At this time of year, many people ask about the right computer to buy — the Consumer Electronics Association reports that laptops are at the top of the wish list for electronics aficionados this holiday season. But, assuming you’re gifting yourself and not another, sometimes the right answer is not to buy a new computer.
If your Toyota’s running sluggish, a tune-up might be in order. Same with a sluggish PC. Of course, there are old computers, and then there are old computers. The best maintenance can’t fix a dated processor, limited memory or inadequate storage capacity. But for computers that ran well a year or six months ago and have since bogged down, a spring (or in this case, winter) cleaning may speed up the machine.
One option I’ve come across (there are many available) is from Symantec, the PC security people, who sell Norton branded products. To promote its paid services, the company is offering a free “NortonLive PC Checkup” for Windows computers that assesses basics like the processor’s speed and performance and notes any issues, including those involving security.
Of course, that’s a teaser, but Symantec will sell PC owners a full tune-up for about $40 — which they say is close to half off the usual price — in which a technician will reach into the machine (remotely) and analyze and repair problems. The deal is good until Jan. 4. Granted, there’s not much sex appeal in that gift, but it might save you enough money for a mini-spree at Saks.
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