If you’re still using a computer that’s running Windows ME or Windows 2000, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your computer is probably ready for the dumpster.

Why, you ask? Well, a good rule of thumb where Microsoft Windows is concerned is that Microsoft basically makes its 3rd generation operating systems obsolete as soon as a new 1st generation operating system is released. That being said, with the release of Windows Vista in Q1 of 2007, Windows ME and 2000 were automatically put on the chopping block for 2008. Windows XP will probably be kicking around until the next version of Windows, after Vista, is designed and put on the public market.

In actuality, if you are still using an older computer with Windows ME or 2000, chances are it already has one foot in the grave, unless you’ve taken excellent care of it, and hardly ever turned it on. I’ve found that, on average, most of today’s computers die after 5 to 7 years of operation. Obviously, like a car, mileage is important and this also depends on “good” miles and “bad” miles. If you’ve treated your system well, chances are you can get a good 7 years or more out of it. If it’s been beat up by the kids, it might have been dumpster-bound a while ago, and you haven’t been able to emotionally part with it.

Either way, even if you have a system that’s in like-new condition for more than 7 years, chances are it’s not going to be able to run any of the latest off-the-shelf software. Also, its hardware is probably nowhere near the requirement levels to match up to today’s software and hardware requirements. It’s more difficult to find replacement parts for older systems, and some older systems are impossible to upgrade.

Should you upgrade a Windows ME or 2000 system? Generally, my answer is no. In my opinion, it’s not cost-effective to invest any more money into a tired old relic that may not last another year or two. On top of that, even if you max out the system with every possible upgrade, there’s a good chance that it would cost substantially more than simply buying a new computer.

I know that today we live in a “greener, more liberal” society, but the computer industry has sort of changed over to a “don’t upgrade it, throw it out and buy new” mentality in recent years. Millions of electronic components every day are ending up in landfills and piles around the world, and it seems that the industry doesn’t want to do anything about it. Until the industry goes back to designing computers that have a greater longevity, and more upgradeability, we are stuck in this “use it and throw it out” mentality. Computers are much cheaper today, basically making them disposable, and making custom-built computers a niche hobby for nerds and extreme gamers.

Don’t take me the wrong way. I’m not telling you to get a new machine just to keep me in business. I’m the type of person who likes to use something until it’s completely worthless. Just ask my wife about my holey sneakers, my worn old jeans, etc, etc. She yells at me all the time to get rid of old stuff. But, I’m the type who wears sneakers until one day I’m walking and the sole comes off. I’m the exact opposite of wasteful.

The biggest downfall is, if you’re a person who turns the computer on 2-3 times a week to check your email via dialup, buying a new computer seems to be ridiculous. The problem is, today’s manufacturers force our near-current systems to be obsolete, usually with hardware. For example, many new printers are being made purposely to only work on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 2003 Server, which means they won’t run on Windows ME or 2000. Also, video game makers do the same thing. The latest games released are always a notch or two above the brand new computer you just bought a month ago. Trust me, this isn’t just for game experience, it’s to sell you new hardware as well. Actually, in most cases the computer you buy today is outdated tomorrow, literally, thanks to the massive upgrade-push by the computer industry.

Windows Vista, the latest operating system, is a whole other story. I’m not fond of Vista and currently don’t run it for that reason, but, this is what Microsoft has forced down our throats, so my next computer will have it. Besides, Vista will improve as Microsoft releases patches and service packs to iron it out. I’ve been getting used to Vista, but I tend to like an operating system to be more focused on performance than prettiness, and Vista is loaded with wasteful prettiness, which takes away from its top performance.

So, if you’re running Windows ME or 2000, simply buy a new computer, it’s not worth investing $500 into that old thing when you can go right over to Staples or Radio Shack right now and buy a brand new computer for under $600 with all of the latest bells and whistles.