Is it time to replace my PC? 

This is question we are asked time and time again, should I upgrade or buy a new PC?  Well the simple answer is this..

Is there anything that you can't do with your computer that you need or want to do? If not, then there is no need to upgrade.  If there is, then what you should get depends on what you want to do with it?

For instance, you have the latest processor and heaps of memory and hard drive space by the bucket load, all you need is a DVD drive to play that game you have been waiting for the last 3 months. Well in this case, purchasing a DVD reader or writer and fitting it will sort you out.
Or if you are trying to open Microsoft Office Documents as your friends are sending you Word/Excel or PowerPoint files and need to have MS Office suite on your computer, then a purchase of the Office product will suffice.  (please note that Microsoft also offer 'viewers' for there programs, that is you will be able to open the programs and print them but will not be able to edit them)

I would not usually recommend anyone to buy a new PC unless it has come to the end of its life cycle or it no longer is capable of performing the ever increasing task load it was originally bought for.

Computers nowadays are highly upgradeable, and as such can usually have a part or two added to upgrade or enhance its performance. 

Generally there are only a few areas to upgrade to improve overall performance, Memory being the main one, larger Hard Drives being another, especially if the new hard drive can run at a faster pace than the one its replacing, and finally CPU although this may often lead to further replacement parts if the CPU is not the correct type for your motherboard or it requires extra cooling. Other items to upgrade are usually peripherals, things like CD writers/DVD writers, wireless mice/keyboards/ larger screens etc. If after this you have made up your mind to buy a new PC the following advice should be considered.

Shop around!  The PC/Laptop market is so fast moving nowadays that there are pretty much constant deals from the high street shops.
That being said, online shopping usually reduces the overall price for the machine as online business do not have overheads such as shop/rent, electricity, sales staff etc.  However the cons of online shopping for computers means that you cant actually 'get it off the shelf' or talk to a sales person.  if you see a make/model in a store that you like the look of, write it down and then check out that model online and read customer reviews.  I would further recommend (if possible) asking friends or family what computers they use and if they are happy with it!  A private recommendation is worth 10 sales staff recommendations!