computer problems

[seedwerd]

So, my main computer crashed and burned tonight. Luckily, we have a home back-up/external hard drive, and we'll be able to restore once we get a new computer. I also had an old tower in the basement - which I'm using now, lol - and after dusting it off, and updating some features, it seems to be running rather well. It's funny that we haven't used this one in over 4 years, and I seem to recall it lasting about that same amount of time (I'm still planning on replacing, this is just temp).

Question for you all, though: How long do your computers last? Or do you replace them on a fairly regular(2-3 years) basis, because you don't want to deal with the frustration of the last 6 months or so when it starts to get REALLY... REALLY... SLLLLOOOWWW?

[mawhite63]

I've had the same laptop since 2009. I would play around with the idea of getting a new one from time to time over the years just because I wanted one a little more updated, but it worked so well I could never justify the price. It's still running WinXP though so I know I have to replace it before April, but honestly, if it wasn't for Microsoft discontinuing support for WinXP, I'd still keep it.

[Timberlan127]

I hate computer problems. We have no back ups so when something happens we're down for a few days and have to go to the library if we need the computer. That never fits well into the schedule so generally we're without till it gets fixed. Why is it so hard to do without them?? It doesn't seem that long ago when I didn't even know how to turn one on.

[mythociate]

I've had the same laptop since 2009. I would play around with the idea of getting a new one from time to time over the years just because I wanted one a little more updated, but it worked so well I could never justify the price. It's still running WinXP though so I know I have to replace it before April, but honestly, if it wasn't for Microsoft discontinuing support for WinXP, I'd still keep it.

So Microsoft is planning to discontinue support for WinXP in April? Good to know.

I guess this shows that one 'gets new computers' at the same rate one 'gets new shoes'---i.e. not 'after a time-period,' but 'after they fall apart or "one's feet" grow out of them' ("one's feet" being 'the operating-systems one uses to stay "compatible" with the operating-systems of the world')

[kewl4reals]

So, my main computer crashed and burned tonight. Luckily, we have a home back-up/external hard drive, and we'll be able to restore once we get a new computer. I also had an old tower in the basement - which I'm using now, lol - and after dusting it off, and updating some features, it seems to be running rather well. It's funny that we haven't used this one in over 4 years, and I seem to recall it lasting about that same amount of time (I'm still planning on replacing, this is just temp).

Question for you all, though: How long do your computers last? Or do you replace them on a fairly regular(2-3 years) basis, because you don't want to deal with the frustration of the last 6 months or so when it starts to get REALLY... REALLY... SLLLLOOOWWW?

Yes i think i have a virus in my computer, and it is running slow now

[jenniferhoder]

I don't think ANYTHING lasts like it used to anymore..... I would say that the average life should be maybe 7-8 years??? I guess depending how much you use it. Good Luck!

[sanglee]

I heard a good computer can last up to 10 years

[demaina]

I have never officially lost a computer.  All the computers that I own still currently work, I just don't really use them.  The laptop that I'm currently typing on has a few issues with it.  One of these days I need to do a restore of this computer to take care of everything.  I'm missing some crucial dll files on this machine that prevent me from using certain software that is on it.  Luckily though, it doesn't stop me from using the internet so that's what I've been using this laptop for that mostly. 

Honestly, I generally upgrade because I need a new computer.  Either my computer doesn't have enough power to run what I need it to run or it's so old that I know upgrading will benefit me.  My first PC is around 9 years old right now and still works fine.  It would be better if I restored it, but it's still capable of handling most of what I do, or at least, it's capable of handling the internet at a decent speed.

The one I got a year ago is a powerhouse.  I built it to handle the type of 3D modeling I was working on without fear of it crashing halfway through.  I lost too many projects on my previous one due to crashes, so that's why, when I had the money, I decided to upgrade to avoid these issues in the future.


If you want to keep your computer healthy, you really need to restore it every once in a while.  I highly recommend that when you get a new computer, make a restore point immediately.  Then, install the software you want like office or other programs, and make another restore point.  That way, whenever you need to restore your computer, you can either go back to the factory settings, or you can go back to just when it first stared, or just after all your software was installed. 

[BlackSheepNY]

So, my main computer crashed and burned tonight. Luckily, we have a home back-up/external hard drive, and we'll be able to restore once we get a new computer. I also had an old tower in the basement - which I'm using now, lol - and after dusting it off, and updating some features, it seems to be running rather well. It's funny that we haven't used this one in over 4 years, and I seem to recall it lasting about that same amount of time (I'm still planning on replacing, this is just temp).

Question for you all, though: How long do your computers last? Or do you replace them on a fairly regular(2-3 years) basis, because you don't want to deal with the frustration of the last 6 months or so when it starts to get REALLY... REALLY... SLLLLOOOWWW?

Think of your computer the way you would your car.  Do you do regular maintenance on your car (change the oil, replace parts that need replacing), etc.?  Well, it's basically the same thing with your computer.  If you want your computer to last a while, do the maintenance.  Always have Anti-virus software running, check for Malware at least once a week, and keep these things updated to the most recent version.  If something seems strange, check for updates to drivers because these too, become outdated.  Defrag your computer at least once a month and then run a "ChkDsk" or "Scan Disk" to check and repair any errors on your hard drive.

I find the VERY BEST computer is the one YOU BUILD YOURSELF.  In this respect, you're putting exactly what you want inside that computer - your video card, your sound card, your motherboard, etc.  You're choosing those things.  In a pre-built computer, you get what they put in there.  A lot of the times, everything is on the motherboard itself, and once that motherboard goes, forget it, it's garbage.  Don't get me wrong, you can keep a pre-built computer in the best shape you can by taking care of it, too.  It's up to you.

Building your own computer can be a bit pricey, especially if you want the "best" of everything.  I have a computer that is 11 years old.  My husband and I built it and it's still kickin'!  I refuse to give it up even though I got a new computer, LOL.  Reason why I couldn't keep my old one is because it's been updated to the MAX - there's no where to go now and it's simply not fast enough to keep up with today's standards.

[blondie71]

well I have two computers.  I have a desk top which is a Dell and it was purchased sometime in 2010, I also have a laptop that was purchased the same day and they bother are still working just fine.  My son had to take my laptop and reset everything to factory settings and It started working really good after he got done with it.  He wants to do the same to my desktop by doing this them seem to last longer.  But I suggest that if you do this send all photo and important document or what ever you want to save and send it to your email or download it to a disk so you don't loose it when you reset your computer.

[Liquidfire_43]

I usually use desktop 2-4 years before I buy a new one... I could scretch it out more, if it's not too slow or it's specs are obsolete... Laptops are usually 2 years but I barely use them (except for college) so I won't be buying a laptop

I don't have a problem with viruses, so usually when I get a new desktop is when comp components wear out

[rdy2pl8]

I've thought about replacing my computer, but since I updated everything after it had a virus, I'll just wait.

[crisstar]

I feel your pain! I've had lots of computer problems even my computer that I got just a couple of years ago. I think if I had a Mac I would have less issues...so my next computer will likely be one.

[marciaenglish]

I bought a new desktop last summer.....but, it was only because I got a great deal from a guy at work!  My old one still works just fine.  I am holding on to it for "just in case"!   

[seedwerd]

Well, we got the new one a couple of days ago, but things have been so busy, that I've only just gotten back into my routine. It's really nice to have things going as fast as I can go now. No more "waiting for my computer to catch up with me." LOL

Seed