By Rosana Beechum

When you run a small business, one of your biggest one-off expenses can be outfitting the office with electronics. While you hope that these last for a very long time, there is much that can go wrong with them. Here are some of the signs you should look for if you think your office computers are in need of an upgrade.

It’s slow

One of the biggest indicators that your office computers are in need of replacing is if they are slow and sluggish. This matters even if it’s just starting up or rebooting. If you have employees who are sitting around with nothing to do because their computers aren’t working, you need to replace them.

This doesn’t mean that you have to get rid of the computers entirely. Look for a company who can recycle your electronics professionally so you know that they are being taken care of properly instead of just ending up in a landfill.

There’s no memory left

Company computers have a lot on them. Whether it is programs your employees need to complete their day-to-day tasks or simply something needed for reference, computer hard drives can become filled up extremely quickly. If you have noticed that there doesn’t seem to be any room left on the computers for any new software, it is probably time that you consider an upgrade.

It is outdated

If you are using an operating system or old tech that is several years behind, you should definitely consider upgrading; especially if you work in a digital industry. An outdated computer is never good as it can stop people from being able to properly complete their work.

It can also leave you behind competitors if they have access to a piece of software your computers simply can’t run. Don’t let your competitors get this very simple edge over you. With the right technology behind you, you will always be able to stay at the forefront of your industry.

The fans are noisy

You should also keep an eye out for physical indications that your computer is on its way out. The main sign here is if the fans on your computer are too loud. If your computer whines and groans every time you turn it on, this means it is rapidly trying to cool itself down. It cannot physically handle what you are putting it through. Without addressing this, you are likely to find that the computer becomes ever slower and more problematic. The best way to address these issues is by replacing the computer and getting something new.

Replacing your company’s computers can be expensive but it can be entirely worth it if it means that your employees are able to work more efficiently. Trying to work on an outdated computer is frustrating and can result in a lot of wasted time that could be better spent doing something else. Take a look at what the market has in terms of new computers for you today.

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Rosana Beechum is a business and marketing graduate from Nottingham Trent University from the UK, who is attempting to share her knowledge through writing articles for small business owners.