Little Changes to Boost a Computer’s Life

You already know how expensive computers can be, and the last thing you will want to do is replace them every couple of years. Of course, there are certain things you can do and should do as regular maintenance, but now let’s discuss what you can do with the physical machine itself to ensure it lasts as long as possible. You can complete these without computer help as well.

Know When to Turn Your Computer on and Off

It’s a myth that you need to turn off your computer every single time you are not using it, and some people feel the need to power up and down throughout the day. The problem when you do this is the computer will need to go through unnecessary heating and cooling cycles. That can wear things out very quickly and leave you seeking computer support because your fan tore up and something overheated.

So, how often should you turn the machine on and off? Actually, every other day or every couple of days will suffice.

Don’t Put Your Laptop Directly on Your Lap

That sounds strange, but it is true. Your lap will not allow the machine to get enough ventilation and it can become overheated very quickly. In fact, you shouldn’t rest it on any soft surface like pillows or blankets. The best option is a hard table or a laptop stand made for mobile use. Otherwise, you will find yourself calling computer help because the fan stopped working properly.

Use a Surge Protector

When a storm comes through, bad things can happen to your computer if you are not smart about protecting it. If you have it directly plugged into the wall, a power surge or lightning strike could destroy it completely and computer support likely won’t be able to do much to revive it. So, make sure you use a good surge protector and make sure it is grounded regularly.

Keep the Fan Vents Clear

All computers have vents and these vents play a very important role. They allow the internal fan to work, and that fan ensures important parts of the machine, like the motherboard, do not overheat. If you don’t clean out the vents, you could run into trouble. Think about what would happen if you didn’t clean the air conditioner filter – the whole thing would freeze up. In your computer’s case, the whole thing could burn up.

Don’t Place Your Computer in Direct Sunlight

This can actually damage the machine over time. It is best to keep your desk out of direct sunlight, and that will mean a more comfortable working environment anyway. If you store your laptop between uses, choose somewhere out of the sun and preferably in a cool location.

You probably want your computer to last as long as possible, especially considering how much you likely paid for it. If you take these simple steps, then you can extend the machine’s life without the need for computer help. Of course, if you run into issues that could be repaired by remote support, don’t hesitate to contact computer-help.com and we will get to work for you as soon as possible.

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