When do you discard your old computer and get a new one?
Your computer is about to self-destruct, but there are still a few tweaks that you know you can implement yourself. If nothing else works, that is when you discard your old computer and get a new one. As a rule of thumb, upgrade your computer when you upgrade to a new car.
Member of the Family
Whether you have a desktop PC or a laptop, like an old pair of shoes, it becomes very comfortable and part of you. You instinctively know when it needs attention and what to do to make everything right again. But, much like an end-of-life decision, you also need to know when to pull the plug.
You know the end is near when the computer crashes more than it works. You know the end is near when it acts the same before and after you have spent half an hour running the disk defrag tool. You know the end is near when the technician is working at your desk more than you are.
Your computer is like a member of the family. When every familiar action to improve function fails, it is time to look for a new computer. If repair or replacement of parts is more expensive than purchasing a new model, then it is time to purchase a new computer.
Usage Evaluation
As each new generation of the computer reaches the marketplace, software also improves and takes a bigger byte from the older model. If you utilize your computer to read email or surf the internet for information, your computer will be functional for a much longer period. If the computer is in use daily and requires a lot of storage capacity, its life is considerably shorter. Light use could allow a computer lifespan of 5 years or more. Heavy use reduces this to 2-4 years.
Each passing year presents the possibility that part replacement, if necessary, will be frustrating. Every update to computer technology takes an older model from company line-ups. The older model takes its parts along with it.
Technology is not a static environment. It is now an Intel Pentium – or Celeron – processor world. The last known AT motherboard was driving a 486 model, a truly historical turtle. When it is no longer feasible to increase speed, storage or hardware, it is time to purchase a newer model.
Speed and Style
Speed and style are two of the most dangerous words known to man. Everything needs to look good and impress – the car, cell phone, laptop, golf balls and clubs. That is the current wave of adult toys.
A racing car, can-do cell phone, all-in-one desktop PC with impressive memory and extensive storage, golf balls with built-in GPS and clubs that automatically correct swing demonstrate the need for style with speed. It is no longer sufficient to “keep up with the Joneses.” Our goal is to be steps ahead of them.
Peter Wendt is a writer and researcher living in Austin, Texas. He recommends you check out it asset disposition and secure data destruction.