What is the lifespan of a PC?

Answer 1

The life span of the PC harware is unlimited if the hardware is properly maintained. But for a lot of people, a computer is simply another consumer good that can be replaced when something better comes along. Like going from a record player to 8 track tapes, to cassettes, to CDs to MP3 players. In the world of computers, something is always being upgraded or made new and that computer you bought only 12 to 24 months before seems to be a relic. The "lifespan" of a PC therefore depends not on the actual hardware which can last a lifetime, but on the perceived needs of the user. Many people are quite happy listening to music on a record player and believe it is superior to all the digital music produced today. Others need or want the latest and greatest and therefore the "lifespan" of their equipment can be measured in months. If your PC can still perform the functions you bought it to perform and can do so at a speed which satisfies the user, it's lifespan continues. When a user's needs have changed, when the PC he or she nows owns cannot perform at a satisfactory level, it's time to get another computer and donate the old one to a school, charity, or even a neighbor so the lifespan of the old computer continues on.