What is the average lifespan/expectancy of a computer/laptop? How can I increase it's lifespan?

Question

I am using a used computer as one of my server computers. It is also the main database for A LOT of things shared over my network. It hosts my websites, it is home of my network's public folder, and etc. There are two shared drives (relatively new) - external drives connected to this computer. Most importantly, this computer is on for 16.5 hours each day! How does this affect the computers lifespan and what can I do to increase it?

Note it is an old and used computer.
OS Windows XP Pro 2002
Service Pack 3

I am constantly updating - drivers and other software. But as far as the hardware portion of it, I am clueless as to how long everything will last.

Answer 1

calm down but just to be sure keep upgrading memory, harddrive, etc and get online backup service, also get a better liquid cooling system. it will probably last another couple years(since my 9 year old laptop is still working) and also replace the CMOS battery in your motherboard so that it doesn't lose all it's memory when it goes out. hope this helped but just in case get another computer with new intel core I(3,5,7) it would help.



edit



sorry also update BIOS

Answer 2

I think in the hands of responsible owners, spaying and neutering doesn't increase lifespan, it's proper care that determines a dog's longevity. However, in the case of less than caring owners, spaying and neutering can GREATLY increase a dog's lifespan. I know of many un-neutered dogs that have been hit and killed wandering looking for a female, I know of too many females that died early giving birth to an unwanted litter or developed pyometra that was not discovered in time or never treated. In fact, a friend of mine has an un-neutered dog that CONSTANTLY gets out, wanders around looking for a mate and it's just a matter of time until that dog has something happen to it. And I have to wonder how many dogs are dumped at shelters because they aren't spayed/neutered and develop behavioral issues as a result that the owner doesn't want to deal with or can't be bothered with to train. There are great arguments both for and against spay/neuter and both sides have merit and need to be considered. But ultimately, I think whether it's best or not depends solely on the owner of the dog and their level of commitment. I have had both spayed/neutered and intact animals and neither group was healthier or lived longer than the other. The spayed/neutered group is sure a lot easier to deal with though.

Answer 3

1) Just make a backup (just in case, you know)



2) Nothing you can really do other than making sure it has adequate cooling and is not full of dust



3) It'll likely be completely obsolete before it dies. I still have 386's that are running, really.