Unless you’re a newcomer to the computer world, this is probably a question you’ve asked yourself before. After all, if your computer isn’t working properly, you may have a strong instinct to throw it out and go find another one, but keep asking yourself if it’s worth repairing. This article aims to help you decide which of these paths you should take to get a PC up and running so he can work or play.

You may be thinking that since this is a computer repair technician writing this article, I’m going to tell you that in almost all cases, you should repair your computer instead of buying a new one. not so Just as there are plenty of reasons to get your computer repaired, there are also plenty of reasons to buy a new one.

Although the costs of consumer computers don’t come close to the costs of new cars, those of you who have had to decide whether to fix an old car or buy a new one may find it helpful to think about that process because it’s similar. I advise you to make two columns and write the reason for buying or fixing in the corresponding column.

If you think about it this way, you will come to a reasoned and reasonable conclusion. Also remember that if someone else has your same PC model and the same problem, what he or she decides does not make his or her decision good for you. Please note that there is no right or wrong answer, only the best answer for you. While this article and others may help you in your decision process, the best answer for you is something only you can decide. Beware of people who are sure they know what you need.

Let’s look at some reasons to repair your current computer:

• Budget – Although the added expense may be worth it, buying a new PC is USUALLY more expensive than repairing your current computer. If you’re on a tight budget or just frugal, fixing most problems may be in your best interest.

• Data – This second reason is related to the budget item. Whichever route you decide to take, you can (usually) keep your pictures, documents, music, emails, business files, and important personal information. However, it’s easier if you keep your computer because if you get a new PC, you’ll have to pay someone to transfer that information to a new PC. Many of you can do this without problem but not everyone can. Also, if your PC won’t boot into Windows and the data needs to be extracted from the computer, most of you will need someone to extract the data from the hard drive, which means paying both for a new computer and a service fee to a computer technician.

• Applications: If you get a new computer, you’ll also need to reinstall all of your applications. Some can be downloaded, such as iTunes or Adobe Acrobat Reader. However, any you’ve paid for, like Microsoft Office, will probably be on CD/DVD. They must be installed from this media, along with the product key that came with them. My experience has been that both organized and unorganized people tend to lose application CDs, especially if they’ve had their computer for a number of years. Before you buy a new computer, gather all your application installation CDs and make sure you have one disc for all the applications you use. You may be able to bypass this process and have all your applications as they were if you repair your computer. However, it should be noted that if the proposed solution for your current PC is to reinstall Windows, this issue is moot because all your applications will need to be installed on a fresh Windows installation, just like on a new PC.

• Upgrades: If your computer is a little slow or can’t do something in particular, you can usually upgrade the RAM or video card, or the aforementioned USB 3.0 card, much cheaper than buying a new PC.

• Windows 8 – Have you used or seen Windows 8 or 8.1? If you get a new computer, it will have Windows 8.1. This is important because despite all its pros and cons (and I don’t want to get into those questions here), many, many people find it difficult to use and a significant departure from the interface of Windows 7 and earlier. Like anything else, you’d probably get used to it, no matter how much you dislike it, but if you don’t find it intuitive, why buy a machine that comes with it? Windows 7 can be installed on new computers after purchase by IT technicians if you purchase a copy online. But again, you’d be paying more, this time for a new computer, plus a legitimate copy of Windows 7, plus the cost of a service technician to install Windows 7 on the computer.

• “Perfect fit”: Buying something new is generally considered “sexier” than keeping or repairing something worn. So if none of the above reasons catches you, think about this. If you were happy with your computer before it needed repair—happy with its speed, memory, accessories, capabilities, and performance—it’s probably the “right” computer for you. Why buy another computer when you can probably spend less and still have something that fits?

Now, let’s take a look at some of the reasons to replace your broken computer instead of repairing it:

• Age – Although there is no specific age at which retirement and replacement kick in, most people know it when they see it. If your computer was slow even when it was in top shape, that’s probably a clue that you need to go to the computer store.

• Outdated accessories: If your PC has a factory-installed floppy drive or has a CD drive but no DVD drive, it’s probably time to think about a new PC. Many people want fast peripherals through a USB 3.0 port. If you have a desktop, you can easily install a card, so I wouldn’t consider this on its own a reason to ditch the old PC, but if you’re keeping score, I’d mark it in the buy column.

• Major hardware damage: If you spilled a Coca-Cola or similar on the computer, ruining its motherboard, I wouldn’t invest in a repair.

• The laugh factor: Although I have never laughed at my customers, I have occasionally laughed at a machine they bring. Why? Because it’s so old, so full of dust and cigarette smoke, so slow, it’s almost a joke that someone is paying me to fix this computer. If this is your computer, there is nothing to be ashamed of, but if you still don’t know, deep down, that you need a new computer, take the message from this article. If you decide not to repair it or just keep your computers for a long time, make sure the inside is cleaned regularly, either by doing it yourself or bringing it in for a cleaning. That dust and smoke residue doesn’t just look bad, it can overheat your computer and kill you.

The question of whether to fix or buy again can be confusing. I hope these questions and comments have helped you make a solid decision. If you decide you want your computer repaired, call Tom at (903) 650-9483.