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When it comes to increasing the performance of a computer, there are two main categories to think about: Physical Hardware Performance and Software Performance. Hardware UpgradesIncreasing your computer's performance using hardware means upgrading by either adding more hardware or replacing low performance hardware with high performance hardware. When it comes to hardware, Sandstorm offers three types of hardware upgrade services. 1. Memory Upgrade:  Computer memory, also referred to as Random Access Memory (RAM), determines how many applications you can run simultaneously and also factors into how fast you can run an application. Computers used to be fine with 512MB of memory, but today's Windows XP computers should have 2GB of memory for normal usage and 3GB of memory or more for heavy usage. Windows Vista machines should have 3GB of memory for normal usage and 4GB of memory or more for heavy usage.
You can find out how much memory your computer contains by clicking the start button, then right-clicking My Computer and selecting the properties button. If you find that your computer does not have the optimal amount of memory, then it may be time for an upgrade. Give us a call and a Sandstorm technician will work with you to determine your computer's maximum amount of memory capacity and can order you more regular performance or high performance memory if you wish. We'll then go down to your home or office and install it for you! Related Service: Memory Ordering and Installation 2. Video Card Upgrade:  Most retail computers come with on-board graphics processors built into the motherboard. A graphics card is separate piece of hardware that plugs into the motherboard and extends out of the back of the computer case. Most computers are fine with on-board graphics, but a graphics card will allow you to do more with your computer. Some advantages of having a graphics card include:
- Faster gaming performance and better graphics.
- The ability to plug in newer monitors that require DVI connectors.
- The ability to plug in two monitors so that you can have more screen space to do more work.
- The ability to duplicate what you see on your computer monitor onto a television set using an S-Video cable. This is a great feature for watching movies that are on your computer on a big-screen TV.
Graphics cards can also be used in place of on-board graphics if your on-board graphics processor ever failed. If you are interested in installing an after market graphics card into your computer give us a call. We'll work with you to determine the correct card for your computer and your needs. We'll also order it for you and install it when it comes in. Related Service: Video Card Ordering and Installation 3. Hard Drive Upgrade:  Hard drives come in various types, capacities, and speeds. A hard drive upgrade is not going to give you as big of a performance boost as a memory upgrade, but there are times when it can make a huge impact. There are basically three reasons you'd want to add another hard drive to your computer.
1. More Capacity: This is the main reason people like to install extra hard drives in their machines. More capacity means more storage space for your data. This is an excellent solution for people who like to store a lot of pictures, videos, and/or burn DVD movies onto their computers. If this is why you want an extra hard drive, we'd suggest a drive with 500GB or more storage space. 2. Data Backup: Adding an extra hard drive means you have another place to copy your data to. So if one hard drive fails or you accidently delete some of your important data off of it, you can always recover it from the second hard drive if you backed it up. We'd suggest using a hard drive anywhere between 40GB to 500GB for this purpose depending on how much data you'd like to backup. Another, and possibly better, solution for backing up data is an external hard drive which we can also help you with. 3. Higher Speeds: Not too many people want hard drives for this reason, but if you want the fastest system you can get, this is a perfectly logical solution. Using a hard drive for this reason means making the new faster hard drive your main drive which holds the operating system and program files and using the old drive for storage. It may sound a little bit confusing, but we are here to help. Give us a call and we'll help you figure out what you need and take care of everything from ordering to installation.
Related Service: Hard Drive Ordering and Installation Software Optimization and Maintenance
Increasing your computer's performance via software means tweaking Windows settings, keeping your computer clear of junk files, removing or disabling startup software that can bog down your system, and keeping the fragmentation level of your hard drive low. Sandstorm offers two services that can increase your computer's performance without having to change your hardware. 1. Essential Security Setup and Optimization The Essential Security Setup and Optimization is a great service for new computers and old computers alike. But it is best to get it done when you are setting up your new computer. The first part of the service involves installing any security software you purchased with your PC. If you did not purchase any security software that is okay. We will install some of the best free software for anti-virus, anti-spyware, and internet security. The second part of the service is an in-depth process of removing useless software that may have either come with the computer, or you may have picked it up later. We also optimize your computer's performance by disabling operating system options that bog down your computer and removing unnecessary startup and background options. Finally, we will make sure your computer has the latest updates and set it to automatically update in order to always keep your computer secure. This service ensure that your computer is secure and increases its performance by making the operating system more efficient and less cluttered. Related Service: Essential Security Setup and Optimization 2. PC Tuneup and Cleaning The PC Tuneup and Cleaning service is a great service for computers that are at least three months old. In order to keep your computer running at full speed, it is suggested that you get it tuned up and cleaned out every three months. Not only will regular tuneups and cleaning keep your computer running fast, it will also increase the life expectancy of your computer and allow you to catch small problems before they turn into big problems. It is important to keep the inside of your computer's case clean and free of dirt buildup. Dirt buildup in computers can reduce the airflow into your computer and cause fans to get clogged up. When this happens your computer runs hotter and then fans need to use more power in order to keep spinning at a fast speed to cool down the PC. Warm temperatures decrease the lifetime of a computer and if your computer gets too hot, it could result in hardware failure and permanent damage. Clogged fans will request more energy from your computers power supply in order to keep up its high RPMs. This decreases the lifetime of the power supply and fans and can run up your electricity bill. Keeping your PC tuned means cleaning out a lot of files that your computer generates over time, keeping startup and background processes under control, and keeping down your computer's fragmentation level. When Sandstorm performs a PC tuneup and cleaning, we do a thorough job to make sure your computer is performing well and healthy. We check to make sure there is nothing wrong with the hardware and will always give you advice to help you keep your computer running strong. Related Service: PC Tuneup and Cleaning
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