Assembling a PC first-aid kit

When it comes to computers, there's really only one certainty: at some point, difference between being trouble will strike. The only question is whether you'll be ready.

If either your livelihood or your sanity depends upon having a computer up and running when you need it, you owe it to yourself to have on hand the parts you need to get your machine back up to speed as quickly as possible once trouble does occur.

Here's a rundown of some items that could mean the difference between being without your PC for a week or more and being back in business in no time flat.

Speed up your PC

Getting rid of unwanted programs is not an easy task, since it’s all too easy to wind up with system full of free or low-cost software that seemed necessary and useful at the time but ended up being more of a nuisance than a gift.

And it can, at times, seem almost impossible to prevent applications you need from installing all kinds of" helper" applications that slow down your bootup process and increase overall system sluggishness.

Luckily, among the many free applications out there are some that can help restore your PC to the zippy state it was in when you first brought it home.

CPU Details

Thinking of upgrading your computer's central  processing unit (CPU) ? Take the guesswork out of finding out which CPU is compatible with your current computer by visiting CPU upgrade.com (http://www.cpu-upgrade.com). The site provides information on exactly which processors your motherboard supports. You can conduct searches by motherboard or by CPU, and links take you to more information about individual processors.