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Computers grow old too, you know, just like everything else

Sunday 25th July 2010

Just when does a computer become "Too old", then?

It is generally accepted that one year for a human is roughly equivalent to seven years for a dog.  Although a small dog, in particular, will often live to 14 or even 15, for a large dog, such as an Alsatian or a Doberman, much beyond ten years is uncommon.  Sadly, some very large breeds, such as an Irish Wolfhound or a Great Dane, have a life expectancy of only 7 or 8 years and will shows signs of senility well before then.

Computing equipment also ages, at roughly the same rate as a very large dog.  The consequence is that after  five years or so of faithful service, most PC's really should be retired and replaced with an up-to-date model.  "Green" issues apart, a new computer will normally be less likely to fail, more responsive, take up less space and make less noise than the one it replaces.  To see this effect in action, just power up a ten-year-old PC.  Watch how long it takes to load the operating system and listen to the deafening racket it makes.  Next, put your hand round the back and feel the blast of hot air blowing out from the fans.  Finally, marvel at the antiquated operating system - it is probably running Windows 2000, Windows 98/ME or even Windows 95.

The most obvious advance in the technology is with the monitor.  Long gone are the bulky, curved-front CRT screens.  Not only are modern TFT screens totally flat, they consume very little power, take up far less desk space and offer a much greater viewing area.  A 21" CRT monitor is a massive beast which requires correct posture when lifting it, if personal injury is to be avoided.  A 24" TFT monitor, on the other hand, is light enough to be carried comfortably under one arm by most people.  It will also boast a higher resolution and a sharper image, allowing more windows to be visible on the desktop at one time.     

Financially, therefore, IT equipment should be "written off" over no more than five years, although three years is generally recommended.