| The life span of computers | | | | computer system, it is best to look at a cost |
| The average desktop PC has a functional lifespan of | | | | comparison of what you will get out of each of the |
| roughly two to five years maximum. The length of the | | | | two options. My rule of thumb is that upgrades should |
| lifespan greatly depends upon the type of system | | | | typically be done if the costs of the upgrades will be |
| purchased, advances in hardware components and | | | | roughly half of the cost of getting a new system. This |
| changes in the software that we run. Over time, users | | | | is just a guideline based on most upgrades giving you |
| will tend to notice that their systems just aren't as fast | | | | a functional lifespan of roughly half of what |
| as they used to be, they don't have enough space to | | | | replacement will get you. It always best to upgrade |
| store their files or don't meet the requirements for the | | | | wherever possible. |
| latest software. When this happens, users have the | | | | The advantage that desktop PCs have is a greater |
| option of either upgrading or replacing their PCs, this | | | | amount of upgrades that can be made to them |
| can be costly. | | | | compared to a laptop computer. |
| To determine which choice might be better for your | | | | |