Chapter 18. The Big Switch: Upgrading to a New Computer

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Choosing the right PC for your needs

• Where to buy

• Migrating your old files and settings to your new PC

• Getting rid of your old PC

Sometimes it's just not worth it to upgrade your old PC. Either the thing is too old to upgrade properly or too messed up to get straight. Or, more likely, you do the math and discover that it will cost less to buy a whole new machine than it would to upgrade your old one.

Whatever your motivation, every few years you'll find yourself upgrading your personal computer. When PC fever hits your household, you need to find the right system for your particular needs and then figure out how to get all your old files over to the new machine.

The good news is that new PCs even top-of-the-line models are a lot less expensive than when you bought your last unit. The bad news is…well, there isn't a lot of bad news. Buying a new PC is a lot less painful than it used to be, as is the process of transferring all your old files and settings. In fact, the biggest challenge for most users is what to do with the old machine!