I've been intending to get a new PC for the office since the end of term in May. It's one of those good, old PCs which has never caused me the slightest problem for 15 years now. The truth is, it was getting old, but I gave it some more RAM and here it was, as good as new. However, I did promise myself that I would replace it some day. Ah well, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I sent it on holiday instead for 9 weeks and even switched off the power so that it could have a good rest. When I got back to the office last Monday, I switched it on and it worked very well. I was so very proud of it! I even thought it could eventually be declared an antique like cars, you know. Today, however, it breathed its last. When I switched it on, it wouldn't start windows, and it eventually came up with a black screen - as if it were a funeral - with instructions which I followed. But nothing happened. It was like telling me it had passed away.. I tried to re-animate it but in vain!
My father had taught me never to be sad about the loss of material possessions which can be replaced.. He'd often tell me that worldly riches are like nuts- many a tooth broke in cracking them, but never is the stomach filled with eating them. Yet, that was my first computer ever! It started out in 1997 with Windows 95 and ended in XP. It contained all my work at the school. Fortunately, I backed up everything and none of my files will be lost. I've already ordered a new PC but I'll never forget the old one!
Back home and .....out of the frying pan into the fire! I switch on my home PC and soon after it went off! It's been playing up like this for some time now, so I retried and Windows XP started normally.. If I'm lucky the CD driver opens but it usually doesn't and I have to pray hard...or insert a toothpick to release the door!
Finally, I'm going to the computer shop tomorrow to get 2 new PCs and thus put an end to all these problems. I did some search online and I think I love Dell ! Hopefully, I'll be soon posting from a brand new PC!
Blimey Anastasia! Sorry I can't help a smile :-) Now, seriously,the best way to make sure you get a machine that will have a long life span (5-7 years) is consult with a local system builder. They will be able to outfit your machine with quality components with execellent life cycles. With a good foundation of hardware components, you'll be able to keep your investment going strong for many years to come. The last desktop that I bought was in 2003. I also bought multifunction printer at the same time. I still use both of them to this day. But I'm impressed with your 15-year-old desktop! What make is it? Dell is an excellent choice.
Posted by: Jim | August 30, 2011 at 07:51 PM
I love your sense of humour and your positive outlook on all sorts of problems and life in general. A positive outlook causes positive things to happen. I had to change my desktop 3 years after I had purchased it. I've got a Gateway now and I'm very pleased.
Posted by: Laura | August 30, 2011 at 08:50 PM
Ενός κακού μύρια έπονται!:-)
Posted by: Olga P | August 30, 2011 at 09:05 PM
Ha ha! I didn't know computers can breathe! Your dad was right. It's no use worrying about the loss of material things. They can be replaced sooner or later. I have a Sony desktop and love it. It's 3 years old, fast and efficient and , of course, it obeys me! :-) Good luck with your PC purchase.
Posted by: Christina | August 30, 2011 at 09:29 PM
15-year-old PCs are like teenagers: moody! :-)
Posted by: Constantinos | August 30, 2011 at 09:42 PM
LOL @ Constantino's comment :-D
I only buy Apple products but heard that Dell is really good.
Posted by: Agnes | August 31, 2011 at 12:55 AM
According to my experience in IT technology, I would say that 2-3 years would be typical for a PC.Even if the machine is still working at the end of 3 years, the software and OS upgrades will have slowed it down to a crawl. I find it really amazing that your old PC run well for 15 years!!
Posted by: Haruko N | August 31, 2011 at 08:30 AM
I change my pc every 3 years in order to keep up to date with current games :-) and I'm now on my 5th HP. By the way,I love all HP products. Like you, I started with W95 in 1997, then W98, XP and now Vista.
Posted by: Andy | August 31, 2011 at 01:18 PM
My old PC at work is or... was (!) a good old Siemens. In the last 3 years or so, it still ran well, although it was a bit slow.
Posted by: Anastasia | August 31, 2011 at 02:56 PM
Oh how exciting! It'll be interesting to see if the new computers are faster-and if you like them better after getting used to them.
Posted by: tipper | September 05, 2011 at 12:12 AM