When to repair and when to replace
When PCs become slow and sluggish, sometimes the easiest way to get around this problem is to get a new one. However, this could be an unnecessary cost to you and your business. There is also an option to repair your system, which could save you money. But how do you know when to repair or when to replace the PCs in your business? This blog will take you through steps to take to help you find out which is the best option for you and your business.
Find out what the problem is
Firstly you need to find out what is causing the problem. Each computer is made up of different components so to be able to fix the problem cost-effectively and quickly, you need to know which one is causing you the problem. If it is not the software, that is!
It is easy to run tests on your system to check that all software is running as it should be. You should check the operating system too, to make sure that there is no corruption that is causing problems.
If you have completed these checks on your software and you cannot find the problem, the likelihood is that a component of the hardware may need replacing. You can check the CPU and memory storage by looking at the performance tab on your task manager. Checking the RAM is also a good idea, as failing RAM could cause your computer to run slowly and could even stop your computer from turning on. By running a test on this, you can find out if it is the RAM causing you problems.
Check your budget
Completely replacing your PC could cost a lot of money. Repairing your system by upgrading certain components however, could save you money. But it’s important to take into account which part it is that needs upgrading. For example, simply upgrading your hard drive to an SSD is something you can do yourself and will definitely help run your PC faster. If the problem lies with your CPU however, there may not be any point in upgrading this component, as you may also need to upgrade other parts to ensure compatibility with the new CPU. This would cost more money than it is worth.
How long have you had your existing kit?
Jill Duffy from PC Magazine suggests that even a low-end desktop computer should give you about 5 years of solid use before it starts to break down. If you upgraded your businesses IT less than 5 years ago, it probably makes sense to try to repair any of the kit if you can first, to improve the longevity of the system. If you have had the PC for longer than 5 years, you may need to weigh up different factors before you make a decision: what is causing the problems, can it be repaired rather than replaced?
Environmental impact
Businesses have a responsibility to limit any negative effects they may have on the environment. By making your businesses kit last longer, you are removing the need to buy new, and therefore reducing the need to manufacture, which in turn reduces your carbon footprint. Repairing rather than replacing also reduces the need to dispose of redundant equipment, which could go to landfill.
If you do find that it is more beneficial for you to upgrade your businesses IT rather than repair it, but you are worried about the impact it could have on the environment, there are ways that you can upgrade with limited effects on the environment.
How to replace and be green
When you do decide you need to upgrade your businesses IT, you could choose to buy refurbished products over brand new. This would still reduce the need for manufacture of brand-new products which reduces the amount of critically raw materials extracted from the earth and carbon emitted during manufacturing processes. As a business, you may be upgrading because you want top spec products. You can still get as high-quality products when you buy refurbished. The only difference is that you can get them cheaper. And even better, if you have a limited budget for your IT, you may be able to afford higher spec PCs for your business than if you bought brand new.
Replacing your businesses current IT equipment also comes with the question of “what will you do with your redundant kit?”. You don’t just need to consider what you are going to buy, but you need to look at what you will do with the old. If you think it’s too much hassle to try and get rid of all your used IT, then think again. It is easy to let Zixtel know what kit you have; all you need to do is call or fill out a simple form. Someone will then get back to you letting you know how much it is worth. Yes, you heard right, they will pay you for the equipment and take it off your hands. This way, you can add more money to your IT budget and get someone to safely take it away and either recycle it or refurbish it for resale.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision whether to repair or replace is down to the circumstances of your business and the reason for the problems found. Most of the time, it is a better option to repair when you can, in terms of cost and the effect on the environment. However, replacing IT is sometimes necessary, but there are ways of going about this in a way that is beneficial both to your business and the environment. It is best to fully look into all the options available before you make any decisions.
