With computer hardware, an upgrade is a term that describes adding new hardware in a computer that improves its performance. For example, with a hardware upgrade, you could replace your hard drive with an SSD or upgrade the RAM, providing a boost in performance and efficiency.
Advantages of a hardware upgrade
Performance increase, which makes the overall computer run faster and more smoothly.
Capacity increase. For example, adding a larger hard drive allows the computer to store more information. Adding more memory increases the computers ability to run more programs efficiently.
It may be necessary to upgrade the computer to meet a program or games system requirements.
How to install computer hardware.
Disadvantages of a hardware upgrade
Although the benefits always outweigh the disadvantages of a hardware upgrade, it’s still worth noting the following disadvantages of doing hardware upgrades.
Advantages of a hardware upgrade.
Disadvantages of a hardware upgrade.
What is a software upgrade?
Differences between software upgrades and updates.
Benefits of a software upgrade.
Risks of not doing a software upgrade.
How can I upgrade my computer system?
Related information.
Damage during install. It’s possible, if not done correctly (e.g., not taking ESD precautions) or using to much force, you may damage the new hardware during the upgrade.
When upgrading major computer components, such as a hard drive or motherboard, you may need to reinstall all your software, a significant time investment.
What is a software upgrade?
When referring to software, a software upgrade refers to any major upgrade to the software that adds significant or completely new changes to the program. An example of a software upgrade is upgrading your version of Windows. For example, if you had Microsoft Windows XP and upgraded to Windows 7, it would be considered a software upgrade.
Differences between software upgrades and updates
An update and upgrade are two different things. Updates are usually free and often very small. An upgrade is usually not free and much larger. For example, if you have Windows XP and want Windows 7 you would “upgrade” to Windows 7. However, if you had Windows 7 and needed to install fixes for security vulnerabilities or other problems you would “update” Windows. See the update definition for information on this term.
Benefits of a software upgrade
- New features not available or found in previous versions.
- Often, the new version of a program has better stability and increased performance.
- Support for newer computer hardware.
- After so long, an older software program will be discontinued and often no longer supported.
Risks of not doing a software upgrade
Almost all software developers release small software updates to help keep a program secure and stable. If the program is successful the company may release a software upgrade, a new version of the program. After releasing a new upgrade, the previous versions eventually reaches EOL (end of life) and stops being supported. For most software programs, this is not a problem as long as you no longer need support from the developer. However, for operating systems and software programs that could have potential security vulnerabilities, not upgrading may leave your computer vulnerable to attacks.
Some software upgrades are not free. However, most software updates are small and often free because they fix bugs with a program.
How can I upgrade my computer system?
Upgrading the computer all depends on the type of computer you have and what you hope to achieve with the upgrade. For example, the most common upgrade to a computer is upgrading the computer memory to achieve better performance and greater memory capacity.
Expansion, Hardware, Hardware terms, Security terms, Software, Software terms
Related information
- Should I upgrade or buy a new computer?
- What can I upgrade in a laptop?
- What should I consider when upgrading my computer CPU?
- How often should I buy a new computer?
- Computer security help and support.
