There are so many offers on TV and in shops for new computers but do you really need one?
If you consider what you use your computer for, you may find that you don't really need to buy a new PC but could upgrade your existing computer.
Things to help upgrade:
Memory
This can help speed up the programs you use on your computer (however this is never really a dramtic change so if your pc is REALLY slow it may not make much of a diffrence).
Harddrive
New computers have bigger and faster harddrives helping the computer boot up faster and save more data on them.
Graphics card (Desktop only)
If you use you computer for gaming you might find that your memory and processor are fast enough but the game still struggles to run. A new graphics card with more onboard memory can help.
Motherboard and Processor
If your computer is running really slow, you may find that you need a new processor and motherboard. If this is the case it can often be cheaper to buy a new computer as a new motherboard usually can mean new: processor, memory, graphics card and harddrive. This is because compared to older machines the connections on a new motherboard are diffrent and faster.
For example: if i need a new machine or upgrade my exsisting one, i write down what i use my computer for and see if it is struggling to do what i want it to do.