This article explains how long computers generally last, whether there are differences in life expectancy between different types of computers, and when it's a good time to upgrade or replace a computer.

There is no absolute rule of thumb when it comes to replacing a computer. That’s because computers are built very differently and sometimes for specific tasks. How well you take care of your computer can also play a role in how long it lasts.

If you find that your computer is running too slow or that basic functions are no longer working, and you can’t upgrade your computer to fix the problem, it’s probably the end for your computer. That could be in as little as two years if you’re doing more advanced work than when you first bought it, or in as little as 15 years if you’re doing basic accounting in a small shop or office.

However, it's more likely that you'll reach a point where the upgrades needed to get your computer back to a state you're happy with will cost more or equal the price of simply replacing the computer.