Expiration dates. That’s what canned goods and computers have in common. Can you eat goods that are past their expiration date? Sure, but the result may be bad tasting food, or at worst poisoning.
The same thing applies to computers. Will they work past the expiration date? Sure. But as time goes on, they become more and more susceptible to breakdowns because software cannot update correctly. Security updates will no longer be installed and the hardware will become obsolete. This means you are more vulnerable to attacks on your system from malware, phishing, getting hacked, etc.
This is an expansion of last month’s newsletter (click here to read) where I mentioned Windows 10 has an expiration date for their support on October 14, 2025. Did you know that Chromebooks and Apple computers also have expiration dates?
Chromebook’s “Auto Update Expiration date” is easy to find, or to check it even before buying one. Excerpt below taken from “https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/9367166?hl=en”
- At the bottom right, select the time Settings .
- At the bottom left, select About ChromeOS.
- Select Additional details.
- In the “Update schedule” section, you’ll find when your Chromebook will receive its last update.
- Security updates, bug fixes, and new features for Chromebooks. Existing features may stop working.
- Support for certain apps and extensions that require specific Chrome OS or browser versions.
- Before the AUE date, devices will receive new software updates from Google.
- On and after the AUE date, devices will not receive software updates from Google.
Important: The “End of Sale” date is controlled by the device manufacturer and isn’t related to a device’s AUE date.
Apple Computers
From a repair point of view, Macs last seven years since they are no longer on sale. Macs are typically on sale for around a year, though some models have been sold for much longer. That means a typical Mac lasts eight years from a hardware perspective.
Ways to tell that your Apple computer is becoming obsolete.
- You can’t run the latest version of the macOS. Each year around the September-October time frame, a new version of the macOS is released. If your computer will not install the update, it has become obsolete.
- Your MacBook constantly lacks free space. This indicates that your MacBook has too small a drive for what’s on it. The solid-state drive may not be able to be replaced with a newer one.
- Newer models have more RAM. If your computer seems to bog down, your memory may be too little, or your processor too weak for today’s demanding applications.
- MacBook batteries are now also being designed to not be easily replaceable. They are secured with an industrial glue along with the normal screws. Rechargeable batteries only have a certain number of cycles before they’re “spent” and won’t hold a charge for long. macOS will warn you when your battery is getting to the end of its life.
Give us a call at 615-443-4842 so we can do a free analysis of your systems to make sure everything is running smooth and secure.
All the best and stay well,
Jim Nay
Recent Comments