What is the usual "lifespan" of a computer?

Question

I've had a desktp computer for about 9 years. I'm starting to have problems especially when logging into the internet. (which is dial-up). Are dial-up connections really old and slow or could it be the computer.

Answer 1

2 years (assisted by updates) to stay pretty much up to date as far as software goes. As far as hardware goes 10 years is tops. I have a ten year old at work and it still does the office work(slow) but OK. I wouldn't want to be on that box at home though. You have done really well on yours. I would suggest you treat yourself (or better yet, someone else treat you) to a new computer. Heck, I'd almost buy you one if you're going to get 10 years out of it!

Answer 2

The lifespan of a computer is basically as long as you want it to be. 9 year old computer is definately outdated, but if it still works, its fine. I would personally upgrade, you can get a p4 2.4ghz, 512mb ram, windows XP, dvd burner...etc...for less then $400. Which is way better then what you currently have. And dial up is also outdated, though alot of people use it. Where I live, I can get free dial up, so its worth it here. But alot of places you have to spend 10-20$ a month for it, and DSL costs as low as 20$ a month.

If you can't log in, it may be the computer. But if you can get on, and its slower then normal, it is the internet.

In reality, a computer can live for 5 years if you get one that can upgrade. Ive had mine since 2003, and I can play Oblivion, Neverwinter Nights 2, but Ive had to do some upgrading. (ram, videocard...thats all) Though, for a computer thats 9 years old, parts are rare and sometimes expensive. Id save and buy a new computer.

Answer 3

9 years is far past the lifespan of an average computer. Typically they only really last as workable for 3-5 years. Even then you might be pretty likely to have a small hardware problem between that time or possibly before (warranties can be your friend).

Dialup is slowly becomming far less popular as broadband gets more and more into rural areas. It's pretty slow compared to the modern internet services but your computer should still perform much faster on that same dialup if you get got a new one from there. Is this computer using Windows 98? You can either get one now with Windows XP, but you might be better off waiting for Windows Vista, which is pretty fun =)

Answer 4

They usually become obsolete before they actually wear out. I still have a Sony 1999 year model that works just fine. Though I also have a new PC (pretty well loaded up with the latest goodies). Sometimes I can't really tell the difference in the two. That's probable because Sony is known for using mostly the best hardware available in their PCs. Hence the price.

Answer 5

well time to get more memory adn wipe it all out adn start over. load it up depending on the ghz gb ram etc load it up with what ya want for a running system .. if you cant load more memory adn ram etc then get a new one. dial up is a sin to me. I hate dial up I rather skip meals per week then to have dial up. its a pain adn when a person tries to call your house it sux as the line is busy and the whole idea of it is slow anyway. roadrunner is good. remember to vacuum out tower twice a year maybe install a new cooling fan the newer ones are nice.. make sure you knwo what ur doing and have all things unplugged. be gentle.

Answer 6

9 Years for a computer is about 120 for a person.

Dialup connections are very slow and outdated, but your computer to an even greater extent.

Hope this helps!

Answer 7

computers become obselete after two years or so.

they will always be new and better computers that are need for more advance software and hardware.