In case you hadn t noticed, practically the entire computer industry wants you to upgrade right now. Microsoft is pushing its new Windows 7 operating system, while big computer makers like Dell and Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) would love to sell you a new computer this holiday season to run Windows 7. Meanwhile, Apple is running ads suggesting that Windows users who want a big upgrade should just switch to Mac.
But you don t need a huge overhaul to get a better computer. For those who aren t ready to upgrade or switch operating systems yet, we wanted to find some smaller upgrades that will make your machine run more smoothly without costing you a lot of money.

The working life of a PC, particularly a desktop PC, can be easily eight years, says Robert Houghton, the president of Columbus, Ohio-based Redemtech, which helps companies extend the life of their information technology with periodic upgrading and refurbishing. Consumers also can add years to their computers with some basic care some of which is free of charge.

For example, the starting price for a Dell Inspiron 546

Here are six affordable computer improvements:

Install additional memory

Price: Starts at around $25, but averages $50

If it takes a few minutes to retrieve a file, your computer probably needs additional Random Access Memory (RAM). RAM provides space for a computer to read and write data. The more you have, the more tasks your computer can perform at once. Users see this as speed.

Some software upgrades say, an uploaded program or a switch from Vista to Windows 7 demand more memory, effectively slowing a computer down. Users who want to add memory can either add additional memory modules or replace those that came with their computer with larger ones.

First, you ll need to know if your computer has more than one slot for memory. Consult your manual (often available on the computer manufacturers web sites), where you ll find a diagram of the inside of your computer where the memory is located. Computers can have as few as one slot or as many as eight or more. You can also check out Crucial.com where you can input your computer model number and find out how many memory slots it has.

Different computers require different denominations of RAM modules, but most demand the same amount of RAM on all modules in the machine.

When you start shopping, you ll need to find the memory that s compatible with your computer. Major retailers like Best Buy can help; so can computer suppliers like Kingston Technology Company, whose site lists the memory upgrades compatible with different computers.

For some, the hardest part is physically installing the memory. You ll have to unsnap the computer (or use a screwdriver) and snap the RAM in place. (The RAM should be sold with installation instructions.)

There are around 3,000 types of memory modules, and prices vary depending on size and speed, says Jason Tierney, a vice president at Poolesville, Md.-based Corporate Network Services, which provides IT services to small and midsize businesses.

Price: Starting prices for external hard drives are $70 at Best Buy and $100 at Staples .

Users who upload thousands of songs, videos, movies and photos eventually may need more space than their computer had when they bought it.

An external hard drive offers additional space where users can store files. Most are compatible with Macs or PCs, as long as the computer has a USB port. They can be purchased at retailers like Staples or Best Buy.

External hard drives don t just back up media they can preserve crucial system data. Even reliable new and refurbished computers have hard drive failures, and it s critical for data to be backed up, says Houghton.

Online backup services, like Carbonite.com or Mozy.com, allow users to back up data over the Internet. Should the computer crash, users can retrieve their data from the online service. (At Carbonite.com, a one-year subscription starts at $54.95, and at Mozy.com monthly subscription costs would total $59.40 for a year.)

Although external hard drives are more expensive initially, they represent a one-time cost, whereas consumers who opt for the online service will be paying on a monthly or annual basis.

Sweep for viruses and spyware

Price: Free

Viruses and spyware can make a computer noticeably sluggish.

Most new computers are sold with antivirus protection. And most antivirus programs will update automatically, as long as the computer is connected to the Internet. Otherwise, look for free versions from antivirus protection providers like Avast or AVG.

Spyware, or covert software designed to record your activity for marketing purposes, typically accumulates from browsing the Internet. A common sign of spyware is pop-up ads. To protect your computer, run a spyware scan each month, says Tierney. Malwarebytes.org offers a free version of its scan software.

Price: At Staples, keyboards start at $15 and mice start at around $ 27 . Most LCD computer screens at major retailers start at around $100.

Tired of that old, oversized computer screen? Flat LCD screens require less space and are compatible with most computers. Computer keyboards and mice can get grimy and even start wearing out after a few months of use.

When shopping for a new keyboard, make sure it has the same connector (typically a USB or a PS2 for older models) as the old one.

Remove unwanted programs

Price: Free

To free up space on your computer s hard drive, remove programs that you no longer use for, say, instant messaging or music downloads. (To do this on Windows-based PC, click on Control Panel, where you ll find an option to add or remove programs. )

Even though they re not currently running, they re taking up unnecessary disk space on your hard drive, says Edson.

Reformat your hard drive

Price: Free

To cleanse your computer of junk, consider reformatting the hard drive. A reformat clears the hard drive, deleting unused or forgotten programs, and often makes your computer run like new.

First, you ll need to move all the files you want to keep onto CDs, DVDs or an external hard drive. But you may need the original installation discs to reinstall software you ve purchased. Files left on the computer during reformatting get deleted.

A reformatting program comes with most new computers. If yours doesn t have one, you can find the recovery or factory-restore disc that came with the computer when you purchased it. If you can t find the disc, contact your computer s manufacturer, which should sell it for $20 to $30, says John Alston, the chief executive of ClubDrive Systems, an IT service provider based in Atlanta.