When is it time to replace my computer?
"My computer is running fine.
Why would I replace it?"
I hear this all the time, and there are many reasons you may need to look at replacing your computer before it's in its death throes..
Here are a few of those reasons;
- Replace it before it breaks down
The life expectancy of business class computers is 3 to 5 years. Realize you use these computers every single day! (at least Monday through Friday). When we do our quarterly business reviews with our clients, one of the reports we pull is a computer aging summary. We recommend replacement of any computers four years or older. It comes down to this, would you rather pay us to fix a computer that has a hard drive crash, because you need the data, or get a new computer before that happens? Crashes can be expensive, and usually people look at the cost of replacement when this happens, we are just recommending you don't go through the pain of having a crash and then waiting for the new computer to come in.
- Outdated Operating Systems and software are a security risk
If you are running computers with Windows 7, did you realize that Microsoft is ending support at the end of this year? That means no more security updates or patches, and you will be vulnerable to any future attacks. So do you spend money on upgrading your computer and Operating System to the tune of several hundred dollars or do you purchase a new computer?
- New software requires more power
Have you tried to run Windows 10 on an old computer? Not recommended, we have seen customers who have done this and are generally upset at the decrease in speed and functionality. Newer computers have more memory, faster drives, and better processors that can handle the latest software and operating systems.
- You need more capability
Bluetooth? Wireless? Gigabit Networking? You can add these features to most older computers, but you can get them preconfigured on new computers. One of the biggest things we are seeing is old computers with slow network cards on a brand-new Gigabit network. You have all this new power and can't use it on the old computer. Sure you can upgrade, but again, will just installing the new card do the trick or will you need other things like memory, SSD hard drives, etc. to take advantage of the latest in networking?
If you look at the cost of a new computer versus the cost of upgrading and maintaining older equipment, in most cases, you will see the benefits to your business by keeping your equipment up to date.
As always if you have any questions about your computer systems or any other IT-related needs, please feel free to contact me at 520-751-0888.
Greg Durnan
CEO
AcaciaIT
Greg Durnan is the Owner/President of AcaciaIT and very active in the business community of Southern Arizona. One of the founding members of the Greater Vail Area Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. He is very passionate about the needs of businesses in Arizona. He also strives to educate clients on Computer and Network Security through Lunch and Learns, articles, and webinars.
On the weekends he enjoys spending time with his wife and son at their ranch in Vail and working with horses.