Can you justify buying a new computer? It's a question we've all asked ourselves, and we've often explained how you can extend an ageing PC's lifespan. By and large, this strategy can deal only with the clutter that accumulates on an ageing computer. Eventually, however, the operating system or software you rely on will need an update that your PC's specifications can't handle. At that point, your only option is a new machine, so it pays to plan for such an eventuality. And if you know for sure your PC is starting to struggle, you can keep an eye out for bargains over the coming months, rather than being forced to buy whatever you find when the problem arises. That's where the free software CPU-Z comes into its own. It reveals details of your machine's components, so you can compare them to the requirements of the software you want to run. It has just been updated (to version 2.0) with support for a range of new processors. These chips will soon become widely used and software developers will increasingly target them with future releases. Knowing how your machine compares will help you gauge how much longer it might last.
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