Computer Life Span Question

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Wingman

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I have an HP desktop computer (Slimline S5620f, Windows 7) that just turned 3 years old. It has been operated 2-3 hours per day (by adults), and left in the sleep mode 8 to 10 hours per day. It is only used to surf the web (safe sites), check email, and store pictures. It has never given me any problem. I am considering buying another Windows 7 computer, while they are still available, to get me well past the Windows 8 era and deep into Windows 9 or 10. Given my usage, should my current computer last another 3 years, or would you recommend that I purchase a new computer to make sure I can get past Windows 8? I do not know the factors that cause a computer to "wear out".

Thanks to all who reply. It seems odd to ask computer questions on a auto web site, but you guys are a GREAT source of information and advice. Thanks again!
 
It's hard to say since a computer is just an assembly of various commodity products built to a price. Laptops are inherently less reliable than desktop computers due to the miniaturization and mediocre cooling, and the overall nature of them being jostled around and abused more. Your slimline desktop walks the line between laptop and desktop, so reliability is probably somewhere inbetween.

That being said, common failures are things like the hard drive and RAM, both of which are user-replaceable and fairly inexpensive (
The bigger failures that are going to cost as much as a new computer are things like the motherboard or display. Those too are commodity items but predicting their lifespan is very tricky.

It's hard to say if it will make it to whatever replaces Windows 8.1 (8.2/9/etc). Your motherboard could die tomorrow, or the computer could operate flawlessly for a decade. If it's already 3 years old, I would say that you're starting to approach that age when a hard drive might fail -- but if you only use it a few hours a day, it probably has a lot of life left.

My advice is to just hang onto it until it becomes too slow to perform the basic tasks.
 
Better advice might be to pick up a copy of Windows 7 now and keep it for a computer in the future with an OS you may not like.
 
Originally Posted By: redhat
Better advice might be to pick up a copy of Windows 7 now and keep it for a computer in the future with an OS you may not like.



W7 may not run on newer hardware. Try to load XP up on a modern machine -- often times won't work.
 
It is hard to say unless you know who made the components, I have frequently gets stuff to 7-8 years (my hard drive is 10 years now, the good ole Seagate Baracuda 7200.7, one of the most reliable hard drive ever made).

The good news however, is that if it last 3 years, it is likely going to last another 3. A new one may or may not last that long, it all depends.

Another good news is hard drive and power supplies are easily replaceable.
 
In all honestly though, while I'm not the biggest fan of Windows 8/8.1 (I did run it for many months), your safe websites, e-mail, and photo storage/viewing experience will not change all that drastically with the new OS.

It is different, but I do think you could manage to find your way around things.
 
I run my computers a lot. HDDs that are consumer grade are the biggest issue, but power supplies do go too. I've had better service from my macs than my dells. My hps seem to be decent.
 
The computer itself is just a collection of readily-available commodity parts. It is your data that is important. Make sure your data is backed up in more than one location and as parts fail on your machine over time (usually the HDD first; it is the only real moving part in there save for a few fans) you can replace them with super-cheap replacement parts.

You will be able to get Windows 7 for years; but I cannot conclude a post without first recommending that you take a good look at the Ubuntu operating system which will never leave you in this position as it is updated regularly, is always free (both as in "no cost" and as in "freedom") and can be installed anywhere at any time on any machine.
 
Originally Posted By: dparm
Originally Posted By: redhat
Better advice might be to pick up a copy of Windows 7 now and keep it for a computer in the future with an OS you may not like.



W7 may not run on newer hardware. Try to load XP up on a modern machine -- often times won't work.


Sure... XP is getting to be over a decade old. Windows 7 is only almost four years old. I think we can expect to have decent driver and software support from Windows 7 for quite a while.
 
I don't see there being any exact answer. A lot depends on what your definition of wear out is - hardware malfunction or general poor performance.

We have a laptop and desktop in our house both of which are on at least 6 hours a day and were on for 14 hours daily years ago - they were both purchased in '05. Both have the original hard drives. Things that have failed include both screens, power supply on the desktop, disk drive and battery on the laptop, nothing that made the machines useless though.
 
Run it until you experience problems.

Nothing wrong with Windows 8.1.

Am over 70 and had no issues using it when I purchased a new Laptop and UltraBook with Windows 8 which I upgraded to 8.1. Has all the apps one could ask for + the desktop that looks virtually the same as Windows Vista or Windows 7.

Windows 8.1 put the start button back in the lower left and I find it boots faster and is more snappy.
 
My current custom built PC has a few parts that are over six years old but I just keep replacing whatever needs to be replaced or updated. Most of the components are reasonably recent now.

You get a good quality custom case and just replace and update whatever needs to be replaced or updated. A good quality case can last ten years or more.
 
My Dell is 8+ years and going strong on 6-8 hours a day. I think 8.1 has alleviated many 8.0 problems and fears. You now have the option of having a desk top of W7 with the OS of 8 unless you want the touch screen option. Ed
 
IMO heat is the killer followed by unstable power. Keep the insides dust free with an APU on back up.

When your HDD fails jump to a SSD.
 
Originally Posted By: BMWTurboDzl
IMO heat is the killer followed by unstable power. Keep the insides dust free with an APU on back up.

When your HDD fails jump to a SSD.


That's exactly what I was going to say. Heat heat heat; keep it cool and at least the components have a batter shot at a long life (especially for laptops).
 
Originally Posted By: Wingman
I have an HP desktop computer (Slimline S5620f, Windows 7) that just turned 3 years old. It has been operated 2-3 hours per day (by adults), and left in the sleep mode 8 to 10 hours per day. It is only used to surf the web (safe sites), check email, and store pictures. It has never given me any problem.


Sound like should put *Nix on it. Kubuntu is a solid choice since it looks and feels like windows without the bloat, stress, and security exploits.
 
OP has windows 7, it's the little license sticker on the back.

He can "rebuild" his computer as often as he likes. The win 7 iso is legally downloadable: burn a DVD and it's yours. Just needs the license key.

But as said above eventually mobo makers might not make drivers that go back to win 7. With 8 being such a turkey, this could be a while.

Watch for deals on network attached storage; they are a barrel of fun and have auto backup software.

Best thing to do for the current computer is keep the dust out of it. Take the cover off and vacuum down in the CPU heat sink fan area and anywhere else.
 
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