When Do I Replace My Computer

We are faced with the question whether a computer should be replaced or not. Generally, if the computer needs repairs where the costs associated with the repair will exceed a reasonable limit, we will advise that the computer be replaced. Otherwise, one should determine a reasonable amount of time to replace computers in the place of business. Many businesses follow a plan of replacing computers on a regular schedule of 3-5 years. In some cases, it is done for technological reasons, others for tax purposes, and still others for a combination of the two. See your accountant to discuss the depreciation of your computer equipment since rules may vary from locality to locality, and, I am not an accountant.

Some may ask why they should follow a schedule; why not use the machine until it is no longer usable? One reason is that you can plan the outlay of certain amounts of money to replace the machines used in your business. Another is that the technology is always advancing, not only in the hardware arena, but in the software arena also. An unfortunate fact is that sooner or later, the software you need to use will no longer run on earlier hardware, and the hardware will need to be replaced. In other cases, the software may run slow on the hardware provided for it (often leading to complaints that the machine is slow). Older machines that have a problem may not be fixable, simply because replacement parts are no longer available, or have become very expensive to replace.

How should you go about formulating a policy? This is a very good question. A policy would need to be crafted to meet your needs as a business, so, there is not a one size fits all kind of policy. We have worked for many years with a non-profit group that has about 35 users, though that number has varied over the years. They buy a certain number of new machines each year, as well as a new server to replace the oldest server they have. The new machines go to a group, different each year, based on the age of their current machine and their ranking in the organization. The machines that are replaced are then re-imaged and passed along to those in the next tier, and those machines are repurposed to the lowest tier. The machines that no longer have a home are eventually disposed, some by being sold to the employees of the organization, and some living on as emergency replacements.

This may not work for you, if you have four employees. In that case, you may want to replace one machine each year, or maybe replace them all every 4 or 5 years. Your policy would need to take into account your business needs and your particular situation.

We will be able to help you to determine your policy for your business as well as providing current recommendations for the machines to be purchased as replacements. You can then purchase the machines on your own, or we can work with you to supply the new machines. If you need help of this kind, please do give LAN Doctor a call, or drop us an e-mail addressed to support@ladoctor.com.