Do you need a new PC for the latest software? Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that! Targeted upgrading also makes older computers fit for new programs.
New software usually brings additional functions that require more computing power. But even if your PC is around five years old, that doesn’t mean you absolutely need a new one. Some programs are very modest, even in current versions, when it comes to hardware performance requirements.
For others, it is sufficient to upgrade the device with simple and inexpensive measures such as additional RAM. But sometimes that is no longer enough: Then you have to think about a new acquisition. Using selected examples, we will show you which current programs do not cause problems on an older computer, when a targeted upgrade is sufficient and where you cannot avoid a comprehensive upgrade or a new purchase.
Table of Contents
Upgrading to Windows 10: Not very hardware hungry
Many programs require an up-to-date operating system as a basis so that you can use all functions optimally or can be installed at all. In most cases, that means you need to switch from Windows 7 to Windows 10.
Although Windows 10 comes with a great range of functions, it is a relatively frugal operating system when it comes to the performance requirements for the hardware. The PC should have at least two gigabytes of RAM, a CPU with one gigahertz clock rate, and 16 gigabytes of free storage space for the 32-bit version and 64 gigabytes for the 64-bit version.
But since Microsoft Windows 10 has been expanded to include additional functions through regular updates, it is advisable to calculate a few more storage space. The graphics solution in the computer should support at least the Microsoft graphics interface DirectX 9. It does not matter whether you use the integrated graphics unit of the processor or an additional graphics card.
These modest demands mean that even PCs and notebooks around 10 years old should be able to cope with Windows 10, provided that the computers weren’t cheap entry-level models back then.
A general tip for more computing power applies regardless of the minimum Windows requirements: Install the operating system on an SSD instead of a hard drive. Windows works exceptionally quickly, loading times are shortened, and the startup process is also accelerated.
Computers weren’t even cheap entry-level models back then. A general tip for more computing power applies regardless of the minimum Windows requirements: Install the operating system on an SSD instead of a hard drive. Because Windows works exceptionally quickly, loading times are shortened, and the startup process is also accelerated.
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Get your PC ready for Microsoft Office 2019
A new version of Microsoft Office has been available since October 2018. The Office 2019 version can only be installed on PCs with Windows 10; older versions of the operating system are no longer supported. The Office package includes Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, which have now been brought up to date, and a few other tools.
There are now text-to-speech functions, improved drawing functions, and visual animations such as 3D models for PowerPoint. Therefore, the requirements on the hardware have increased somewhat. The following information is the official minimum requirement – more robust components and more memory are always better so that the programs run faster.
What you need: For Office 2019, the RAM for the 64-bit version should be at least four gigabytes; for the 32-bit version, just two gigabytes are sufficient – but we generally recommend at least the former. Furthermore, a processor must be installed with at least two processing cores and offers a clock rate of 1.6 gigahertz.
For Office to use the hardware acceleration of the graphics card, which incidentally also ensures faster processing of effects, the graphics solution must support at least DirectX 9. The office suite requires at least four gigabytes of free space on the hard drive.
As for all production applications, we recommend installing the new Office version on an SSD. If there is an HDD hard drive in your PC or notebook, there is a need for conversion. The main memory also plays a significant role because it should not be smaller than four gigabytes; we recommend double the amount for everyday use. Because of the RAM is too small, the data is transferred to a virtual main memory that Windows creates on the hard drive.
When upgrading the memory, make sure that the new RAM bar has the same DDR memory type as your currently installed memory. You can find out which type is in your system using the free CPU-Z software in the “Memory” tab. in the upper area under “General” and “Type”.
We also recommend completely replacing existing memory with insufficient capacity instead of expanding it, as the memory kits are coordinated with one another and run more stably. Install SSD. If there is an HDD hard drive in your PC or notebook, there is a need for conversion.
The main memory also plays a significant role because it should not be smaller than four gigabytes; we recommend double the amount for everyday use. Because a too small RAM causes the data to be transferred to a virtual main memory that Windows creates on the hard disk.
When upgrading the memory, make sure that the new RAM bar has the same DDR memory type as your currently installed memory. You can find out which type is in your system using the free CPU-Z software in the “Memory” tab, in the upper area under “General” and “Type.” We also recommend completely replacing existing memory with insufficient capacity instead of expanding it, as the memory kits are coordinated with one another and run more stably.
