Dragon Forum

So my current computer is REALLY old, and the many years I have had it has been taking its toll. There's this one crack on the monitor's side, and recently it's even caused what looks like some air leaking into the computer, and also some games are really lagging. I do technically have another computer, but here's the thing: my mom mainly uses it, and there might be some stuff on there that I really wouldn't want on a computer I own, and even if there isn't, I can't even use Steam on there because there isn't enough storage for certain games, and my dad won't let me add any more!
I can't do tech DIY because I barely have the slightest idea how computer science and coding even work, and also there's some downloads on this computer that I want to keep. I don't know what to do here. Do I just buy an expensive new computer? And if so, how am I gonna get all the memory from my old computer onto this one?

computers expensive ((

the only reason i have my current one is because i was able to convince someone that i needed it for my job. which is technically true. they should be more affordable if society in general is going to have to rely on them more and more

although honesty id like to not need a computer for work

Hey so uh, I should update on this.
So a week or so ago, I showed my dad how bad the graphics were in my game, and I thought it was mainly because it was old. But apparently, the main reason is that my GPU is really small and the game was the most it could handle.
Oh yeah, I should mention that I didn't even know what a GPU was before that, to give you an idea of how tech-illiterate I am.
So... now I probably need to get another computer with a better GPU. But problem with that is that I have stuff on this computer that I really want to keep, and if you couldn't tell, I've got only the faintest idea how computers work.
The options for a new computer I know of are Windows and Mac, which I've heard are bad but I don't know why, Chromebook, which I know why is bad, Linux, which I've heard is good but have also heard is hard to use even for those who are tech savvy and also might not be good for gaming, at least from this one tumblr post I saw one time, gaming computers, which are going to cost half of my family's money, probably, and then there's building my own computer, which it should be obvious I can't do.
And even then, I'm gonna have to wait a while before I can get it, so I can't even play my game until then!
I'd like some advice from people here because I really am so stressed about this.

Hey! I'm currently going through computer woes myself. So, my first suggestion is take baby steps with your computer acquisition process, and remember that with a desktop, not a laptop, you can replace parts as you go. (I know you said tech illiterate, but hear me out here.)

Start small- Bare minimums for your game requirements, when looking at parts. They may not look pretty, but the goal is to get them to run.

Now, what I'd recommend doing is finding reliable custom build sites, and they can usually help you work out a price range. EX, you can't spend over 1,000 USD total. You pick the parts, they build it and send it your way, all you need to do is plug and play. Regarding replacing parts, check around your local area for repair shops near you and shoot them an email or hop on the phone to see if they'd be willing to replace any parts of yours that you'd like to upgrade, or you could look into a guide.

As for rescuing files and important bits and bobbles, look for a USB drive on Amazon or in your local electronics store/electronics section in walmart/target. I'd recommend 512GB if you can afford it, but if not, something in the 40 or so range is fine as well- It's all up to preference- And drag those files into the USB's folder. This process is something I had to learn in school as a wee child, (editing this on because I fat fingered submit) and it's pretty easy- Literally drag and drop. Just make sure you properly eject the USB after use!

All of this is.. A lot easier said than done, but it'll be okay in the end. Just gotta take baby steps with it all.

Thanks, but that’s just a lot of information that I don’t understand, and the process would just be extremely anxiety-inducing for me with very bad anxiety. I didn’t know what a GPU was until recently, how would I know what parts I would even need? And I don’t really want a desktop, laptops are much more portable.

In that case, it might be easier to know what type of games you're wanting to play and working from there in terms of requirements, like space, before looking at potential purchases.

Unfortunately some electronics vendors tend to prey on people who are technologically illiterate and don't understand, so I can only really recommend being careful when you are at the point of purchasing, and looking into tech reviews online.

Good luck and stay safe out there!