Editor’s Note: It’s that time of year again for Massachusetts residents – Tax Free Weekend! In 2022, on Aug. 13 and 14, residents can purchase items up to $2,500 in retail value for personal use without paying state sales tax.
If your desktop computer, laptop or tablet has begun showing its age – slow processing, glitchy connecting for uploads, spotty software connections, constant fan noise – this just might be the time to think about upgrading to a newer model. And with a chance to save a bit on Tax-Free Weekend, why not make this the time to take a plunge?
A popular advertising campaign suggests the country runs on coffee. However, a more accurate assessment may suggest the nation runs on digital devices.
From smartphones to laptops to tablets to desktop computers, there isn’t a day that goes by that the average person doesn’t rely on a computerized device in some shape or form. Statista reports that, as of 2019, almost half of private households worldwide were estimated to have a computer. In developing countries, computer penetration hovered around one-third of households.
Technology is great when it is working optimally. But when systems get bogged down, the same devices that are typically invaluable can quickly become problematic. Routine housekeeping and other repairs can help keep devices in top form, but at some point it may be time to invest in new equipment.
The following signs may indicate that it’s time to upgrade a device.
Various technology experts weigh in with different advice regarding the life span of computers. Computer Hope said consumers should expect to replace a computer once every four years. Home Computer Help advises five years for desktops and three to four years for laptops is a good time frame. One Computer Guy says a laptop can last upwards of seven or eight years.
If you’re approaching a big high school reunion – or other significant anniversary – and you’re still using the same computer you bought before the last big event, it’s likely time for some new equipment.
If you”ve received pop-up warnings or emails from software manufacturers that their products will no longer be supported on your operating system (OS), it’s time to update that OS.
If your computer is beyond updates, then it is probably time to move on to a newer model.
Operating system updates and firmware updates include security patches and troubleshooting solutions to help keep data safe. Without regular updates, you increase the risk of data hacks or other problems, according to Consumer Reports.
If it takes more time for your computer to boot up, run programs or save files, or if the device is freezing and crashing, consider an upgrade.
First try to free up internal hard drive memory space or increase RAM, which could be bogging down the system. The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) or consistently spinning color wheel or hourglass symbols often mean something is seriously wrong. Repeated issues with system errors or sluggish performance indicate a computer is on its last legs.
Constant overheating is a sure sign that a computer is not working efficiently.
Blocked cooling fans will cause overheating, but random overheating caused by a seriously dusty interior or other factors will damage internal components, offers Bustle.
Most modern computers have longer life spans than earlier incarnations, but they aren’t eternal.
Plan to purchase a new computer if consistent problems interfere with work or play.
Article courtesy Metro Creative Graphics
