Buying a computer is a hefty investment, so it’s in your best interest that you keep it in tiptop shape to get the most out of performance and longevity. Most people overlook this aspect of their computer, taking it for maintenance and repairs only when it becomes unusable. But at that point, you might be looking at more expenses in repairs and parts replacement due to your negligence.
To make sure you don’t end up in such an unfortunate situation, be sure to take good care of your computer and keep it in top shape
- Clean Your Device Regularly
Your computer can accumulate dust and dirt over time which can directly impact performance. When dust settles on your CPU parts, such as the cooling fan and motherboard, it makes these parts overheat. This results in reduced performance and the parts wearing down quickly.
Keyboards and mice are two external peripheral devices of a computer that tend to take a lot of damage from food and liquid. Crumbs of food accumulating between keys of keyboards can make the keys sticky and less responsive, while oily fingertips can make the surface of the mouse too slippery. To make sure these things don’t happen, you need to clean your device properly and regularly.
- Use Antivirus and Antimalware Software
Ensuring that your computer stays protected from corrupting software is also an essential part of computer maintenance. Viruses and malware can easily cause a lot of mischief in many ways, such as stealing your personal and financial info, damaging files, stopping your computer from functioning correctly, and more.
Antivirus and antimalware software ensure that your computer and files survive most of these attacks. But more advanced malware needs to be handled professionally. If you do encounter malicious software, be sure you immediately take your device to a professional service that will be able to remove spyware from your computer.
- Always Install Updates
Updates for software and operating systems are very important if you want your computer to be in the best possible shape. While they might seem irritating, they help out a lot by fixing reported issues, improving security, improving functionality, and so on.
What’s more, if you fall behind on updates, you will face compatibility issues with many basic programs, such as your internet browser. This will make using your device a challenge. You can set notifications to automatically inform you when your computer needs to update its OS or apps.
- Power Down Now and Then
Many people tend to keep their computers turned on for hours or days on end. This may not seem to be a problem in the short term as most computers can handle this kind of treatment in the short term. In the long run, though, this is very bad for your computer’s longevity, even if you have the latest hardware.
Computers have fans to mitigate overheating when running constantly, but some parts such as the GPU and RAM still overheat. When these parts overheat, your computer doesn’t work as well. So, turn off your computer when not in use.
- For Laptops
When it comes to laptops, there are two specific bits of advice to follow to increase the longevity of your device:
- Get a Case
Since laptops are less sturdy and more portable than desktop computers, ensuring your device’s protection should be a top priority, especially when carrying it outside. Laptop cases are perfect for the job as they protect your laptop from physical damage and natural elements like rain or snow. To determine how much protection you need, consider how you generally use your device and whether you often transport it outdoors.
- Replace Your Battery
Like all rechargeable batteries, the one in your laptop will degrade over time. If your device no longer holds a charge for as long as you’d like, simply replacing the battery can help you extend its life, a cheaper solution than buying a new computer.
Get the Most Out of Your Device
Taking care of your computer is the best way to ensure that you get your money’s worth out of it. By practicing these simple tips, you can ensure that you don’t have to cough up unnecessary money for repairs and part replacements which could have been easily avoided, or buy a whole new computer. Make the most out of your computer by keeping it in top shape.