What is the typical useful life of your PC? ... 1, 2, 3+ years?

[MMing5000]

It's a pain in the butt to set up a new pc even if you have backed up all your data because it takes more than 4-5 hours to install all the different programs on the new computer.

My PC usually last 1-3 years max, and on occasions breaks down just after a year as soon as the warranty expires either ... mostly due to hard disk failure or video card failure and several occasions due to virus damages and the PC just does not perform as well after the entire system has been restored with a clean re-install.

I've tried both leaving the computer on all day long 24/7 all year round and shutting down at the end of each workday and it doesn't seem to matter much on the longevity of the PCs... seems like they are designed to break down after 2-3 years whether you are a heavy user or a light user.

Just curious about what other appraisers experience with their PCs?

 

[SpartanAG]

Like most things.....it depends. I typically buy more expensive computers/laptops with upgraded parts because I know I'm going to work them hard and I want them to hold up for a while. I've been fortunate to get 7+ years out of desktops. At the time of their commissioning, they were still able to run all the business programs I needed with easy, but they would start to struggle with some of the newer PC games that were coming out. My laptops typically hold up for 3-5 years, but they aren't typically used near as hard as my desktop. All that said, if you want longevity, I've found that quality parts make a difference.

I also run multiple drives in my desktops. That way if I have a catastrophic failure with say the motherboard, I can just pull the drive and slap it in a new rig and be up and running pretty quick. So taking your old drive and hooking it into your new system may be an option, if only to just move data quickly.

 

[number1pencil]

I've never owned a PC that didn't last at least 5 years. Then again, I used to fix and build computers for fun so I get the best parts and put it together myself. It's about the same price and you get much more bang for your buck.

When you're building a computer for yourself, you always insure that the power supply and harddrive are high quality. I believe that PC manufacturers cheap out on these components.

 

[Tom Woolford]

I usually build a new one every 3-4 years, more to take advantage of new technology than out of need.

 

[J Grant]

8-10 years.

 

[Joe Flacco]

PCs last me forever. I built a new PC couple years ago and my wife uses my 7 year old PC now and it is still pretty fast.

 

[J Grant]

It's a pain in the butt to set up a new pc even if you have backed up all your data because it takes more than 4-5 hours to install all the different programs on the new computer.

My PC usually last 1-3 years max, and on occasions breaks down just after a year as soon as the warranty expires either ... mostly due to hard disk failure or video card failure and several occasions due to virus damages and the PC just does not perform as well after the entire system has been restored with a clean re-install.

I've tried both leaving the computer on all day long 24/7 all year round and shutting down at the end of each workday and it doesn't seem to matter much on the longevity of the PCs... seems like they are designed to break down after 2-3 years whether you are a heavy user or a light user.

Just curious about what other appraisers experience with their PCs?

What brand are you buying? Something seems wrong to last so short...moisture in the room or something? Dust getting in? ( I used to get dog hair in my computer that clogged it up lol) A crappy tech set up?- you mention virus, worth every penny though some are free, AVAST is a good anti virus program.

Also, for a work PC, I really try to limit my other links, facebook etc because all those activities are what let virus in - get a second play computer or thinkpad to do "fun" or other web surfing/social media games etc. Something you are doing is letting too many virus in (though i've gotten them too - the worst but much fewer after better anti virus program and careful what else do on work computer

 

[The Bob]

In have 2 I built about 5-7 years ago. I dread Win 7 not being supported soon.
I had Win 10 and absolutely hated it.

Is anyone using Linux or some other system that will run Alamode?

 

[J Grant]

I am a low tech person and had no issues with Windows 10, why do people hate it? Seems to function okay. It runs my Alamode win total and gets email and internet that;s all I care about

 

[number1pencil]

In have 2 I built about 5-7 years ago. I dread Win 7 not being supported soon.
I had Win 10 and absolutely hated it.

Is anyone using Linux or some other system that will run Alamode?

This is baffling to me as a power user. Windows 10 is better in every way. Multi monitor support on 7 was garbage. One task bar. No customization.