Spotlight on... Spring Cleaning: It May Be Time to Get Rid of Outdated Computer Equipment Spring cleaning is a good way to get rid of things you don't need or want anymore. The same is true for computer equipment. Do some spring cleaning at your workplace and evaluate your current equipment to determine if it's time to replace it. If your computer system is running just fine, you may be wondering why you would want to replace it, especially if it can be expanded to add RAM (internal memory), internal or external hard drives and other peripheral components to upgrade its capabilities. But you have to consider one of the limiting factors - the CPU built into your computer The CPU (the brains of the computer) has a defined set of processing speeds and functions. While technology has improved over time, so have CPUs. Unfortunately, CPUs are not interchangeable without redesigning the entire computer architecture. The processing capabilities of CPUs have increased, and with that, so has the capabilities of the software that runs on them. This new software requires older computers to be compatible in order to run them and take advantage of the new features. Even if your company is not interested in the new features offered in updated software, software manufacturers usually do not provide support to earlier versions of their software if problems occur. In addition, your customers that do keep their software updated may expect your software to be compatible with their new versions. The decision on whether to replace computer equipment comes down to business risk. When looking at your company’s critical business processes, keep in mind what equipment supports those processes and consider if that equipment is able to keep up with the growth and speed needed for the company to remain competitive. If the answer is NO, then it is time to replace your equipment. Here are some general guidelines on the average lifespan of computer equipment:. Servers 4 years Desktops 4 years Laptops 3 years Network Printers 5 years Switches, Routers, Hubs 5 years Recycling Older Equipment Deciding to get rid of older computer equipment creates another issue – what do you do with it? Equipment that works can be donated to schools and other needy organizations. Equipment that is broken or no longer serviceable should be taken to an electronics recycling company, which will take your equipment at no cost. Some will even come to your workplace and remove the equipment for you. When donating or recycling computers (servers, desktops, laptops) or cell phones, it is very important to remove all data from the hard drives and internal memory. Personal and sensitive information can be obtained from discarded equipment. Most recycling companies have policies to remove and erase all data before disposing of the equipment. If you are concerned about your data falling into the wrong hands, UIS Technology Partners provides a service to clean and erase your data before the equipment is donated or recycled. Just ask your IT Consultant or call 408.414.5000 to schedule our Data Cleansing Service. Here is a partial list of items that recyclers will take, but it’s best to check with the recycling company you plan to use: Computers Laptops Monitors Networking equipment Industrial equipment Keyboards Batteries Toner Remote controls Office phones Test equipment Here is a list of some local electronic recycling companies. | Company Name | City | Phone Number | | Valley Electronics | San Jose | 408.437.9929 | | All Computer Resource | Santa Clara | 408.727.0120 | | Zak Enterprises | Santa Clara | 408.746.0817 | | Tdr Electronic Recycling | Fremont | 510.683.9622 | | Cal West Recycling | Hayward | 510.342.5455 | | Green Citizen | San Francisco | 415.287.0000 | | E-Cycle Environmental | Oakland | 510.839.5000 | | Direct Computer Disposal | San Leandro | 510.636.8676 |
|  |  Ask the Experts
Q: How do I create a shortcut on my desktop or Quick Launch toolbar? A: To create a shortcut on your desktop, for example to Microsoft Word, begin by clicking on the start menu. Find Microsoft Word, right click on it and select Send to Desktop, which will create an icon or shortcut to Microsoft Word. To create a shortcut on your Quick Launch toolbar, start the same way. Click on the start menu, find Microsoft Word, and drag the icon to the Quick Launch toolbar. Make sure you see the + sign. If you don’t see the +, hold the control key while dragging the icon.
Have an issue you need solved? Submit A Question Here » |
