This week, a reader writes:

I have a computer that is several years old. My kids would like to use it to play games and such but it either won’t run the programs or it just doesn’t run them well. So my question is, is it more cost effective to upgrade my current machine or just purchase another one? If I just purchase another one, what can I do with the old one? When does someone just need to make the decision to do away with the old to get the new? And, how can I do either one without spending a lot of money?

I’m typically rather conservative with my clients when it comes to upgrading. The first question I ask is, “What does your computer not do that you want it to do?” In your particular case, you have software that requires more “oomph.” I’m lacking some important details about your situation - the processor, memory, hard drive capacity and operating system in your computer - but I’ll give you an overview of what you should be looking for when you are considering a decision between an upgrade or a new computer.

First, there must be a reason that the computer won’t run your software. Does it provide an error message when you try to install or run it? Does it offer any suggestions? If so, that will be helpful in determining what will be necessary. For instance, the software might fail to run saying that your “display adapter” needs to be set at a different resolution. If so, try changing those settings before giving up or spending money. On the other hand, if the software specifically identifies an insufficient level of memory or free hard disk space, at least you’ve found the issue.

Does the software run without errors, but too slowly? Check to see if your computer is trying to run a lot of other programs. Look down by your computer’s clock. If there are a lot of tiny icons down there, those typically represent programs that are started every time you launch your computer and log in, whether you’re using the programs or not. Try closing several of them and see if that improves performance. If so, try telling them not to run when Windows starts. If you’re not sure how, try right-clicking each icon and looking for “options,” “preferences” or “settings.”

If the software won’t run because your operating system is too old, you’ll need to determine if your computer is capable of running a newer operating system. If you’re already running any flavor of Windows XP, this is most likely not your issue.

Let me interject: Even now, after Windows Vista has been on the market for almost 16 months and has seen its first major “service pack,” I don’t recommend that people “upgrade” to it. Windows Vista requires a lot of horsepower to run, and I’ve met only a few people who have enjoyed their “Vista experience.” Stick with Windows XP for as long as you are able to purchase it. You’ll be happier for it.

All versions of Windows love memory. If you don’t have at least 256MB of memory, you need more. Fortunately, this is not an expensive upgrade, and it’s very easy to install. I recommend a minimum 512MB of memory for Windows XP, and more if your wallet and your motherboard can handle it. Double that for Vista.

There are certainly other considerations, such as your processor, your hard drive, your optical device (CD or DVD drive) and your video card. I’ll tackle these other upgrade options in next week’s edition.

Kevin McDonald: Writer and professional computer/network administrator. He lives in Amarillo with his wife and children, and owns and operates Definition Computers. E-mail Kevin at askthegeek@definitioncomputers.com with questions you’d like to see answered in this column.

(This article was originally published in the Amarillo Independent newspaper.)