As your main tool for everything work-related, your office computer works hard. If your workday is 8 hours and you have a couple of breaks here and there, you could be using your computer for anywhere up to 6–7 hours a day, or more, over a few years. After a while, you may notice your tabs don’t load as quickly or your battery gets zapped. But how long do computers last?
You might be thinking, “My computer works fine; do I really need to replace it even if it’s slowing down?” The answer to that question and more can be found below.
When to Keep Your Office Computer
If your computer is only a few years old, say 2–3 years, and you’ve already upgraded your RAM or installed a solid-state drive, then you may still be able to get by with the same computer.
Also, if your general usage isn’t too demanding and you’re mostly using applications like MS Office, web browsers, and video calls, then your computer can handle those tasks just fine.
When your computer starts to slow down, has lower battery life, or needs more RAM or disk upgrades, you may want to replace it if these costs are more than a new computer.
When to Replace Your Computer
How long do computers last? If your computer is more than 5 years old, then it’s time for an upgrade. Over 5+ years, hardware becomes outdated and slow as new technology gets released. You may also experience a decrease in battery life or other issues like overheating or boot-up problems.
Overall, it’s best to replace your old computer if you want to ensure maximum performance and productivity over time. A new computer is an investment that can pay off in the long run by saving you time and money on repairs or replacements.
If you have just one or even a whole office full of hardware that needs to be replaced, a managed service provider can help you with a phased approach. They’ll determine which of your old computers can be reused and which should be replaced to get the most value out of your IT budget.
They’ll also help you secure your at-risk hardware until you have the time and resources to replace them and get your shiny new computers.
Risks of Outdated and Old Computers
Old computers can also put your business at risk. With outdated software and hardware, you may be vulnerable to cyber threats that could compromise your data or operations. It’s important to keep your office computer up-to-date with the latest updates and security patches so you don’t leave yourself open to any potential risks.
63% of cyberattacks happened to companies because of hardware vulnerabilities. Technology gets updated for a reason, usually because the designers found a weakness and want to fix it.
So, how long do computers last? Ultimately, the answer depends on what kind of usage or workload you need it for. However, the general rule of thumb is to keep an eye on its performance and make sure you upgrade every 5 years or so.
Also, be sure to update your software and security patches regularly. This is the best way to ensure maximum performance and productivity without any potential risks.
Access Better Technology With TrinWare
To make the most of your hardware investment, trust TrinWare. With over 250 years of combined experience, you can rely on our hardware services to help you select the right office computers, configure them properly, and secure them with the latest security patches.
We’ll also help you find cost-effective ways to upgrade your hardware when necessary and recommend a phased approach so that you don’t have to replace everything at once. Contact us today and start seeing results from better hardware.