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Back in the "olden days" (tm), this upgrade cycle was as short as 9-12 months for those of us who were cutting code. We just couldn't wait for the newest, fastest, most memory-laden new machines to be released so that we could shave a few seconds off each compile/link cycle and the investment in new hardware was soon repaid in terms of improved productivity.

These days, since I switched from cutting code to cutting prose, I've found significantly less need to update my hardware and software at regular intervals.

Indeed, the computer on which I'm typing this is a lowly old P400 with just 256MB of RAM and 40GB of hard-drive storage.

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Even such a feeble piece of hardware can easily keep up with my typing and all those backspaces however -- so why bother changing?

I suspect that few others can afford the luxury of using a 6-year-old computer however, and this was confirmed the other day when I fired up an older version of my browser.

The browser itself was quite spritely but when I hit a site loaded to the hilt with Flash-based advertisements, the whole thing ground almost to a halt.

It seems that a P400 just isn't up to the task of running half a dozen Flash applets simultaneously and the effect this single webpage had on my PC was amazing.

I can see now why your "average" websurfer might feel the need for more speed.

Normally I don't notice this problem because I have various bits of software that disable flash ads and (on some sites like the NZ Herald) I've even disabled all the annoying OTT advertising. Most "average" websurfers however, are unlikely to even be aware that they can do this so I suspect that a 2GHz processor is essential if you don't want the ads bogging down your machine.

Of course the other reason many people feel the need to upgrade to faster hardware is probably because their PCs are so laden with spyware and other bits of malware. It's amazing how many people seem to be totally unaware of what's running on their machines.

I'm always astonished, on hitting Ctl-alt-del to bring up the task list on other people's PCs, just how many rogue processes are listed and how much covert code is running. These same people seldom have a firewall of any kind -- or have it disabled so don't realise how much of their online activity is being reported to someone, somewhere on the Net.

Many of these people simply attribute the sloth-like performance of their PCs to old-age and the need to upgrade.

I suspect that malware is doing great things for the sales of newer, faster PCs these days.

When I can afford to, I'll probably upgrade this PC to something a little more capable -- but in the meantime I'll be happy to surf the information superhighway from the slow-lane, where I'll still be overtaking those people who aren't aware that they're towing a trailerload of Flash banners and malware.

Normal Service...
Unfortunately I'll be in Auckland filming some more of the Young Inventors' TV series on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week so the Aardvark publishing schedule will be affected.

I've published this (Monday) edition early and Tues/Wed editions probably won't make it to the web -- because I still haven't been able to replace the laptop that got stolen in the burglary I experienced before Christmas.

Normal service will however, be resumed on Thursday -- possibly even Wednesday, so don't go away now!

Aardvark Forums
The forums are back up at: www.aardvarkforums.co.nz/forums, have your say on today's column

Unfortunately you'll have to re-register because we're starting the new year with a complete reinstall.

If you feel that this is a good thing and/or you hold a "geniune affection" for yours truly -- then you are welcome to gift me some money using the buttons provided. In gifting this money you accept that no goods, service or other consideration is offered, provided, accepted or anticipated in return. Just click on the button to gift whatever you can afford. NOTE: PayPal bills in US dollars so don't accidentally gift more than what you were intending :-)

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