UnCloud Issue #5 - How do I know when it's time to upgrade?

So you're thinking about upgrading your business computer systems . . .

Again.

Oh, how time flies.

Maybe it feels a little too soon, but your computer systems are just not running as good as the used to.

That sucks. There must be a better way . . .

First, check for gremlins

You know, those nasty little guys that turn into monsters when you pour water on them.

Don't pour water on your computer by the way - not recommended.

I'm talking about the little things that can chip away at your system performance over time:

• Disk space
• A bajillion Chrome tabs open
• Applications you no longer use, but sit there gobbling up memory in the background

And please, avoid using free 'crap cleaners' from the internet. Bad idea. Trust me, your system has all the tools you need built in. At best, you'll wind up bricking your machine and then you'll need to get it repaired / replaced anyway.

Instead, you can try the built-in Disk Cleanup on Windows (be sure to select the "Clean System Files" option and check all the boxes) or the Storage tool on your Mac:

Next, check for updates

Know the difference between upDATES and upGRADES.

In the software world, updates often contain performance enhancements and fixes for system-shattering bugs.

Whereas new versions of software may cause your last year's model to run at turtle speed if you're not careful to review the System Requirements first.

Don't forget to hit that update button. Make sure everything else up to snuff before you chalk it up to hardware. But be cautious before making the jump to a new OS version (cough *Windows 11* cough).

Rule out external factors

While the device you're sitting at is usually the first thing to come to mind, if you're like most businesses, there are other factors in play.

The second biggest one next to your PC's performance is the speed of your network.

Because most businesses are storing data in the cloud, things are gonna feel slow if your pipeline to that cloud is clogged up.

Here's a mistake 90% of business owners make that crushes the hopes & dreams of anyone hoping to download a file before the next election:

Never run your phone system on the same network as your computers.

To clarify, you don't need a separate internet connection just for your phones. But what you do need is a separate VLAN.

What's a VLAN? Without getting into too much detail, it's a technology Network Pros use to prevent 12 car pileups on a 3 lane highway.

Think of it like trying to drink a milkshake through a tiny straw - good luck moving any of that sweet icy goodness in a reasonable amount of time.

By splitting your traffic into segments, you'll save yourself a lot of pain.

Conclusion

If you've ruled out all the above factors, chances are you're due for an upgrade.

On average, we find most businesses require an upgrade every 3 - 5 years.

It really depends on 1) what your business needs are and 2) the quality of the hardware you're purchasing, but in general these are good numbers to ensure the best price/performance.

Last, but not least, if you find that a hard pill to swallow, there are also leasing options available.

That's it for this week! Don't forget to email uncloud@lcsnetworks.com if you have a tech question you'd like me to answer. Till next time ??

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Got a tech question you want answered? Email uncloud@lcsnetworks.com and I'll do my best to feature it in the next issue.