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An indispensable part of modern businesses, it is important for your computers to be kept at peak performance. Read on for signs that your desktop computer is no longer at its peak, indicating the need for a change.
In a business setting where costs must be kept to a minimum, there is a lot to consider when you are looking to upgrade or replace your computers. Small costs can add up, especially if it is going to be a major overhaul of your computers all at one go.
Common questions many people ask range from “How long is the new computer going to last?” or “How often do people change their computers?” among others. We are here to give you the answers to some commonly asked questions, and signs that it is time to finally bite the bullet and make the changes.
What is the average lifespan of a computer?
A key concern to many consumers is the lifespan of their computer, be it a desktop PC or a laptop. For the former, the answer isn’t as straightforward given the large amounts of customization offered when compared to the latter. However, as a rough estimate, three years is the bare minimum that it should last you for.
On average, however, most desktops last anywhere from five to eight years— depending on the customized components as well as the maintenance level of the desktop. Dust is a huge source of trouble for PC performance and longevity, so any pc owner out there should take care to do routine maintenance on the software while ensuring that the PC is stored in a clean area away from dust.
Will buying a Mac last me longer than a PC?
While there has been much debate about the longevity of a Macintosh versus that of a Windows PC, there is no certain answer to this.
What we can affirm, however, is that Macs do have a reputation for their longevity, in part caused by Apple’s strong after-sales support. Though Microsoft and other brands have tried to replicate Apple’s efforts, the tight integration and support ecosystem offered by Apple is still unparalleled. This tips the scales slightly in favor of Apple, given that the costs of repairs may add up.
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How do you know it’s time for an upgrade?
Here are some telltale signs that your laptop or desktop PC is starting to fail you, and you should start keeping an eye out for upgrade options
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Hardware upgrades cause compatibility problems
When looking to boost your computer’s power, some of the first steps taken are usually to upgrade the RAM and SSD. However, this is also where compatibility issues often surface. If you find yourself in a situation where the cost of upgrading parts is nearly equivalent to buying a new machine, the latter option is probably a wiser choice given that more time and effort might be needed to source the parts for repair.
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Security updates are no longer available
Software manufacturers only provide support for the latest versions of their published software, and at best support for the two or three preceding ones. If your current software can no longer be updated, it is likely a sign that support has ended for your system. This means that the security of your machine is compromised, and is a sign that a new machine is needed.
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Loud noises are heard when your machine is in use
The first sign of the impending demise of your aging machine is often a loud fan, even when there aren’t any intense activities being performed on the machine. When you run any applications, it could cause the GPU to be maxed out, causing the fans to have to run faster and thus generate more heat and noise.
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When everyone around you seems to be using something nimbler and less clunky
With technological advancements, manufacturers nowadays are cramming more and more components into less space. If it seems like everyone around you is using a machine much smaller or lighter than the ones your team is using, it may be time to consider an upgrade.
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Multi-tasking has become a thing of the past
Time is of the essence in any business, and this means that you want to have the ability to multitask on your laptop. If you aren’t able to run more than two applications at the same time, then it is often an indicator that your machine’s time is coming to an end. This also applies if you are having issues switching between tabs on an internet browser.
The cause of this is usually insufficient RAM, especially when you have multiple intensive applications in use. If your company is in the business of web design, graphics production or video editing, then more often than not, this is a sign that a newer machine is in order.
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It takes a long time to boot up or shut down
On average, it should take your machine no more than a few seconds to get itself started, or to shut down completely. If it takes a significantly longer time, then it could be an indicator that it is time for a change.
What you should first do if this problem arises is to diagnose if there is anything wrong with your machine by checking if you have too many applications set to load automatically in the background whenever your machine is started up. If that is the case, then simply reduce the number of programs allowed to run in the background.
If this doesn’t solve anything, then check your hardware. Could it be that the ports are jammed and causing your laptop to overheat, thereby slowing down its performance? Prevent this from happening by keeping your machine in a clean working area, and avoid eating near it lest crumbs get into the ports. Take care also to ensure the cleanliness of your machine by wiping it down with a microfibre cloth at regular intervals.
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Conclusion
With these tips in mind, you should be able to make an informed decision as to when is a good time for you to change your machines.
