Is there anyway of ascertaining whether a computer is a lost cause or not? What is the life span of a computer on average?
2007-10-28 16:04:01 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Programming & Design
As long as it runs, there is usually a place for it. If it works, but is too slow for you, donate it, someone will get some use from it.
If it's broke, then it's a matter of economics. With new computers so inexpensive, it's often cheaper to buy a new one. Then what to do with the broken one?
Your local computer shop or repairman might be glad to take it off your hands, or you could start your own spare parts collection.
2007-10-28 16:11:09 · answer #1 · answered by Computer Guy 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Difficult to say but the "When it no longer fulfills your needs" answers are about right.
Possibly:
- When you want to fit a new component but machine won't support it (eg - if you want a super-fat graphics card that's only available in pci-e and you have an agp slot)
- When front side bus speeds of up to date machines are more than twice what yours is (They're at 1066MHz+ now so 800MHz is still good but an old 400MHz FSB machine is old-hat)
- If it's running Win98...
- When the machine you REALLY want is at an affordable price
NOT:
- When your mates brag about their dual-core machines (Dual core is over rated in my opinion - unless you know how to get the best out of it, but then you'd probably have a quad-core already and not be asking this question).
- When MS releases a new operating system (Vista sucks and will suck for ages - just like XP did to start with)
Also:
- If you feel something is lacking, DO try upgrading components first. More memory (RAM) is ALWAYS a good idea and a newer graphics card helps a lot with games (check gpureview.com to compare graphics cards).
- The good old re-install often helps. Reinstalling your OS can give your machine a total new lease of life it it is full of old crud. Make sure you get as many drivers as you can find BEFORE you try a reinstall - Better yet - reinstall to a new hard drive, that way if it goes wrong, you can plug the old one back in and it should be same as before.
Short answer is still "When it no longer fulfills your needs". Having a pair of machines is always a good thing, to me anyway... I have 4 and components of old ones packed away. I tend to use old machines to store backed up data.
2007-10-28 23:42:23 · answer #2 · answered by iRant 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A computer becomes a lost cause, when it will cost more to make it do what you want than it will cost to replace.
With the constant changes and retiring of Windows, each edition needing more hardware than the last, the typical lifespan of a working computer will be a maximum of 5 years (dependant upon when you bought it in the OS lifecycle).
However many experience hardware failure after 2-3 years. CD/DVD drives are the most likely to fail, followed by hard drives, so I hope you have backed up your data.
If you don't clean the inside of your PC at least once per year, you can expect the CPU fan to clog up and the CPU to overheat.
2007-10-29 03:15:46 · answer #3 · answered by David P 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is a difficult question. I tend to believe that if a computer still works, and suits your needs, then it is not obsolete. However, today's programs require more and more resources (processor power, ram, etc.) So if you want to get with today's programs, I recommend upgrading to a dual core (at least 2.00 ghz) and 512 mbs of ram. And for gods sake, skip the hassles of vista until they've fixed it up a bit.
2007-10-28 23:12:51 · answer #4 · answered by Squirrel 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dont bin it. Even if you get yourself a spanking new computer, there is still a use for your old system(s).
Convert it into a hardware firewall, Network attached storage, or any number of other uses.
All information relating to making your own hardware firewall, is in the link below.
2007-11-04 19:54:28 · answer #5 · answered by Scott S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the computer no longer does the job you want it to.
Then it is time to upgrade or purchase a new PC.
Five years. \\
2007-10-28 23:08:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
1) When it no longer fills your needs and
2) When it would cost more to fix/upgrade to fill those needs than a new one would cost.
2007-10-28 23:11:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
our apple IIc still runs Taipan, so I guess 20-80 years.
my 3 macs still run too. so does our dell inspiron and my toshiba satellite.
it runs til it doesn't or you want something better, faster, stronger, to run today's apps
2007-10-28 23:09:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