How Do I Know If My Hardware Is Outdated And Ready For Replacement?

by Apr 29, 2019Blog

Running a business is difficult, but running a business on out of date hardware is not only unwise, it can cost you. Hardware ages and gets worn out, which means that it not only needs maintenance and preventative measures on a regular basis, but eventually it’ll need to be replaced. A good indication that it needs to be replaced is when the hardware and software can no longer be updated or when your system overall becomes more sluggish. Though there are many things that can be done to prolong a dying system, ultimately it’s important to realize that hardware becomes outdated and though there are things that can help, it needs to be replaced. There are several telltale signs that hardware is out of date and in need of replacement. And, many of those same signs are familiar in day to day activities. 

Your System Keeps Freezing

Most, if not all, businesses that use computers have experienced this frustration. In the mists of a flowing, productive work session the curser stops responding and you panic, waiting with bated breath to see if it once again blinks at you or if you’ve lost your work since the last auto save 10 minutes ago. The cause of this is very probably bad sectors on the disk. This happens due to incorrectly shutting down the system and the only real ‘fix’ is to use desktop support to initiate disk check. Disk check will attempt to fix the problem and what it can’t repair it will section off so that new information won’t be written over the damaged parts. Still, this is only putting off the inevitable. 

You Experience Glitches

Whether your hardware is a scanner, laptop or tablet, glitches are never a good sign. Frequent error messages when you try to do things are indicative of a failing hard drive. And, once a tablet is past its prime it will experience issues freezing up, failure to respond or randomly shutting down. Another sign with laptop, tablets and other smart devices is the battery usage. If the battery is draining very quickly, it’s more than likely time to replace the phone (though replacing the battery may help). Consulting a technology solutions company may be an option for a small business, or a company can utilize their IT department.

Your System Takes Too Long

A sluggish system is a good indication that it may be time to update and replace hardware. Over time hardware wears out. A slow startup can indicate that the machine is “forgetting” how to access the software. This slower startup can not only cause a delay in production, but it can also indicate the experience the user or users will have with the machine. If it takes too long to do the simplest of tasks and all software tricks have been exhausted, it’s time to invest in new hardware. Consult with IT solutions about software fixes such as defragmentation and eliminating outdated, unused software that may be slowing the machine down.

Your Computer Cannot Support Certain Programs and Interfaces

If your company uses a variety of tools that rely on computers, but your IT staff encounters problems every time those new tools are implemented, it’s probably time to update the hardware. Many older computer systems operate on 32-bit. The hardware can only support so much processing power and thus, it can only handle so much information. This leads to random crashes and freezes as the machine tries to do something that the hardware simply isn’t cut out for. With the demands put on hardware and software today, it’s important to update to a 64-it system that has the processing power to handle bigger files and more complex software.

Your Device Won’t Startup

Very often when a device won’t start the problem isn’t the software, but the hardware. With more complicated systems, such as laptops, several problems can stop a laptop from initiating startup. Though sometimes a simple yet thorough cleaning may help, over time hardware degrades to the point that it’s necessary to either replace the hardware (often memory chips or motherboards), or simply replace the whole system. Hardware services can often help determine the best course of action and if it is best to do a repair or replace the system.

Unexplained Noises

Any time a machine begins making an unexpected noise it is worrisome. That’s no less true for a computer, specialized tool or smart device. Just like an automobile unexpected sounds, vibrations or other changes in behavior need to be investigated as soon as possible. A clicking sound in a laptop can indicate that the hard drive is experience imminent failure. And, the sound of a fan buzzing in a desktop can indicate a problem with the cooling system. Many hardware issues can be resolved by simply replacing one or two parts however, when this becomes a routine occurrence, it is ultimately easier and cheaper to just replace the whole system rather than individual parts.

It’s Cheaper to Replace the System

In some cases the system may still adequately serve its purpose, but in order to save the company money in the long run, it needs to be updated. Due to leases, IT issues and the anticipated demands of a company, replacing a hardware system that may not be able to handle a heavier workload later can be cost effective now. 

Maintaining an out of date system is at the very least frustrating. At most, it is a continuous, expensive chore involving constant IT support, part replacement and delays in production or communication for the company. Though many of the symptoms of an out of date hardware system are obvious, it’s important to notice the less obvious ones such as a slower system. It’s also important to keep in mind anticipated changes in your company and how your technology needs may change and grow in coming years. You can detect outdated hardware by simply paying attention to be behavior of the hardware and your company’s needs.

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