Infiniwiz Tips: When Should You Get a New Computer?

 

When it comes to our work processes, your computer must operate at its best capacity so that it does not hinder your progress with downtime caused by device issues. When caring for your devices, the question of when a business should replace computer equipment is critical to ensure that users do not run into disruptions.

While the IT industry standard suggests replacing your device after its five-year lifespan, recent discussion has illuminated that this standard may not be a one-size-fits-all and depends on many factors. In this article, Infiniwiz would like to give you a few tips and factors that influence the decision to replace a computer.

Industry Standards and Best Practices

As stated before, the industry recommends a five-year replacement cycle for computers. This is because, with rapid advancements within the technological world, newer hardware and more demanding software continue to roll up. As newer applications emerge, it becomes much more complicated for older computers to keep up with the latest updates, leading to system crashing, overheating, and vulnerabilities that help malicious actors hack into your systems. However, as our reliance on cloud-based solutions grows, this standard may require a second look.

The Role of Cloud Computing

Businesses that use virtual servers, such as Horizon Cloud, Microsoft Azure, or Amazon Web Services, challenge the notion of a strict five-year replacement cycle. In this case, users can utilize their devices longer because most of the work is done in the cloud rather than by using the resources of the computer itself. So, RAM, hard drive speed, and process speed don't really matter. To put it more clearly, when most tasks are shifted to the cloud, the local machine's processing speed and hard drive become less critical. The primary concern is when you need to replace the computer. The user may be down for days because the device has to be purchased, delivered, and set up by your IT team.

Performance Considerations

For users not leveraging cloud solutions, the impact of aging hardware will cause issues. Slower performance becomes a drawback, affecting productivity. The evolving demands of browsers and software can strain older computers, making the five-year replacement cycle a more sensible guideline.

For example, web browsers have evolved over the past decade from basic tools primarily used for online searches to adding additional features to our daily digital activities. In the earlier days, browsers were used for conducting research and accessing information. However, today, they assist users in conducting their work using different software applications. The increased demand for diverse functionalities from various software providers has driven developers to continue to enhance browser capabilities.

Consequently, this evolution has led to browsers becoming intricate software, which is much more complex than their simpler predecessors, where users encounter issues such as high memory usage, which can cause slowness to an older computer.

RAM and Storage Recommendations

While the need for RAM is on the rise, browsers like Chrome consume large amounts of storage. However, it is important to note that solid-state drives (SSDs) have become the preferred storage solution. A minimum of 16GB of RAM is now advised, and projections suggest that in the near future, 32GB will become the new standard.

Overall, the decision of when to replace your computer is not solely dictated by the five-year mark. The shift to the virtual cloud has introduced new considerations, challenging established norms. It is important to assess your specific use case, the impact of aging hardware, and evolving software demands when deciding to upgrade or replace your computer.

Things to think about:

Take a moment to evaluate your current computer setup, such as:

• The nature of your work
• The software you use
• The performance of your machine

Also, stay informed about industry trends and evolving requirements to ensure your technology remains an asset rather than an issue to your productivity.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.