How to run your old computer for as long as possible

You want to live as much as possible of a laptop or desktop computer. This can save a considerable amount over time and prevent you from contributing to to Bergen from e-waste.

At the same time, dealing with an old, slow computer is a frustrating experience. If apps and websites take centuries to load, this can seriously influence your productivity. At some point, the temptation to upgrade to a shiny, fast new computer is irresistible.

There is a middle ground, namely to ensure that your laptop or desktop lasts as long as possible. There are several tricks that you can try when it starts to show its age – sticks that can mean that it will remain usable much longer than you expected.

Fails

One way to stretch the life of your computer is to reduce the load. Remove all apps that you do not actively use and keep your apps trim in terms of extensions and add-ons. We have treated how programs on Windows and macOS can be removed, and it is not difficult to do.

Limiting the number of programs that start with your computer can also help: it means fewer apps that are performed in the background, so that more memory and other system sources are released. You can ensure this with a few clicks on both Windows and MacOS.

The more storage space you have, the better. It gives your computer and the operating system space for breathing and being organized, and can improve performance. Removing apps should help with this, but also be looking for files that you no longer need or can go somewhere else.

Choose some upgrades

Some well -chosen upgrades can introduce an old computer new life. Although this will cost you money, it will not cost as much as a full upgrade – and it may mean that you will receive extra use of your device for several years.

The correct upgrade depends on the specifications of your system, how much you need to spend, how easy the system is to upgrade and how comfortable you are to open your computer. This is usually for Windows PCs and for desktops, although a few limited laptop -upgrades are sometimes possible.

Upgrading the RAM or storage on your computer are usually the best upgrades to get most of your money from your money. It can be something simple if buying an external hard drive to move files, for example.

Install a different operating system

In the interest of doing more with older components, you can install a new operating system to replace Windows or macOS, one that is less demanding on your outdated computer. However, this will wipe everything on your system, so make sure you first make a backup of all your important files and folders.

Linux is always a popular and completely free option, and it comes in many different flavors (known as Distros). Some of them, such as Lubuntuare designed to be as light as possible. Browse the internet and you will find many options to choose from, as well as detailed guides to make the switch.

Then there is Chromeos FlexThat essentially turns your Windows or Mac computer into a Chromebook. You just have a web browser with a few extras, so older computers have to take on the challenge. Just like with Linux, this is free to do, and it is perfect if you spend most of your computer time in a web browser.

Use your computer for something else

Then there is the option to use your computer for something else, instead of an all-purpose machine. An option is to use your aging laptop or desktop as a media server: it doesn’t have to do anything except stream audio and video to other devices on your network. Plex And Emby are two programs that can help.

Or what about changing your old computer into a special writing machine? This can work if your machine is so old that it no longer receives security updates, so it should not really be connected to the web. Set a word processor and you are ready to go (you need a USB drive to have your writing share elsewhere).
Refunding your laptop or desktop does not save you from the costs of an upgrade, because you still have to buy another computer, but it does reduce e-waste and means that your hardware stays useful for longer. And if you finally have to get rid of a computer, make sure You do it responsible.

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