Your old, aging IT computer has a limited life expectancy of three to five years. This article covers the signs that it’s time to replace your computer, the causes of the most common problems, and options you have available to you.
Pull the Plug On Aging IT Computers
After three great years, I had to make the hard choice to replace my computer after thousands of hours spent together. Change is difficult for me decision because I had everything just the way I want it. But now she is getting sick. Her energy has decreased; she’s slower, has mini seizures, and can’t keep up with my pace.
Unfortunately, letting her go and replacing her is a daunting feeling. The mere thought of adjusting to a new keyboard, mousepad, and operating system, makes my skin crawl. I also must reset every detail to my liking. Without a doubt, it’s been the same old tragic tale since the beginning of personal computing; this isn’t the first time, and it won’t be the last.
Signs of an Aging IT Computer In Atlanta GA
Your computer will experience more issues as it gets older. Like humans, the computer gets tired, slows down, is more susceptible to viruses, has limited memory, and has difficulty communicating with age. Likewise, their bodies are less compact than the newer generation, and they are not on top of their game anymore.
Below are some obvious signs it’s time to get a new computer.
- Generational Communication Issues – One of the first signs your computer is beyond the age of recovery is its inability to meet requirements for current software. Subsequently, every software has minimum requirements that older systems do not meet. In some cases, the system may have it, but barely enough to operate the software on any system without serious problems.
- Weakened Immune System– Software companies with older software versions will not release new patches and updates to guard against viruses and malware. Hackers track these vulnerabilities to target unsuspecting victims. Unfortunately, a hacker can live on your computer for up to nine months before they are detected. That is nine months of hackers learning your passwords, financial accounts, personal information, intellectual property, etc.
- Slow & Tired– Hardware becomes less and less efficient as it ages. Issues such as fans wearing out, dust collecting, wear and tear from use, and other problems slow down your computer and productivity.
Problem-Source of Old Aging IT Computer Issues
The primary health issues of aging computers include lack of warranty, lack of preventive maintenance, and lack of monitoring. Such things lead to the death of your computer.
- Senior Citizen Hardship– Every system and software version has a lifespan. The lifespan can help you anticipate hardware failure and new versions of software. Once it outpaces that lifespan, it is no longer under warranty, and there will be no further updates, patches, or troubleshooting, making you a target for cyber hackers.
- Infrequent Checkups– As we get older, checkups become more critical. The same applies to your network and Preventive Maintenance (PM) schedule. Done right, a PM will alert you to potential issues in the next 90 days (like your hard drive filling up), catch problems early on, and discover solutions as your business needs evolve. Without it, you will experience network failures.
- Lack of Caregivers– Who wouldn’t benefit from having 24/7 health monitoring with the ability to alert, patch, report, automate, catch issues early on, and prevent future issues? That is what monitoring does. Without it, you can expect problems with your network.
Your Options: Surgery or Replacement?
Once you recognize the signs and diagnose the illness, it’s time to decide how to move forward. Unlike people, your only options are replacing the parts or replacing the system.
- Surgery – Clients often replace the computer guts with new hardware and software. When this happens, each part has its own warranty. In essence, you keep the shell and replace everything else. It does not have the same lifespan guarantees as a new computer. In addition, you may have issues with parts compatibility, miscellaneous errors, increased costs for individual parts, shipping, and limited quantities that drive up prices.
- Replacement – This is the most common choice among IT professionals because it’s faster, and the cost has decreased significantly over the last several years. Further, computer companies can pass on the economies of scale savings from mass production.
Summary
The average lifespan for a business computer is 3-5 years before it starts having problems or is out of warranty. Since every computer in your organization is connected to the network, it is vital to keep your PCs current if you want to get the most out of your employee productivity. For this reason, a simple computer rotation plan can ensure your computers are up-to-date, under warranty, and efficient. And INSI is here to help you plan your IT rotation schedule.
About INSI: The Best MSP in Atlanta!
Innovative Network Systems, Inc. has a unique approach to integrating IT support and cybersecurity. Our month-to-month programs range from basic support to proactive support, managed support, and customized support. Each program is tailored to the client’s needs and internal IT strengths.
For more information about cybersecurity dangers and the preventative measures for your company, connect with the top MSP in Atlanta; Contact INSI: 770-387-2424, option 2 or click the link below. In addition, we offer 16 different cybersecurity programs to protect you and your data.
About the Author
Deborah Frazier is the author of IT Outsourcing Secrets – A Small Business Guide to Compare IT Support Companies. With nearly 20 years of experience consulting small and medium-sized businesses on their IT support needs, she brings a wealth of knowledge to INSI as Head of Marketing and Sales. If you like this article and want to be notified when a new article is posted, click here.
