Can You Future Proof a PC?

Summary: What are the pros and cons of future proofing your computers? Learn what to look for when buying a computer with future technology needs in mind.

You can understand the value of future proofing if you have ever purchased a new tech device, only to find it is outdated or obsolete a few years later. Thinking you are ahead of the tech curve only to find out technology is moving faster than you are is frustrating.

What Is Future Proofing?

Future Proofing is a general term describing making a device, software or system less likely to become obsolete or more difficult to use due to advancing technology. There are notable pros and cons to future proofing. But the question is whether it’s possible to future proof PCs. Who can predict how technology will evolve? Proponents of future proofing advise that a business needs to be able to adapt and evolve as new technology rolls out. The benefits are:

• Scalability – Your system needs to grow as your SMB grows. If you believe your 5-person company will increase to 20 employees in the next few years, it is imperative that you plan for that now. Future planning works in tandem with future proofing, so it is essential to pre-plan based on what you think the growth arc of your company will be.
• Compliance With Industry Standards – It does not make sense to have “the latest tech thing” if your computer system is not compatible with the mainstream in your industry. SMB owners should do their due diligence in researching and engaging professional IT Consulting Services to assist them in making an informed decision before getting stuck with incompatible technology or something that will not grow with their business.
• Flexibility – For SMBs, flexibility is highly critical. Even with a good business plan, small companies cannot know the arc of their growth. The device infrastructure that works when launching a company may not work five years after the company has grown tenfold. The number of networked computers and other devices has probably increased and the system has become more complex. With planning, SMBs can stay more in step with technological advances and extend the practical longevity of PCs and other devices. Part of IT maintenance involves planning for growth and IT technological advancement.

The Case Against Future Proofing

Some IT experts are skeptical about the need for future proofing and question whether it’s worth it or even possible. They contend:

• You Can Never Stay Ahead of Technology – There really are no crystal balls for tech. Computer scientists and engineers are working day and night worldwide and it is challenging to predict the next big IT leap. Sometimes, it is difficult to know what new trend “sticks” and what other advancement will be just around the corner to replace it.
• Depending On What You Do, You Might Not Need It – Some people use computers for mundane or straightforward tasks such as: working in Microsoft Office, checking and sending emails and surfing the internet. So if you’re a basic user, future proofing could be a waste of time and perhaps money.
• Future Proofing Often Does Not Work – Over time, future proofing could lead to a dead end. While trying to predict how you can stay ahead of technology, life goes on. Components such as hard drives and motherboards fail and warranties expire. One must always weigh the costs of repairs against the costs of replacement.
• Users Should Regularly Install Updates Instead of Future Proofing – Installing all new updates available might be a more cost-effective way to keep your system and all your applications running smoothly and efficiently for a long time. Also, by upgrading some smaller components as needed, you may be able to stay in step with IT for a while. When there are signs that updates will no longer be possible for your old machine, it could be time to buy a new computer. As the future is unpredictable, getting what you need now is a safer option than trying to future proof.

Finally, the opponents of future proofing subscribe to the YAGNI (You Aren’t Gonna Need It) principle. YAGNI is “a principle which arose from extreme programming (XP) that states a programmer should not add functionality until deemed necessary.” The same principle can be applied to the question of whether to future proof computer systems.

SMB owners must consider many factors when deciding whether they should future proof their computer systems:

• What will future proofing cost?
• Could I be wasting money we might need now on something that might not happen in the future?
• What will it cost in the future to replace my PCs versus attempting to future proof them now?

What to Look for When Buying a Computer

When looking for a new computer, there are many things that will affect the price. There are many factors to consider, so it may make sense to consult with an IT professional before committing. Future proofing efforts may not make financial sense for your business. At the very least, read plenty of product reviews. Here are 4 major features to compare:

Speed – The central processing unit (CPU) is also known as the chip or processor and determines speed and how much can run at the same time without causing a slow-down. The higher the number of cores the better. Dual core is the least desirable.
Memory – Random access memory (RAM) determines temporary memory and comes in different configurations. It will affect performance so get as much as you can afford. Some computers can be upgraded with additional RAM later.
Graphics Card – The graphical processing unit or GPU is very important if the machine will be used for heavy graphics use. Otherwise, a shared, integrated memory will be less expensive.
Storage Space - Hard disk drives (HDDs) are older technology and cheaper but will have less speed and performance. Solid state drives cost more but are faster and have no moving parts.

Key Takeaways – Professional Advice Can Save Time and Money

Not many small and midsized companies have an in-house IT department. Therefore, making an informed decision about future proofing can be facilitated by engaging IT consulting service professionals who can evaluate your current system and your company’s IT needs and propose customized business IT solutions for your SMB. They may also have access to industry discounts for business customers. Professional services can help you avoid costly mistakes that you will suffer with for many years.