When they get slow, they are dying. I’ve noticed this Mac runs a tad hot. Over time, heat degrades the components. An 8 year-old machine is admirable but they tend to die abruptly.
This Mac was free so I try not to complain. But it is too tempting to turn it into an expensive Windows machine.
Agreed. I love my 2003 Dell desktop that won’t die. But XP isn’t safe, so the old thing is really a typewriter with advanced capability. Which is ok, but used less and less. When I die, they’ll have to pry my hands lose from my iPad1. It’s my most used device among the collection that litters the house.
When they start getting old, the fans are getting clogged with dust, and start running slowly. You can open them up and clean out the dust that's clogging the fans. Sometimes the fan is just getting worn out and needs to be replaced. However, if you are not handy with opening an iMac, the technician costs to do that may be more than an old iMac is worth and it will be time to replace it.