Until recently, your computer was as dependable as Old
Faithful. Suddenly, the system locks up for no reason,
it's so slow you have time to go for coffee while your
files load, and the ominous "fatal error" message keeps
flashing across the screen. Do you need a new computer?
Probably.
Perhaps your computer works fine, but editors claim
they can't read your stories, you can't install the
latest programs, and the files that people send to you
come out as gibberish. But you just got this computer.
Surely you don't need a new one.
Think again. These days, computers have the shelf life
of cottage cheese. By the time you get used to one
system, a newer model comes out. Software keeps
changing, and so do the storage media on which we save
our files. Anyone remember 5 1/4-inch floppy disks? In
two years, your new system is old. In five years, it's
a dinosaur.
Not fair? I agree, but it's a reality of the writing
business.
If all you want to do on your computer is write, it
doesn't matter how old it is. As long as if keeps
turning out words, terrific. However, today's writers
need to be able to connect with the outside world by
computer. Gone are the days when it didn't matter what
you typed your stories on, as long as the final paper
copy looked good.
I can't remember the last assigned article that I sent
by snail mail. Today, everything happens online by
e-mail. Stories are pitched, accepted, submitted,
edited and proofed on computers. So we have to be up to
date.
How do you know when it's time to replace your
computer? When you can't do what you need or want to do
on the computer you have. Or when you can't concentrate
on your writing because you're afraid your words are
about to disappear.
Before buying a new computer, consider whether simply
upgrading the system you have might do the job. Try
cleaning out excess files to free up more memory. Does
that help? Would installing a new version of the
software you're using bring you up to date? If so, can
your computer run it? Would adding memory or replacing
a key component, such as the processor, motherboard or
hard drive solve the problem? Can you hook up to DSL to
speed your Internet connection?
If you can't answer these questions yourself, ask a
computer technician you trust, ideally someone whose
job is advice and repairs, NOT computer sales.
Most experts agree that if a computer is more than four
years old, it should be replaced. Every component is
likely to be too small, too slow and too old. You'll
have trouble finding parts or software that work on it.
If you need to install more than two major components
or if an upgrade costs more than half the price of a
new unit, it is more cost-effective to buy a new
computer than to upgrade the one you have.
Computers are cheaper than they used to be. For $1,000
or less, you can get a computer, monitor, CD burner,
DVD player, printer, scanner and more. But you may not
need all that. If your monitor, printer and other
peripherals are okay, you only need to buy the central
processing unit, the brains of the computer, which will
bring the price down. Stick with the same operating
system, i.e, MAC or PC, and everything should fit
together fine. The new computer will look and act like
the old one only better.
Expect to spend a day or two setting up the new
equipment, installing programs, organizing your desktop
and trying out new features. Planning ahead will make
it faster and easier.
First, don't wait until your old computer dies in the
middle of a story, taking your words with it. Schedule
the transition for a slow time, perhaps a weekend or
holiday or after your editor has accepted the final
draft of a big project.
Prepare by backing up all of the files and programs
you're going to need from your current computer onto
floppies, CDs or a zip drive. Don't forget to preserve
your e-mail addresses and favorite Internet sites.
Make sure you have all the parts you need before you
unplug anything on the old system. Will your old
keyboard and mouse plug into the new computer, or do
you need to buy an adapter? Do you need a new printer
cable? Do not assume they will be in the box, and don't
wait until all the stores are closed to discover
something is missing.
When you do start unplugging, take the time to label
each cable and phone line with masking tape or a
Post-It note. This simple step will save you
considerable grief and confusion.
Allow yourself time to deal with glitches--the mouse
doesn't work!--and to familiarize yourself with the new
computer. Even within the same brand, things change,
from where the on/off button is located to how things
look on the screen. Read the manual, customize the
display and organize your files the way you like them,
so that when it's time for your next writing session,
you're ready to think about words instead of computer
parts.
It's hard to give up a computer that has become an old
friend, but your investment will soon pay for itself in
the burst of enthusiasm inspired by all the new things
you can do with your new computer and the confidence
that you can trust it to take good care of your
precious words.
Final note: Your old computer can and should be
recycled. Don't just throw it away. And make sure all
incriminating files are removed.
Copyright 2005 Sue Fagalde Lick
About the Author: SUE FAGALDE LICK is a former newspaper editor turned full-time freelance writer. She has published four books, countless articles and many poems and stories. She teaches writing workshops online and at Oregon Coast Community College. Visit her web site at http://www.suelick.com.
Is It Time for a New Computer?
