How to... upgrade to a new computer

By DAVID PHELAN
Updated:


If the sales are tempting you to trade up your computer, how do you choose its replacement?

If you use it for emails, word processing and online shopping, you won't require huge computing power, so you shouldn't need to spend too much, but, if you like playing video games, you'll need something with lots of memory and decent graphical capabilities.

If your desktop is in another room from the rest of the family, why not switch to a notebook so you can check Facebook on your lap as you watch TV? 

Upgrade: Try a netbook if you just need something for online shopping; but if you like video games, you'll need something with lots of memory

Upgrade: Try a netbook if you just need something for online shopping; but if you like video games, you'll need something with lots of memory

For something super-portable, consider a netbook, a light, small-screened computer - but it doesn't have a CD or DVD drive.

If the sales offer appealing prices on computers using Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system, steer clear, as it is slow.

The new version - Windows 7 - is far better. Only buy a Vista PC if it's capable of being upgraded to Windows 7, and the upgrade won't cost as much as you've saved. 

Look out for Sony, Toshiba, HP and Dell. The Nokia Booklet 3G is a gorgeous netbook with built-in data connection over the mobile phone network. 

GADGET UPDATE

Up to 25 matches of the World Cup 2010 in South Africa will be filmed by Sony's 3D cameras. Trailers will be screened at FIFA centres across the world - including London - before being released on Blu-ray disc

Macs are stylish, powerful and a joy to use. There's a helpful guide to the differences between Windows PCs and Macs at www.apple.com/uk/support/switch101.

Once you have made your choice, you'll need to transfer your data from your old computer.

If it has a recordable CD drive, copying all your documents and photos to disc is simple, but if you store your music digitally, you'll need recordable DVDs or a removable hard drive.

The Western Digital My Passport 320GB hard drive costs £54.99 from amazon.co.uk and is easy to use. And once you've transferred everything you can use it to keep regular back-ups, too.

Windows Easy Transfer is a program in Windows 7 that takes charge of what to move, though it doesn't copy programs over - you need to re-install these on the new machine. you'll also need a USB cable to connect the computers. 

DID YOU KNOW THERE'S A GIZMO FOR... CUTTING FUEL BILLS

If you're trying to reduce your utilities bills, the ENVI Energy Monitor can help, as it monitors the overall energy consumption of your home.

Connect the transmitter and sensor to the mains, and it will wirelessly send the data to the main monitor screen, which will store it for up to seven years. The display shows the energy used in watts, the cost, and the time of day you have been consuming the most energy.

£39.95, smarterproducts.co.uk


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