That’s what it costs: A new SSD with a not too tight 250-gigabyte capacity is currently available for around 50 euros. This is a SATA SSD, the speed of which is entirely sufficient for the purpose. So you have enough space for Windows 10 and Office 2019, more extensive projects, and outsourcing the data.
Eight gigabytes of DDR3 RAM cost around 40 euros, DDR4 memory with the exact capacity costs just under 60 euros. In total, you don’t have to spend more than 100 euros on new hardware. SSDs with a not too tight 250-gigabyte capacity is currently available from around 50 euros.
This is a SATA SSD, the speed of which is entirely sufficient for the purpose. So you have enough space for Windows 10 and Office 2019, more extensive projects, and outsourcing the data. Eight gigabytes of DDR3 RAM cost around 40 euros, DDR4 memory with the exact capacity costs just under 60 euros. In total, you don’t have to spend more than 100 euros on new hardware.
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Virtual PCs:
Virtual PCs are simulated computers that run on a real PC (the host system): They are primarily used by software developers who, for example, can use them to test new programs or functions in an environment that is isolated from the production system.
But virtual machines also offer interesting uses for private users: By separating the virtual and real PC, malware and other malicious programs that you may have caught cannot spread to the virtual computer and vice versa: This is why you can use the virtual PC without security risk, for example Do online banking or install programs downloaded from untrustworthy sources.
Spanning computers and vice versa: This is why you can, for example, carry out online banking or install programs that you have downloaded from untrustworthy sources on the virtual PC without any security risk. In addition, other operating systems can be installed and tried out in VMs.
What you need: We recommend at least a processor with four cores, but not necessarily with eight threads (i.e., hyperthreading), even if it doesn’t do any harm, of course. Ideally, you should assign at least two processor cores to the virtual machine not to run too slowly. On the other hand, you don’t have to attach great importance to high clock rates. In addition, the VM should be run on an SSD, which ensures faster reaction and loading times.
The capacity of the main memory must also be checked. Because VMs, like actual PCs, also need RAM to outsource data. Depending on the intended use of the virtual machine, you should assign two to four gigabytes to it. Since the rest of the system also needs RAM simultaneously, we recommend a total of eight to 16 gigabytes of RAM.
The graphics card does not play a significant role in VMs, because too much performance falls by the wayside due to the virtual connection. SSD, which ensures faster response and loading times. The capacity of the main memory must also be checked.
Because VMs, like actual PCs, also need RAM to outsource data. Depending on the intended use of the virtual machine, you should assign two to four gigabytes to it. Since the rest of the system also needs RAM at the same time , a total of eight to 16 gigabytes of RAM is recommended. The graphics card does not play a critical role in VMs, because too much performance falls by the wayside due to the virtual connection.
That’s what it costs: A 16 GB DDR4 kit costs around 130 euros, but this varies a little depending on the memory type. An SSD with 250 gigabytes of capacity costs 50 euros. The total investment here would be almost 200 euros, provided the components of your old computer are not too slow. SSD with 250 gigabytes of capacity costs 50 euros. The total investment here would be almost 200 euros, provided the components of your old computer are not too slow.
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Retrofitting WLAN: Bring the PC to the faster wireless network
Retrofitting the PC with a fast WLAN ac card is comparatively uncomplicated. Of course, you could make it even more convenient and buy a USB WLAN stick. Still, in terms of range, it is usually inferior to the internal wireless network cards because the latter comes with a better external antenna. Retrofitting is only a bit more complex in the notebook – the USB stick is the simpler alternative here.
What you need: The WLAN card is connected via a free PCI Express connection on the motherboard. There you plug in the WLAN module – an additional power connection is not necessary. A small x1 interface, which should be available on most motherboards, is sufficient.
When buying, you have to decide whether you want to install a model on which one or more antennas are directly mounted, or a wired variant set up flexibly. The first model saves laying unsightly connection cables, but if the back of the computer is now against a wall, this can limit the reception – in this case, the second variant is better.
The back of the laptop is directly against a wall; this can restrict reception – in this case, the second variant is better.
To get full speed and functionality, install the official manufacturer driver. If none is made available, Windows will take over the installation thanks to Plug & Play.
What it costs: A powerful WLAN card like the Asus PCE-AC88 AC3100 for internal installation and with external antennas costs around 85 euros.
