All of our tech devices have a limited shelf life. It's not that these devices just completely fail after a couple of years, it boils down to tech developers creating software that won't work with your older tech. It's important to download updates for all of your devices, but sometimes those updates could have a bit of code that prevents you from using your favorite productivity software or playing that mind suck of a game you love playing for hours. Believe it or not, there is a way in this ever changing digital world we live in, there is a way that you can keep your devices longer than it's intended shelf life. What can you do? Follow these awesome tips, many of which you can do yourself.
Whenever purchasing new tech, you never want to purchase cheap tech as it won't last as long. Brand name is important as well. When purchasing new desktop and laptop computers, always stick with Dell and Apple. When it comes to your smartphone and tablets, Apple and Samsung are the brands to get. Why? Apple, Dell, and Samsung make quality products that last ... and having hardware that is going to last is the first step to make sure you can keep your devices for a long time. Also get at much RAM and storage space as you can on your devices when you purchase them. That said, if you think you need to purchase new stuff, try the following if you haven't already.
1. Install more RAM. RAM stands for Random access memory, yes close to the same name as that Daft Punk CD ... but for your computer it's the "thinking space" which is used to manage the data for the programs you have opened. Data includes Microsoft Office documents, your web browser including those tabs, and your virus protection and firewall software. If your computer doesn't have enough RAM, it will slow down and make your computer unusable. Windows 10 and Mac OS run best when they have a minimum of 8 Gigs of RAM. To see how much RAM your Apple and Windows desktop and laptop computer currently has and what it can be upgraded to, visit www.crucial.com.
2. Beef Up Your Cloud Storage. When your devices completely run out of room, they slow down. You probably have a cloud storage provider, but are you using it to the fullest? Probably not. Think whatever you want to think of Google, but they probably offer one of the best cloud storage options out there with Google Drive and Google photos. Both programs will work on any device and as a bonus, Google Photos let's you store and unlimited amount of photos and videos for free. Videos and Photos are usually what get us into trouble with our devices, having a feature like this available for your devices is a lifesaver.
3. Invest in a bigger monitor (or two). A bigger monitor will not speed up your computer, but it will make your computing experience robust. If you're using a monitor small than 24", you're not living a good digital lifestyle. If you get a 2nd monitor, it will help your productivity. I have dual monitors on my office computer and I can't imagine using a computer without one. Asus, Acer and Dell make the best brand of computer monitors on the market
4. Get a Solid State Drive (SSD). One of the best investments you can make to give your computer a longer life is a Solid State Drive. SSDs use the same flash technology as your smartphone and tablet, which means after you upgrade to a SSD, your computer will run as fast as your phone and tablet. Don't believe me? I recently upgraded an 8 year or Macintosh and Windows computer to a solid state hard drive and they ran as fast as a brand new computer out of the box. Get one, today!
Are you in the market for a new device? Would you just purchase new or try to upgrade what you have first?
If you have any questions about your technology and your devices, please feel free to contact us at Integral. Our friendly tech experts at Integral are always standing by to answer your questions and help make your technology useful and fun. Reach out to us a www.integralcomputerconsutants.com or phone at 888.256.0829.
I'm the Chief Technology Expert at Integral. You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn , and Twitter and watch great tech tip videos on my YouTube channel. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I want to make technology fun and exciting for you. I can be reached by email at burton@integralcomputerconsultants.com