Make the Plunge
Upgrading the components of a desktop PC isn't a difficult job for anyone who's handy with a screwdriver. Even if you're not, we'd be willing to bet that your child will be happy to help out dear old Mom or Dad. Admit it: Your son or daughter probably knows a lot more about computers than you do. Plus, most manufacturers provide good instructions for upgrade procedures. You can also find tips in our Step-By-Step columns, which concentrate on the details of PC upgrades.
We've split our primer on upgrades into two sections. The first details a no-holds-barred, all-out PC upgrade using the best components. The brief second section provides a list of components for a budget upgrade that will get that older PC up to snuff for a student's basic computing tasks--writing papers, surfing the Internet, and exchanging e-mail and instant messages.
One caveat: Going the ultimate route could end up costing more than an off-the-shelf new PC, but it will be a more-capable system, and it will be custom-designed for your child. How many other students will have that?
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