It is the age old question. When is the right time to change my computer, whether it be a laptop, PC or tablet? The answer as always is there is no right answer as it all depends on the systems in question and what they are been using for.
Lets take an example.
I was asked to quote a client a while back to migrate them from Windows XP to Windows 7. On inspection of their systems it was clear that two of them needed replacing (calling the systems ancient would be polite) but two could very easily run Windows 7 with a memory upgrade. The client was shocked at this. In their mind because the two systems were 5 years old they must be past it and they needed new ones. I pointed out that they were only accessing files on a local server, word processing, a couple of spreadsheets, emails and some internet browsing so they weren’t exactly getting taxed. In this scenario it made more sense to spend a relatively little amount of money upgrading the two systems in question than purchase two new ones.
It is the same with Windows Vista machines. Most systems running Vista could easily run Windows 7 with a memory upgrade rather than purchasing new systems. You would probably be running 32 bit software but unless you are a power user you are unlikely to notice the difference in performance. The reason I am saying Windows 7 and not Windows 8 is that for all the advertising Windows 8 still confuses a lot of users (personally I like it).
The flip side of this of course are the businesses that refuse to change their systems when it is blindingly obvious they are not fit for purpose. I have known clients in the past who wanted to upgrade systems rather than purchase systems thinking this would be the cheaper option. I did try and point out that I would be very happy maintaining their systems but they would end up seeing me more than my wife does (and with me would come the bill).
As you can see there is no right or wrong answer to the question as it does depend on the state of the existing systems and what they are being used for. When you start to think you need new systems ask yourself one question – what exactly do I need the system to do?
About the Author
Hi I’m Chris Wakefield the owner of ComTech IT Support. I provide Windows, Mac and Linux based IT Support to small businesses in Stirling, Alloa and Falkirk.
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