The apparently essential and almost constant upgrading of computer equipment and the costs associated with it are never far from a user's mind.

Every year, we replace our old technology with newer, faster, more versatile models but most of us only use a tiny percentage of the new machine's computing power.

This is obviously not cost-effective. So why do we bother?

We bother because we are convinced that our lives will be better if we have the latest technology. We are convinced because the giant vendors spend a small fortune on very convincing advertising.

We spend the money on new computers because we like to feel "ahead of the game". I have serious doubts that any of this is completely necessary.

I am not in any way a Luddite but I have to admit that my computers are not exactly state-of-the-art any more. Strangely, they are used more now than when I bought them.

I have invested in new software and hardware to handle graphic images and desktop publishing. I use the latest version of Microsoft Office Professional and, aside from evolution, I write and publish two technology newsletters each month and create numerous technology papers for all kinds of organisations.

But I honestly cannot see how buying newer, faster or "more versatile" computer hardware would make life easier for me.

I am confident that I do not need a super-fast processor or the latest graphics card or even a flat-screen monitor. I get along just fine with the kit I own. How many other people can say that?

If I am right, most users can manage perfectly well with their existing computer set-up and any upgrade is usually made because of impending hard drive failure or a lack of data storage space.

Both situations can be addressed by regularly exchanging your hard drive for a larger model.

I accept that there are other considerations but the solid-state technology, which makes up the largest part of any computer system, will carry on almost indefinitely if not ill-treated.

Microsoft Windows software is a different matter as most MS Windows machines would benefit from a software reinstall on a regular basis.

The most common and most destructive computer disaster is a mechanical hard drive crash. Sadly, all computer drives have a finite life-span.

All moving parts eventually wear out but when you consider the tolerances, which are part of the build-specification of a hard drive, it is no wonder those drives eventually crash and burn.

One company describes its hard drive technology as similar to a Jumbo Jet flying at a height of four inches over a massive field, identifying and counting every blade of grass as it passes over it.

So, to recap. Throwing money at complete computer hardware upgrades does not usually offer a cost-effective solution to work flow inefficiencies.

Efficient software installations and adequate data storage space will make things happen faster and for a lot longer. Backing up data and replacing your hard drive on a regular basis will offer better long-term data security and reduce unplanned downtime.

You might even want to have a chat with your local computer engineer and ask about hard drive kits you can fit at home.