Upgrading vs Replacing Your Computer Hardware and Software

Do you need new computers? Should you upgrade to Windows 10? Do you need to migrate to Windows Server 2016? Based on advertising and other pressures, you’d think you needed to run out immediately and replace all the computers and software programs. Fortunately, in most cases, that’s simply not true. At some point, you will need to update your hardware and software, but knowing when you should do that can be difficult. Our comprehensive computer technical services are designed to help business owners in Minneapolis St. Paul make the right decisions at the right tome. Here are some questions to ask to help you with such decisions:

• How much will upgrading my hardware and software cost?

  There’s no simple answer for this question. The total cost depends on your equipment. How many PCs need upgrades or replacement? The software you use also plays a role in your total cost. Further, if you need to replace peripheral equipment, such as printers and monitors, that can also increase the cost. On the other hand, a well-designed plan that maximizes the re-purposing of some equipment can help keep the costs as low as possible. We’ll be happy to consult with you to help you make these important decisions.

• Will a hardware and software upgrade improve productivity?

  In many cases, more powerful new systems only affect actual productivity in a minor way. For example, word processing software’s speed is primarily controlled by keyboard operations. A newer version of the software won’t increase your employees’ typing speed. On the other hand, adding more memory a PC can dramatically decrease time spent waiting for graphics software to process changes in an image or video. Assessing productivity improvements is an important issue. Evaluate how you use your hardware and software to determine what makes sense.

• Will upgrading hardware or software require extensive retraining?

  Generally, new hardware is easy for you and your staff to adopt. Operating systems and application software version updates, however, may require you to retrain current employees to handle the new version. Microsoft Office 365, for example, made major changes recently, including transitioning to cloud data storage and interface changes. These changes can slow down worker productivity until they learn the new version. In the same way, transitioning to the Windows 10 operating system can create confusion and slowdowns until the new system becomes familiar.

• Will the new hardware or software be compatible with my other equipment?

  In most cases, new hardware and software can work seamlessly with older software versions and peripherals like printers, if configured properly. If you share data with customers and clients, however, compatibility with their systems is an issue to consider. In addition, switching to new operating systems and hardware may require reinstalling device drivers and changing network configurations. In some cases, you may have older peripherals that don’t have compatible drivers. We can help you evaluate all of these issues.

• Can I update older computer hardware instead of replacing it?

  In many cases, the answer is that you can. Adding more memory and storage to older computers can improve their performance. However, this only works up to a point. The latest operating system software may have processor limitations. In addition, outdated memory types in your computers may not allow adequate upgrades. These situations are most common if your older PCs and peripherals are more than five years old. Ask a qualified, experienced technician to evaluate your hardware and make recommendations.

• Can I replace just some of my current hardware and keep the rest?

  By replacing only the hardware that is slowing down your productivity, you can realize significant savings. If you’re using Windows networking or Windows Server, it can be configured to accommodate earlier equipment and operating systems. A careful analysis by our business computer specialists can save you plenty. We’ll help you find a customized solution that maximizes cost-effectiveness.

• Should our old PCs be replaced now?

  Today’s PCs and laptops have a useful life of about five years. After that, you run the risk of hard drive and other component failure. In addition, older equipment may not be compatible with the newest hardware, software and peripherals. Replacing some more recent hardware and moving the replaced hardware to replace hardware near the end of its life can be a workable solution. This question needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis before deciding on a reasonable plan.

• When should we upgrade laptops and notebook computers?

  These useful tools generally have a shorter life than desktop computers. They’re also harder to upgrade with additional memory and larger storage capacity. To keep your field staff productive, you may well have to replace these portable computers more often. Monitor how well they’re working and listen to staff complaints to help you make these decisions. You can call on us to help you make these evaluations and recommendations.

• How do I dispose of old computer hardware?

  Today’s environmental laws prohibit simply discarding computer hardware. In the Twin Cities metro area, there are a number of computer recycling companies that properly handle this job securely. Donating functional computer equipment is another good solution, and has tax advantages. Our technical team can assist you with data security measures to prevent data stored on your equipment from falling into the wrong hands, too. Search on Google for “computer recycling Minnesota” to find locally available recycling resources.

Computer Update and Replacement Services in Minneapolis St. Paul, MN

As the leading IT support company in Minnesota, we understand the need for updating small business computer systems. We can help you decide what works best for you and keep the costs down. We update and replace server, desktop and laptop computers with additional memory and storage to extend their productive life. When new hardware, software and network updates are needed, rely on our superbly trained, experienced technicians to recommend ideal solutions, install them and integrate updates into your current system. Contact us now to discuss your IT service needs. At competitive rates, our business computing expertise will assist you from initial planning and price quotes to ideal installation and configuration services. We’re dedicated to helping you keep your Twin Cities computer system economical and productive.