Extending the Life of Your Computer
It’s inevitable: your desktop or laptop won’t last forever. Eventually, you’ll need to replace it. However, if you’re not ready to make that leap just yet, there are several ways to extend its lifespan. These methods vary in terms of time and cost.
Upgrade the Internals
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More RAM can speed up your PC—but you’ll need to open up the case to fit it.
Photograph: Ed Brown/Alamy
Boosting Performance
Upgrading your computer’s components can significantly improve its performance. This is more feasible for desktops than laptops, and it requires some research to identify the right upgrades for your specific PC. Two key upgrades that offer substantial benefits are adding a solid-state drive (SSD) and increasing the RAM.
DIY Tech Projects
If you’re up for a DIY project, there are numerous tutorials online and on YouTube that can guide you through these upgrades. For instance, replacing an older hard drive with an SSD can make a noticeable difference in speed and efficiency.
Reset Your Operating System
Sometimes, a fresh start can make your computer feel like new. Here’s how to reset your operating system:
Windows
Go to Settings from the Start menu, then choose Windows Update, Advanced Options, Recovery, and Reset this PC.
macOS
Open the Apple menu, then pick System Settings, General, Transfer or Reset, and Erase All Content and Settings.
Install Linux
ChromeOS Flex can give an old computer a new lease of life.
Courtesy of Google
Switching to Linux
Consider moving away from Windows and macOS entirely. Linux is a free and open-source operating system that can breathe new life into an old computer. It’s easy to configure and has a wide range of applications available.
Repurpose Your Old Computer
Media Server
Turn your old computer into a media server using software like Plex. This allows you to stream your music and movies to various devices around your home.
Security Camera
If your old computer has a webcam, you can use it as a security camera. iSpy is a program that lets you record footage and access the feed remotely.
Basic Media Player
Your old computer can also serve as a basic media player. It doesn’t require much processing power to stream services like Netflix or Disney+. You can even connect it to an older TV using an HDMI cable.
5 Comments
Ever considered a sledgehammer as a final solution?
Isn’t it amazing how much patience an old computer can teach you?
Lark: Just imagine how fast it’ll go without all those cat videos clogging up the hard drive!
Have you tried talking nicely to it? Somehow, it always works for me.
Ezekiel T. Gray: Does anyone even consider hardware upgrades anymore?