Replacing an old PC

russetred

Our home desktop PC is over 8 years old and has issues. Usually running very slowly, failing to start up every now and again. In fact just grumbling along. Should we consider taking it in to get fixed at the local shop, don't even know costs of that, or after this amount of time should we really be thinking of replacing it. It's a Compaq and I think cost around £300. Our first computer so not sure what to do.

closed

backup, reinstall windows or buy a new one.

henm2

or just replace the operating system either with LXLE http://lxle.net/ or Linux Mint xfce 32 bit http://www.linuxmint.com/release.php?id=21
Both are great for old machines easy to use and super safe against viruses/trojans such as the ones in the news just now zeus, gameover, cryptolocker.

RumRat

If you can afford it, buy a new one. 8 years is several lifetimes in tech. I know there are some that will come along and tell you they have a 10 year old PC working perfectly etc etc etc. Personally, I couldn't imagine anything worse.
Depending on your usage, you could replace it with a nice laptop and save some space.

Marty999

I would get a cheap/new computer if you can afford it, 8 years is very old for a PC and might not be worth spending the time fixing up.

NiftyDigits

Mine is at least seven years old. £40 would likely take the RAM to 2GB and get you a dedicated Graphics card.

Really depends on the model/spec.

Though with new PCs are coming in at £130 without OS and £160 with Windows 8.1, it's not worth spending much on the old machine. Any fixes should be undertaken by yourself

What is the full model number?

tracey3596

Oh dear, eight years old .... for a computer?
Really?
Huh?
What?
Is your (mobile) 'phone 8 years old?
Telly?
Car?
Fridge, even?
Should I go on?

Honestly, at eight years old if you're having problems then just bite the bullet and change! Here I am at this time of night updating a £170-Argos-purchased-laptop from Windows 8 to Windozes 8.1 (huh?) and let me tell you ......
if I can do it, so could you!
(BTW i can and what's more, thank you wonderweb I AM!)