Dr. David Awschalom and his team at U.C. Santa Barbara are working to make quantum computers cheap and easy to use by exploiting the imperfect semiconductors that hinder traditional electronics.

At a certain point, the temptation to upgrade to a shiny, speedy new computer proves irresistible. A middle ground exists, which is to make sure your laptop or desktop lasts as long as possible.

Now that you've put everything together , you're past all the difficult stages—the rest is a cakewalk. Here's how to install your operating system an ...