Most of us can’t afford to buy a new computer on a whim, so it’s important to take care of the machine you have. Here are some very easy tips to help your computer be useful for as long as possible.
Keep liquids away from your machine. If you need to drink near a computer, try to use containers that have lids and reseal the lid between sips. The same goes for food; crumbs in the keyboard can shorten its lifespan.
Get a good antivirus program. There are many excellent programs on the market; check with a trusted computer expert to see which one will work best for your needs. Viruses and malware can drastically shorten the lifespan of your computer, and have a serious impact on its effectiveness.
If you use a laptop computer, make sure the keyboard is clear when you close it. Small items left on the keyboard can stress or crack the screen, which makes the computer difficult to use even when the machine itself is working normally.
Don’t tug the power cord: always unplug it by grasping the plug and pulling gently. Yanking on power cords can stress the wires and cause the cord to break or fray.
Avoid rapid temperature changes. Allow the computer to warm up or cool down to room temp before using. Try to keep your computer away from extremes of temperature when possible.
Consider getting an external fan for a laptop; many of these are very lightweight and quiet. This will help keep your computer cool during use. If you often prop the computer on your legs or lap, consider getting a cooling pad; cooling pads are flat pads that contain fans to cool your computer from below, offering you a solid surface on which to rest the computer.
Have a good one and let me know if you need anything.
