Computer Concepts in Action ©2009

Introduction:
The useful life of a computer is the length of time it can be expected to remain useful. Discover how you can extend your computer's life.

Directions:
Read the information below and apply what you learn to answer the questions.
Click the Destination Site link(s) to find out more about a topic.
Check your work carefully, and click Submit.

Buying a Computer
Buying a computer can be complicated. There are many factors that go into the decision to purchase a computer including memory, speed, RAM, specialized hardware, software packages, and useful life. If an organization, like a school, is buying a large number of computers, this decision is especially critical.

Organizations consider factors such as operating systems, application software, server software, and backup procedures when buying computers. For example, a school with labs filled with Windows-based computers would likely choose not to buy Macintosh computers.

Useful Life
Useful life is the length of time computers can be expected to remain useful. A computer's life can be extended through proper maintenance and installation of hardware and software upgrades. It is a growing trend to purchase computers that have the ability to extend their useful life. For example, most computers offer additional room to install more memory; many offer space for additional hardware, like a DVD drive.

Warrantees and support agreements add value to the price of a computer, as well as provide assurance of ongoing support for purchased equipment. Warrantees and support agreements also add to a computer's useful life. The trade-in value of old computers is also a consideration in calculating the useful life of a computer.

Back to Life
Advances in hardware and software technology have shortened the useful life of the average computer to five years. After five years, they become obsolete (no longer useful) to their first owners. However, computers donated to non-profit organizations that supply technology to the disadvantaged are given "new life."

In 1994, the National Cristina Foundation (NCF) was founded to provide computers to special needs children and those with disabilities or economic disadvantages. Computer equipment considered obsolete by its first owner can have great value to others.

Destination: cristina.org

Assessment Questions

1			____ is the length of time computers can be expected to be useful.
2			What are two ways the useful life of a computer can be extended?
3			What is one alternative to throwing away a computer that the first owner feels has passed its useful life?
4			What is the mission, or purpose, for charities like the National Cristina Foundation?