Laptops are delicate pieces of technology and need to be treated with care. Here are 10 simple ways to take care of your laptop and keep it running like new.
Install anti-virus software
The first step is to install anti-virus software. This will help protect your laptop from viruses and other malware. There are many good anti-virus programs available for free, so there is no excuse not to have one.
Run Essential Computer Maintenance
One of the simplest ways to take care of your laptop is to run essential computer maintenance. This includes running virus scans and disk checks, deleting unused files, and emptying the recycle bin. Keeping your computer clean and organized will help keep it running smoothly.
Additionally, you should make sure to keep your laptop updated with the latest software and security patches. This will help protect your computer from potential threats.
Perform regular software updates
Laptops need software updates just like any other device. By performing regular software updates, you can ensure that your laptop is running with the latest security patches and features. Make sure to install all updates as soon as they are available.
Restart your laptop regularly
It’s important to restart your laptop regularly in order to clear any memory leaks and keep all your programs running smoothly. A good rule of thumb is to restart your laptop at least once a week, or ideally every time you have finished using it. Laptop restarts also allow software updates to take effect.
Use a laptop cooling pad to keep them from overheating
It is common for laptops to overheat, and when laptops run at a high temperature they can start to freeze and perform slowly. A laptop cooling pad helps to dissipate heat away from your laptop and keep it running at a lower temperature. Ideally, a laptop should run at between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius for it to thrive and perform optimally.
Remove dust from fans and vents
Dust can often block fans and vents which prevents them from being able to effectively cool down your laptop, leading to overheating. Make sure to clean out the fans and vents on your laptop regularly in order to keep it running cool. You can clean fans and vents with a damp cloth or with pressurised air to blow away the dust.
Clean the screen
When was the last time you cleaned the screen? If it’s been a while, then it’s probably covered in fingerprints and dust. Cleaning the screen will help improve the clarity of the display and make it easier to see. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the screen. If there are any stubborn stains, you can use a mild cleaning solution on a cloth to remove them.
Back up files
There are many ways to back up files for laptops, from using external hard drives to using cloud storage. No matter what method you use, it’s important to regularly back up your files in case of a technical issue or data loss.
Additionally, you should also keep a backup of your operating system in case you need to reinstall it. This can be done by creating a bootable USB drive or by using an external hard drive.
Keep crumbs out of your keyboards and don’t spill drinks on it
Probably one of the more obvious ways to look after your laptop, but keyboard crumbs and spilt drinks can do a lot of damage. Not only can crumbs and liquids get stuck in the keyboard, but they can also short circuit the components inside. So, make sure to keep food and drink away from your keyboard!
Use a surge protector
If you use your computer frequently, you might not be aware that you are running the risk of completely destroying your computer if there is a power surge. Most modern chargers are built with surge protection built in to protect the battery within your laptop, but it is always a good idea to use a surge protector as an extra precaution.
Transport it safely
Ultimately, laptops were made to be portable which makes them effective machines that travel with us to work, coffee shops and meetings, etc. That being said, they were never built to withstand bumps and bangs on a daily basis. If you are frequently transporting your laptop, you should invest in a good quality, padded laptop carry case to protect the computer from any dents or scratches.
Conclusion
Taking care of your laptop is important if you want it to last. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your laptop remains in good condition for years to come. If you need any computer repair services in Cumbria, contact PCFixer.
