions included with your speaker system and double-check your speaker cabling. It's also possible that you have the speakers attached to a mono-only port on your sound card.

UPDATE YOUR GRAPHICS CARD DRIVERS

If you purchased and installed your video graphics card more than a year ago, it's a good idea to check the corporate Web site of your card manufacturer for updated software drivers. Periodically, graphics card companies will post new drivers that increase the speed and resolution depth, as well as fix bugs relating to games and applications. The best part is that these updated drivers are almost always free to registered owners of the particular company's products.

DO YOU NEED A FAST CD-ROM DRIVE?

The very latest CD-ROM drives boast 32X speeds, but will you really notice the speed difference? It depends on the speed of the drive you currently own and the type of work you do with CD-ROMs. If you have an 8X or slower CD-ROM drive, you'll likely perceive the difference between your old drive and a new 12X or faster drive. Even then the improvement will only be identifiable during application installations, database access, and when copying large files from a CD to your hard disk drive. As a general rule for most people, a 12X drive is the fastest you need for now. Only a few CD-ROM-intensive users need 12X speed or faster CD-ROM drives.

EXTERNAL VS. INTERNAL MODEMS

Should you buy an external or internal modem? If you are an experienced upgrader, then a external modem can save you up to $50, as modem manufacturers often pass the reduced production costs of internal models along to the consumer. Unfortunately, novices may find internal modems more difficult to install and configure, and should probably go with the slightly more expensive external modem products. External modems can be connected to your PC without even removing your PC's case (you just connect a cable from the modem to an open serial port). External modems have the added benefit of allowing you to quickly switch the modem to another PC or notebook computer.

EYE STRAIN? TUNE YOUR MONITOR

Most new monitors offer a series of calibration and tuning functions. Read your system's documentation (and on-screen help) to adjust the focus, brightness, contrast, and other settings. A tuned monitor will reduce the strain on your eyes and will allow you to work longer without eye fatigue.

WHICH TYPE OF RAM?

Installing additional RAM (Random Access Memory) remains the most effective and easiest-to-perform upgrade around. Still, figuring out which type of RAM your system requires can be tricky. RAM comes in different module types: SIMM (SINGLE IN-LINE MEMORY MODULE) and DIMM (DOUBLE IN-LINE MEMORY MODULE). RAM also offers different speeds (60 nanosecond or 70 nanosecond), as well as different pin outs (32 or 72).

The best way to make sure you get the right type is to take one of your current RAM modules to the store with you. You can also ask a salesperson about the type of RAM that works with your computer make and model. Finally, you can bring your system into a computer service and repair store and have them install the RAM for you.

FILL OUT THE REGISTRATION FORMS

Yes, it's a hassle to fill out and send in the pesky registration forms that come with almost all computer products, but you should definitely take the time. Registration allows the company to keep in touch with you for upgrades and bug fixes, as well as special deals on related products. In the end, you'll find that filling out the registration form is time well spent.

PREINSTALLED DVD-ROM DRIVE? THINK AHEAD

New PCs with preinstalled DVD-ROM drives have been shipping for several months now. So it's time we issued a warning regarding upgrading these systems. DVD-ROM drives, and the decoder boards that come with them, work in sync with your video graphics card. If you decide down the road to upgrade your video graphics card, it's possible that upgrade might negatively affect your DVD-ROM drive, since all video graphics cards are not compatible with all DVD-ROM products. Read your system's documentation pertaining to your DVD-ROM drive and decoder board for any restrictions on graphics cards.

SORE HANDS OR WRIST? CONSIDER A NEW POINTING DEVICE

If you're suffering from repetitive stress injuries, you first need to consult a doctor. After following his or her recommendations, you might also consider changing your pointing device from a mouse to a trackball or pen device. Different muscles of the hand, wrist, and arm are used with trackball and pen pointers than with a typical mouse--which might ease the strain on your muscles, joints, and tendons.

MATCH YOUR SYSTEM TO "RECOMMENDED" SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Software products usually list both minimum and recommended requirements for successful operation on your PC hardware. The minimum requirements only designate that the software won't crash on that type of configuration. Normally, however, the software will run much slower than intended by the developers at this level.

The recommended requirements tell you the type of system the product was designed to run on, and, if at all possible, your PC should be at the same level. Keep this in mind before you purchase software.

CHOOSE THE THREE-WIRE ELECTRICAL OUTLET

When plugging your computer (or power strip) into an electrical outlet, always choose the three-wire outlet that accepts a three- pronged power cable, instead of a two-wire outlet, if possible.

The three-wire outlets provide the recommended grounding for your computer equipment that the two-wire outlets do not. If your PC isn't grounded, it might suffer from electrical interference, which can negatively affect its proper operation. You can find adapter plugs that use a metal strip to connect the plug to the metal screw holding the outlet cover on the wall, but these metal strips sometimes come undone over time and are nowhere near as good as a proper three-wire outlet.