How old is your computer?
The average lifespan of a computer is 4 years so if your machine is older than that then you might start to see signs of wear and tear. Good general maintenance and cleaning will stretch its lifespan a little but after a certain time it will struggle to keep up and you will need to replace it.
 
Have you maintained your computer?
If you’ve neglected to keep on top of the maintenance and cleaning side of things with your computer then this will definitely reduce its life. Dust builds up on the components and fan can cause overheating which will damage the computer so always try to keep your computer clean and dust free.
 
Is the fan working overtime?
While a bit of heat is normal when the computer is running, significant heat and a very noisy fan indicate the computer is overheating. This could be another sign you need to look for a replacement machine.
 
Can you update it to the latest operating system?
If your computer can’t support the latest operating system then you could be in for trouble- new software will often not support older operating systems.
 
Is it running out of memory?
If you're having issues such as not being able to run two applications at the same time or your computer is sluggish and constantly crashes then you might find your computer doesn’t have enough RAM or is running out of room in the hard drive. Upgrading to more RAM or switching out the hard drive can remedy this but it might only be a temporary fix if the machine is old.
 
Is it slow to start up and shut down?
Another sign it might be time for an upgrade is if it’s taking an age to boot up or shut down your machine. Over time, computers slow down and while you might be able to improve some issues with some general maintenance or upgrading the hard drive to an SSD if the computer is too old then it is probably time to replace it.
 
Can it run the latest software programmes?
If your computer can’t run new software then that is a warning sign that it is too old and needs updating. Anti virus software providers often stop supporting older versions of your PC leaving you vulnerable to viruses and malware.
 
Is it reliable?
If you can’t rely on your computer to handle the day to day tasks then it sounds like you should be looking to replace it. Of course, there may be an easy solution that a computer specialist would be able to remedy but if it is costing you time and money then it might be worth upgrading to a newer model.
 
Would it cost more to upgrade or repair than to replace?
If the cost to repair or upgrade would be more than a new machine then the only right answer is to replace the computer. A new computer should be seen as an investment for your business and don’t forget it is a genuine business expense.

Never underestimate the value of a reliable computer for your business - if a new PC will cost slightly more than an upgrade but will save you time and mean you can get back to work quicker then it is worth taking into account when deciding whether to repair or replace. 
 
File genie can help with any concerns you have with your PC and can advise on maintenance, cleaning and antivirus protection.
 
Contact Ben for further help.

If you’ve had your phone for a few years, you’re probably starting to see signs that it might be time for an upgrade.

The battery is probably running out much more quickly and you might find your fun running much slower than before.

There are some things you can do if you’re not quite ready to change up your phone:

• Delete apps you don’t use- this will free up vital space on your phone and help speed things up a bit.
• Update your operating system.
• Get rid of live wallpaper- it might look cool but it’s seriously eating into your phone's memory and battery life.
• Remove apps you no longer use.
• If you have an iPhone, turn off Siri. Although Siri’s suggestions can be quite handy it also slows down iPhones, especially older ones.
• Restart your phone- this clears the memory and can fix glitchy apps.
• Clear the cache.

If the above doesn’t help improve the performance of your phone as a last resort you can try a factory reset. Be warned this does wipe everything from your phone so you need to back up all your important data before you perform the reset!

Upgrade Your Smartphone?
If you’ve decided to splash out on a new phone, we highly recommend doing your research first. Check out this handy guide from Which? It covers everything to help you make the best choice for your budget.
 
In the past, when it came to upgrading your mobile phone there had often been significant improvements in technology that made it tempting to buy a brand-new handset or sign up to a contract to get hold of the latest model. But advancements in smartphones have slowed making the hefty price tag that comes with buying a new model much less enticing. Why would you want to spend £1000 on a new handset that doesn’t offer much more than your current model?
 
So, if you want an upgrade but you can’t justify buying a new model what options do you have?

Refurbished or Second-Hand Smartphone?
If you have decided not to get a brand-new phone or contract, then you’re probably looking at getting a refurbished or second-hand phone, but which option is best for you? A refurbished phone will have been checked over by professionals to ensure you are getting a phone in good working order and condition.
 
If you opt for second hand you are taking a bit more of a risk. The warranty will likely have expired and depending on the age of the phone you may not be able to update the operating system to the latest version. Check the phone doesn’t have any accessories missing and that there is no damage to the charging port. Be aware of scams, especially if you are buying on a site such as Facebook Marketplace. If you are in any doubt, walk away.
 
If you are at all unsure about any of the above procedures or want help choosing a new phone, we highly recommend getting in touch with a File Genie for unbiased advice and support.