Most computers these days can be upgraded with additional memory, faster hard drives, and new or alternative operating systems. Don’t be too quick to abandon a potentially useful desktop or notebook with a life expectancy of up to ten years.

Consider migrating to a Linux operating system like Mint or Ubuntu, the software is free, and the features, advantages, and benefits are remarkably similar to Windows without having to pay for office applications, multimedia or graphics software.

Unless you’re into the latest and greatest video game, virtual reality or 3D rendering your older computer still can browse the Internet, check email, word process or stream audio and video like a champ with a few updates for roughly half the cost of a new one.