This issue of Tech Team: In the Trenches helps you with that inevitable question - what to do with your old computer. We'll also help you choose a back-up power supply system to keep your computer running when storms and other interruptions are brewing.

Is it time to Upgrade?
It seems like only a couple years since I bought my computer with Windows 98 (life expectance of a computer now is about 3 years). I spent $3,000 for it. I thought it would be the last computer I would ever have to buy. That was January 1999. Now, almost five years later, the computer is running slow, I'm having problems with it shutting down… is it time to upgrade?

Cool Tools: Backup Power Supplies
Lightening strikes, power spikes, brown outs and other power anomalies can occur at any time, putting your entire computer system and valuable data at risk. Surge suppressors and battery backups can ensure that your equipment is protected, but only the UPS battery backup systems will give you the time you need to save those documents you were working on when the system was hit. Here are three UPS backup power supply systems that could save the day for you:

• Belkin Universal UPS 1000 VA Emergency Battery Backup with AVR
• APC Back-UPS LS 500 Clear
• CyberPower™ 825VA UPS (CPS825AVR)

Live Chat is Here!
Now, in addition to calling our analysts for assistance, you can simply click on a link and start a real-time text messaging (chat) session. Chat is a great tool to use when you're online and you:

• have a general question
• need an analyst to help you find a file
• want help using a function in your browser, software or desktop
• and much, much more!