Computers are necessary technologies for any modern small- to medium-sized business (SMB). They're used for bookkeeping and accounting, developing marketing plans and tracking sales data, communicating with customers and vendors — the list goes on. But like any other piece of technology, computers don’t last forever. After all, they’re made up of physical components that wear down over time.
If you’re like many SMB owners, you may be hanging on to your trusty desktop or laptop long past its prime, trying to eke out every last bit of usefulness. But at a certain point, it becomes more costly to keep an old machine running than it is to invest in a new one.
So how can you tell when it’s time to start shopping for a new computer? Here are 10 signs to look out for:
1. Your computer takes a long time to start up or shut down
If you find yourself waiting several minutes for your computer to boot up or shut down, it could be a sign that your hard drive is overworked or failing. However, it could also just mean that you have too many programs running automatically at startup or in the background. Try disabling programs from starting up automatically or closing apps running in the background to see if these speed up your boot times.
2. Your computer freezes or crashes frequently
If your machine is often crashing or freezing, it could be a sign of software or hardware failure. If you recently installed new software or a driver update, try uninstalling the software or reverting to an older version of a driver to see if that fixes the problem. If not, your hard drive may be failing or there’s another hardware issue. It’s best to take the computer to a repair shop to have it diagnosed.
3. Programs load slowly
If it takes a long time to open apps or files, your computer’s memory may be full. Adding more RAM is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to improve your computer’s performance, but if that doesn’t help, your hard drive could be irreparable and you may need a new PC.
4. You hear strange noises coming from your computer
If you start hearing strange grinding, clicking, or beeping noises emanating from your machine, it’s a sign that something is physically wrong. It could be a loose fan, a failing hard drive, or another hardware issue. In any case, you should take your computer to a repair shop to have it checked out.
5. Upgrading the hardware leads to compatibility issues
If you’ve tried upgrading your computer’s RAM or storage only to find that you can’t because the new hardware isn’t compatible, it may mean that the machine is too old to be worth upgrading. And if you can’t find replacement parts for your current computer, it’s definitely time to get a new one.
6. Its security is out of date
If your computer is more than a few years old, it’s likely running an old or outdated version of Windows or macOS that no longer receives security updates. This leaves your machine vulnerable to malware and other threats. Upgrading to a newer operating system (OS) is the best way to protect your computer, but it’s not always possible if your machine is too old.
7. It can’t run the latest version of the OS
Along the same lines, if you find that you can’t upgrade to the latest version of Windows or macOS because your computer isn’t compatible, it may be time to shop for a new one.
8. It’s too bulky
Laptops, in particular, have gotten much smaller and more portable over the years. If your laptop is too large and heavy that it’s difficult to carry with you, it may be time to upgrade to a newer, more compact model.
9. The same computer issues keep cropping up
If you’ve been dealing with the same computer problems for months or even years, it’s probably time to give up and get a new machine. Sure, you could keep taking it to the repair shop, but at a certain point, it might be more cost-efficient to replace it with a new and improved PC.
10. You’re ready for a change
Sometimes, you just need a new computer because you’re ready for a change. If your current machine is more than five years old and you’re starting to feel like it’s time for an upgrade, then go for it. A new computer can breathe new life into your business. Just be sure to do your research so you don’t end up with a machine that doesn’t meet your needs.
Related reading: 4 Benefits of adopting new business technology
If you’re not sure what type of computer you need or where to buy it, Kortek Solutions can help. We’ve got a team of experts who can help you choose the right machine for your business and budget. Contact us today to get started.