The document discusses upgrading hardware and software for improved performance, security, productivity and reduced costs. It provides examples of upgrading RAM, hard drives, processors and BIOS for various desktop PCs, all-in-ones, and a server at Smith's firm. It also discusses upgrading operating systems, databases, antivirus software, office software, and other programs through updates and paid upgrades. The goals are to keep systems running optimally with new technologies and address compatibility issues with newer hardware.

1. HARDWARE
&
SOFTWARE

2. DANIELA POPESCU
HNDCSD Level 4
Batch 2
Computer Systems

3. UPGRADE
process of increasing the
system’s performance
and be up to date with new
technologies
on minimum costs

4. Why UPGRADING ?

5. Security
• Protection against threats: viruses, theft,
hackers, natural disasters
• Old software are much more vulnerable
Productivity & Efficiency
• More tasks in less time
• More quality
Decrease costs
• Upgrading a hardware/software component
means less costs than replacing the system

6. Tasks to be done BEFORE UPGRADING
• Uninstall unused programs, Remove
temporary files, cookies etc
• Remove viruses, spyware, malware
• Defragmenting harddisk

9. UPGRADING HARDWARE
• RAM
• HARD DRIVE
• PROCESSOR
• KEYBOARD
• MOUSE
• PRINTER

10. MORE RAM BETTER MULTI-TASKING
2Gb Regular user (MOffice, Internet
browsing)
3-4Gb Power user (Multitasking)
>4Gb
Power user with a Virtual Machine or
do heavy audio/video/image editing
 has to consider 64-bit version of OS
 32-bit cannot use more than 4Gb

11. WHEN TO UPGRADE RAM?
• when using more applications simultaneously
and the PC is slow

12. Smith’s firm
RAM upgrading
Memory
installed
Memory
upgrade
Reason
Desktop PC’s
All-in-one
Server
4GB
4GB
12GB
6GB
6GB
16GB
• New software in HR
department
• Upgrading the
programs for editing
image/video
• Growing the business,
bigger number of
computers

13. HARD DRIVE
Faster hard drive means faster PC
Faster spin means faster data read and write
SSD (solid state drive) is faster
Adding a new hard drive instead of replacing the
older one

14. Smith’s firm
HDD upgrading
HDD
installed
New HDD added
Desktop PC’s
All-in-one
Server
500GB
1TB
2TB
500GB
N/A
N/A

15. PROCESSOR
Faster CPU means faster PC
Replacing is difficult, approach with caution
Number of cores and speed, compatibility with
motherboard
After replacing CPU it need to run a hardware
identification utility like Sandra, CPU-Z – check if
CPU runs at its correct clock rate
Before replacing CPU is important to upgrade BIOS
– motherboard will recognize the CPU

16. Smith’s firm
CPU upgrading
CPU
installed
New CPU
Desktop PC’s
All-in-one
Server
Intel® Core™ i3
3.4GHz dual core
Intel® Core™ i5
3.1GHz Quad Core
3rd Generation Intel®
Core™ i5 Quad core
Intel® Core™ i5
3.1GHz Quad Core
No need
No need

17. BIOS UPGRADE is necessary to update the system to
accept a new hardware part or to fix a bug
Here is the BIOS Version

18. SOFTWARE UPGRADE or UPDATE
Reasons:
Old programs are not compatible with newer
hardware components
New programs have more and improved features
and capabilities
Best technical and professional support thanks to
the skilled resources available for newer versions

19. Update is a free program:
• fixes issues with the software
• adds more hardware support
Upgrades are not free:
• add additional features to your
software product
UPDATE vs. UPGRADE

20. Operating
System
Genuine Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit x/SP1 – all
PCs
Windows 8 for
All-in-one
Windows Server 2011 Premium - server Windows Server
2012
Database Microsoft SQL Server 2013 Update
Account Sage Instant Accounts 2013 Update
Antivirus Bitdefender Total Security 2013 – Desktop PCs Upgrade 2014
Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 - 3 User – will
allow upgrade to 2014 edition – All-in-one
Upgrade 2014
Esset Smart Security 5 - server Upgrade
Office
software
Microsoft Office 2010 MOLP Update
Adobe Acrobat XI PRO Update
Law
software
Amicus Attorney Small Firm Classic Edition Update
Express Dictate Digital Dictation Software Update
Backup
software
Redo Backup and Recovery
FBackup
Upgrade

21. Audio/video
editing software
Corel VideoStudio Pro X6
Updates &
Upgrade some
VideoPad Video Editor
Prism Video Converter
Debut Video Capture
Express Burn Disc Burning
WavePad Audio Editing
MixPad Multitrack Recording
Switch MP3 Converter
Presentation PhotoStage Slideshow
Video
conference
RealPresence Cloud AXIS Suite
File Archiver Express Zip File Compression
IP surveillance
software
D-ViewCam Standard Video Management
Software (VMS)