Important Update - Computer Health and Possible Effects (Patreon)

Okay, so this is going to be a serious post concerning the sudden way my computer has begun behaving in the past few days.
So I will break down what the issue is, and then go on to speculate what may become an issue going forward, and what can be done going forward.

First, my computer

Okay, so many of you know that in recent months, I noted issues with my computer, forcing me to bring my monthly livestream to an end in order to avoid a potential computer death, so that I could continue to make art and comics. It was a decision I did not make lightly - after all, I actually enjoyed the little monthly gatherings I held.
In it's place, I created a requests channel, which works similar to the livestream, just without the livestream. So far I have held one of these request events this month.

Anyway, a few days ago, my computer very abruptly began to seriously lag, freeze up momentarily, then continue, before doing the same thing again seconds later.
My computer itself has not reached any major hot temperature since one to two weeks ago (which occurred under normal working conditions where I was forced to shut it down when the fan started revving up to what sounded like an inevitable explosion (sounded like is the operative word, I'm sure it would not have burst open in my face Hollywood-style)), however it was very concerning.
I realise that at 9 and a half years old, with a lot of use, a computer is going to reach a point where it will deteriorate with age - and given the symptoms I have observed so far, is what I am assuming.
Nonetheless, I have been checking off possible causes that are not age-related, on the off chance I am wrong.
I cleared up hard drive space (I now have 813GB of free space), and it still hasn't helped.
I have checked the System Report, and of what I have checked, things appear to be running normally.
I have tried a couple other things as well, but ultimately, nothing has changed.
And the more I rule out, the more likely that my 9 and a half year computer, which I have used for all my art and such for many years, may just be succumbing.
And so for now at least, I am going to take some precautions.

Program use and duration

I will be minding what programs I use, and avoid using multiple programs at once, especially Photoshop with any other program.
I will also mind what my computer does as I use them, and may limit the duration of my computer use simply to keep things going.
Program use is being affected, which has led to some frustrations here and there while doing art, especially.
How much this will affect my art from sketch to finished product is currently unknown, however I am sure I will find that out soon enough.

Patreon Obligations

I still plan to fulfill these, provided my computer is able to handle things the larger a file may be. I have noted things such as lag when it comes to even drawing a simple circle - I ended up with a triangle, for example. And saving files at this time seem to vary, but can take a while just for a sketch. Who knows how long it might take to save a full-colour piece?
I may fall on creating simpler pieces, avoiding such things as greater shading, and utilising glows - I will have to see how it will work out in order to know what I can and can't do with art in general.
For the most part, I expect that the larger the file, the more trouble I may have - and I am going to find out sooner or later if I will run into these limitations.

Comics

This one might hurt, as I can't say for sure how this will affect comic creation. Since there is usually a lot of compact character interaction in multiple panels, and how that I create three comics at the same time in the same file, AND given I use a pre-made template which automatically means anything I sketch is on a larger-sized  file, comic production may be hindered.

If I am unable to create comics in the usual way without fearing wrecking my computer, I may start creating them one strip at a time, just to make things less taxing - but like other art, I have no idea if this will be enough or not.

Keep in mind I am speculating at this point, with no evidence to the contrary, aside from the constant lag hiccups and such.
What I can probably predict is that any art I make will take longer.

Art in general

Same as the above. At the very least, however, I will continue to make art, unless it threatens the very computer itself just for doing a little doodle.
At this time, I expect that as long as the art isn't too extravagant, I should be fine.

So, I am expecting that I may likely fall to doing just general art.

Communication

I have already begun using messenger programs like Messenger and Discord on my phone by default, rather than in my computer's browser.
So just be aware that if we are talking, chances are that I will be on my phone at this time. Some things you might want to send or link me to may not be ideal for that platform. ^^;;

Commissions

I have two commissions in progress. I will definitely strive to get these done as soon as possible, just in case.

A replacement

I have been saving some money away for a few months now, so that I can get a new computer in the future. Obviously, I never considered it would be so soon that I may need to get one, as my observations of my computer's previous issues a few months ago being signs of aging were just assumptions.
In fact, for all I know, it could be something else that I don't know about.
Anyway, a replacement machine is currently still somewhere in the future, as Patreon has not been as successful as I needed it to be. It has been a major help with making sure I could get by, coupled with other income from the pizzeria, though sadly I needed it to be more successful, and that is something I have failed at.
It has been proposed that I could take on commissions so that I can put that money towards a new computer - and while it is something I will consider, I am not going to worry about that until after the current commissions are complete, and I have a better idea of what I am dealing with in terms of my computer's capacity for production.

Is this the end of Tarri's Patreon, art, and comics?

The answer to this question is currently no. I still intend to continue onward, but with caution.

This post may make it seem like it will come to an end, but I have no plans to do that, as I am not sure if my computer is incapable of producing content - I'm just taking steps to ensure I don't push it.
And honestly, this post is also a warning. Since I have no idea how my computer will behave in the coming days or weeks (or year or years, if it continues to soldier on even at lesser capacity), I also have to contemplate the possibility that if my computer were to suddenly die tomorrow, you guys are informed.

That said, I also have the Patreon App on my phone, so I can still make posts, so if it did die, you guys would find out from me, anyway.

Anyway, I think that will do for now... sorry for the long post, but... there is a lot to unpack on this.
I have no idea what will happen with my computer.
9 and a half years of constant use is pretty good for a computer as it is.
It could die tomorrow. It could suddenly come right if I am lucky. Or it could operate in it's current manner for many, many months to come.

Tarri out.