Peripherals are the unsung heroes of your organizations' IT system. Unfortunately, it's all too easy to take these devices for granted – until one day they're no longer doing their job.

Here are some red flags that it's time to think about replacing and/or upgrading those old friends, courtesy of our Austin business IT support experts:

 Mechanical issues – Any device that relies on mechanical switches, springs, motors or other parts will eventually wear out after years of daily labor. Sometimes a non-responsive keyboard key or mouse button can be corrected simply by cleaning out dust or other functional obstacles. But if you're routinely struggling to print, type, point or click accurately, you're probably overdue for some new peripherals.

 Ergonomic problems – Poor ergonomics not only hinder day-to-day efficiency; they can also leave your workers with repetitive strain injuries and chronic health problems. If your employees are hurting, you may need to look at adjustable monitors, mice that can be used comfortably by either hand, and contoured or split-design keyboards.

 Compatibility conflicts – Upgrading from one major OS version to another can render certain peripheral devices useless, or at least partly hobbled, if they use drivers that aren't compatible with the latest OS. If you're forced to install a more modern generic driver, this compensation may only restore some of your peripheral's functions. At that point, you may have to either scrap the new OS or buy yourself a new, state-of-the-art peripheral.

If you're not sure what's causing your peripheral pitfalls, ask our experiencedIT support team at Gravity Systems. We can update your drivers, recommend more ergonomic options or even set you up with a whole “fleet” of shiny new replacements, including spares. There's nothing peripheral about the central role these devices play in your productivity, so contact us today for assistance!

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