3. Some Upgrades

Software Upgrades

Normally, when we think of notebook upgrades, hardware replacements come to mind - namely, more storage space, more memory, more CPU power. But something as simple as a software upgrade can also be a boon to an aging notebook and is worth pondering. In particular, older versions of Windows are excellent candidates for an upgrade - from Windows 98 to XP Home, or Windows NT/2000 to Windows XP Professional, or perhaps even a plan to migrate to Windows Vista.

The trick here, of course, is to meet the minimum CPU, RAM and disk space requirements for your upgrade target. For more in-depth information about OS upgrades, see Windows maven Paul Thurrott's SuperSite, which provides excellent coverage.

BIOS upgrades are another consideration but best left to experienced hands. One subtle slip-up could spell disaster for your notebook and limit or cripple its usefulness. Check your vendor's Website for details on the latest BIOS upgrades and be honest when you ask yourself if the chance at a few small (perhaps unnoticeable) improvements from such an upgrade are worth the trouble that might also follow in its wake.