A good business PC can help employees to complete their tasks without leaving them feeling burned out or stressed. When problems arise, it can be difficult to know whether you should repair or replace the machine.
Take on board some helpful tips to allow you to spot the difference between a business PC that needs a bit of maintenance and one which is outdated. This can allow you to better support your team with the equipment they need to fulfil their role.
Running task manager can enable you to see which apps and software are dominating your CPU. Closing these may be required to speed up your PC. However, when these items are essential for your business, that may not be possible.
First, you need to rule out any viruses on the machine. If your IT Support company takes care of your cyber security, you may wish to liaise with them to see if your risk level could have something to do with the speed of your business PC.
Secondly, check your internet connection. At times, planned or unplanned engineering works could affect your speed and connection.
Having ruled out these two factors, it may then be the case that your business PC has reached the end of its life. You would then be better off upgrading to a new business PC that is capable of running all the software you need.
Some level of noise can be normal when running your business PC. This might involve the usage of disks or storage devices or be explained by the fans that are used to keep your business PC cool.
However, loud noises that are constant, or occur frequently, may be a sign that your computer is struggling. The fans may only have a lifespan of around 3-6 years, and could be replaced if required.
Any scraping or scratching noises could be a sign of more serious issues within your business PC. Should this be the case, you might need to either have it repaired or, if the damage is too far spread, replace it entirely.
An error message on a business PC can be daunting, especially if it notifies you of a security breach. While these pop-up messages can be a sign that your computer has been infected by malware, they may also give an indication that it is time for the machine to be replaced.
Generally, end-of-life error messages may highlight:
When this is the case, you should act quickly to prevent any potential infection spreading any further. Disconnecting that device until it can be checked by a specialist is a good first step.
To err on the side of caution, it is good practice to completely replace an infected business PC. This will help you to guarantee a clean system that can’t cause harm to other devices on the network. Alongside this, you should also consider implementing stronger cyber security measures.
A business PC that breaks frequently can not only be costly, but also greatly affect the motivation and morale of the individual using it.
A one-off repair on a business PC that sees it back in optimal condition may be fine. However, if you notice a specific device needs regular attention, you might want to think about replacing it. This can be a clear indicator that the machine is no longer compatible with your needs.
Business PC repairs can get quite pricey, especially if different components regularly need replacement. It may actually be cheaper for you to invest in an updated piece of business tech rather than trying to extend the lifespan of one that causes so much frustration.
Although you may be the person in charge at your business, you should still take heed of your employees’ opinions. Should you notice an employee is having a difficult time using their business PC, you may want to investigate as to why.
It can be a good idea to regularly speak to employees to see how they are finding their role. Even a seasoned member of your team may face challenges, especially if new practices have come into play. This is why ongoing employee training can be vital.
Yet, there may be occasions where the frustration is out of the employee’s control. When a business PC does not work correctly, it can take your employee significantly longer to complete a task. Not only would they have to bear the frustration of an inferior piece of tech, but they may then also have concerns that this hindrance could affect their work performance.
Replacing older systems, and ensuring that new ones are configured correctly, can allow your employees to strive for their full potential and make the working day that little bit more peaceful.
A lack of storage can be incredibly troublesome, especially if you have been working on something and need a way of saving your progress.
If you have already attempted to clean up your hard drives to free up space, and find that it hasn’t made as much of an impact as it should, this may indicate that your business PC is no longer fit for purpose.
Opting for a newer model may mean that all of those updates and security patches already come pre-installed, meaning more of the disc space is free for those important files.
When using a new business PC, you should remember that ongoing maintenance can be key to ensuring it not only survives as long as possible, but also works in optimal condition.
Should programs behave erratically, refuse to open, or you find your files are missing or corrupted, this may signify serious issues with your business PC. In addition to this, you may find that trying to buy parts for an outdated system takes both time and money.
Rather than expecting your employees to suffer through these issues while still remaining productive, you should take responsibility as a business owner to ensure that all members of your team have access to a stable, reliable business PC.
Your business tech is important for marketing, sales, and even communications. Therefore, you shouldn’t settle for outdated systems. Learn more about how modernising your IT can greatly support business growth.
You will also find that fully monitored IT Support is a great tool to have on hand. This ensures that any issues will be addressed quickly, allowing your employees to get back to work. By giving due care to your business PC systems, you may find that your office environment is significantly less stressful.
Verity Armstrong
Verity is our resident wordsmith. She spent time honing her skills as a freelance writer for a number of different industries from 2020 to 2023. Now, Verity writes about IT support and cyber security for Syn-Star. Outside of this, she curates content for Mindful Me, a blog about well-being and leading a more positive lifestyle.
Qualifications: BA (hons) Psychology, MA (Merit) Youth Justice, Community Safety & Applied Criminology
In-house training: HubSpot SEO, SEO 2, Digital Marketing
Favourite movie: Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings
Favourite band: Hollowstar
Favourite food: Pad Thai or enchiladas
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Anne-Marie Blazdell
Anne-Marie Blazdell is a Marketing & Communications Manager with expertise in digital marketing, content creation, and IT solutions. With a strong foundation in graphic design, she trained at Farnborough College of Technology and Southampton Solent University before advancing into marketing and business IT support.
Since joining Syn-Star in 2022, Anne-Marie has specialised in crafting SEO-optimised website content, managing social media, and helping businesses navigate the complexities of IT. Her work bridges the gap between technology and business, making IT more accessible and effective.
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