Last week, a reader wanted to know how to tell when upgrading an older computer is worth the cost versus buying a new one altogether. This week I promised to discuss other upgrade options, so here we go.

If all you’re lacking is a CD or DVD burner, or DVD data/movie capability, take heart: You can buy a DVD burner that reads and writes to both DVDs and CDs, and it won’t cost you more than about $30-$50, if you know where to look and do it yourself. Installing one is easy, and it’s usually just a matter of removing your old CD drive and putting the new one in its place, then installing some software.

Processors (CPUs) are a bit trickier to upgrade. First, you’ll need to determine what kind of processor you have and the type of “socket” it is in. Then you’ll have to determine what the fastest processor of that type your motherboard is compatible with. Then you need to see if you can still purchase a processor of that type, as stocks usually run dry quickly for out-of-date parts like this. Swapping out a processor can be physically challenging. You must remove the fan and heat sink that is keeping your current processor cool, remove the processor from the board, then put on the new processor, some heat-transfer paste and a nice new cooling fan. You might find older ones cheap.

If you like to play the latest games, you certainly need a good bit of memory and a quick processor, but you’ll absolutely need a good video card. A modern video card doesn’t just paint pictures on your monitor, it also can do a considerable amount of the processing that normally your CPU might do, such as decoding DVDs and doing advanced algorithms to draw smooth 3D shapes. You can get great, but slightly older video cards for an older PC. I recently ordered one for about $35 from www.newegg.com.

If you’re running low on space, you can either add an additional hard drive, or just replace the one that is in there. This can be time consuming and technical if you want to keep all your existing data and just end up with more space. Consult a pro if you’re in doubt. You should be able to at least double your space for $50-$150.

Finally, this is what I tell lots of people who are looking for an upgrade: Consider just wiping out your hard drive and reloading everything. Your computer shouldn’t be any slower now than it was when you first purchased it – at least, not doing the things you were doing originally. If it is, it might be time to start fresh, without the years of accumulated detritus that litters your hard drive and the ghosts of former programs lurking about. If you can’t do it yourself, any professional worth his or her salt should be able to. Be sure you have a good, verified backup of all your data, including your address books, email accounts, web “Favorites,” financial software files, music and software that you’ve purchased and downloaded, etc.

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[Author's Note: "Ask the Geek" is published weekly in the Stratford Star - the penultimate reading experience for residents of Stratford, Texas, population 1,920. It is posted on WritersCafe.net for posterity. Feel free to comment, but I can't promise you'll make the Star.]