What the Tech: Is it time to a new computer?

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - When was the last time you bought a new computer for yourself?

People these days tend to upgrade their smartphones every few years and keep using the same computer they purchased years ago.

Unless you’re a gamer or video editor, the computer you purchased in the last five to seven years serves you just fine.

But how do you know whether it’s time to a new PC or repair the one you have?

Vanessa Hatfield, a viewer, recently posed a question that many of us grapple with: How long can we hold on to our trusty old laptops?

Her 15-year-old laptop, a relic from the past, has seen the rise of social media, the advent of smartphones, and the evolution of operating systems.

But now it’s showing signs of wear and tear.

So, Vanessa, let’s dive into the world of aging laptops and explore your options.

First off, kudos to Vanessa for keeping her laptop alive for 15 years!

That’s an impressive feat. But like all good things, laptops have a lifespan. Generally, a PC’s prime time is around five to seven years.

Beyond that, they start showing their age, much like we do. Vanessa’s laptop came with Windows XP, a classic operating system that served us well.

The jump to Windows 10 went well, but now it can’t be upgraded to the shiny new Windows 11 or receive security updates.

So, what’s a laptop owner to do?

At the ripe age of 5, laptops tend to slow down. Boot times drag, software stutters, and patience wears thin.

It’s like our ts creaking in the morning – a universal experience. But fear not; there are ways to breathe new life into an old machine.

Vanessa’s laptop likely sports an old-school spinning hard drive, affectionately known as a SATA drive.ar.

These drives have served us faithfully, but they’re prone to wear and tear.

Eventually, they might seize up like an old engine. And when that happens, you risk losing everything – unless you’ve backed up your data elsewhere.

Here’s where our hero arrives: the Solid-State Drive (SSD). It’s like swapping out your old car engine for a turbocharged one.

An SSD is faster, more reliable, and can give your laptop a new lease on life.

We recommend having a qualified technician install an SSD – it’s like giving your laptop a rejuvenating spa day.

For those who want to tinker themselves, consider using CCleaner, a free software tool.

It’s like Marie Kondo for your laptop – it declutters, removes unnecessary files, and tidies up your startup programs.

Your laptop will thank you and you will notice a difference.

But let’s face it: after seven years, it’s probably time to consider an upgrade.

And guess what? New PCs come pre-loaded with Windows 11. Plus, they’re faster, sleeker, and more powerful than their ancestors.

And the best part? They won’t break the bank like they did back in 2010. Now, if you’re a light – browsing the web, checking emails, and scrolling through social media – your old laptop can soldier on.

Just keep it malware-free, and it might last a whopping 10 to 15 years.

Sure, it’ll have limitations, but hey, so do we as we age gracefully.

So, Vanessa, whether you decide to upgrade or cherish your vintage laptop, : that technology may evolve, but the memories we create with our trusty companions remain timeless.

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