Buying a computer for personal or commercial use is common in the era where almost every home or office has one. But it doesn't end at that. Maintenance is key and only a few people pay attention to this. Computers are like investments and you need to protect them for them to last long.
Do you own a computer and are looking for how to maintain it for high performance and durability? Then this guide is for you. I will show you the 10 latest ways to do that.
Utilizing cloud storage that can house large video or image files rather than your own physical hard drive is one of the first things I advise when setting up a new laptop.
Cloud storage such as iCloud, Dropbox, or Onedrive can increase the storage available on your PC or laptop. It allows you to store documents, files, and images on the cloud rather than on your personal computer.
This means you can access your documents via download, work on documents across devices, access them from anywhere, and keep them up-to-date.
For example, if you are transferring video footage from a camera, then you can upload the footage by connecting a fast micro sd card to your computer and letting the cloud store files you don’t need on hand.
This will not only free up the storage on your hard drive but will improve the overall performance of your computer and could reduce the chance of file fragmentation.
Computers come with preloaded software from the manufacturers which are meant to get you started. These software take up space and it will amount to further consumption of internal storage should you download and install software you don't need.
Avoid installing software that performs the same function as the one manufacturer preloaded on your computer. It affects the RAM which in turn slows down the speed of your computer. Take a count of the software on your computer and uninstall the ones you don't need. You can always re-install them.
To get rid of applications you don't need on your Windows PC, do the following:
It is possible for you to pick up viruses while browsing the web. If you use Windows computers like me, the new Windows defender has made it easy to detect the malware that may be causing issues on your PC.
Install third-party antivirus software to clean up any virus you may have picked up while browsing. This ensures the high performance of your PC and the protection of files you have on your device.
There are lots of cracked applications on the web which are free. Don't be tempted to download them. Some of them contain harmful files that can destroy your PC. If you must download software from the web, ensure it is from an authorized source.
If possible, get your software from the Microsoft store for Windows PC and Mac store for Macbooks. Although it can cost you money, it gives you peace of mind given that you know the source.
Technology is fast-growing and modern computers allow you to upgrade your Random Access Memory (RAM). This becomes necessary when the processing speed of your PC is slow. Installing many applications and tools can cause this. But what can you do when those software are so important that you can't forgo one for the other? Your only option is to upgrade your RAM. Let's say from 8 gigabytes to 12 gigabytes. You can upgrade the RAM of your PC if you have a basic understanding of the interior of the PC. Otherwise, contact a computer technician to help you do it to avoid compromising your system.
I know you want your computer, especially your laptop, to have a full battery all the time. That isn't the best. Constant heat puts undue stress on your battery. According to battery university, the ideal rate to charge your laptop is 80%, and let it drain to 40% before you charge again. If you are worried that your laptop battery drains fast, you can put it in power save mode. That will switch off your monitor when you haven't used it for a set period of time.
Liquid substances including water don't mix with electronic devices like computers. When you mistakenly spill liquid on your laptop, it penetrates underneath where you have important components that make up your laptop. Food particles can get stuck in your keyboard and make it malfunction.
For instance, you may want to press the control or command key as the case may be only to realize that it isn't working. That may lead you to replace it.
Harmful particles might enter your PC if you don't regularly clean it. Computers are made of metals that expand when hot and contrast when cool. Dust and debris can find their way to your computer during this process. Using a can of compressed air to blow into the vent and keyboard is a good idea.
No matter how careful you are, you need a protective case for your computer. Minor accidents can happen in the workplace or home that can affect your PC.
Think of it this way - you may be traveling on public transport with your laptop and mistakenly hit it hard on one of the chairs. What do you think will happen to the screen? It is likely to be affected. But with a protective case like a messenger bag or screen guard, the damage may be minimal.
The manufacturer of your computer has accessories for it which are compatible. You are expected to adhere to them. For example, your computer has a specific charger that fits the battery's voltage.
Using a charger not meant for it to charge your battery is not advisable. It may have adverse effects in the long run. Contact the manufacturer of your PC for them to recommend the best place to buy any of the accessories you want to replace.
Top companies like HP that manufacture different types of computers have online stores where you can buy any HP accessories you want.
Computers like every other electronic device require care and attention for them to serve you for a long time. I have shown you 10 different ways you can maintain them.
It's up to you to start implementing them to prolong the life of your computer and at the same time save the money you would have spent on fixing or replacing it.
Author BioPaul Michael is the founder of Mediapeanut, a tech blog. He's a media and technology expert whose research reveals how technology and media are being used in conjunction with life hacks, computers, the internet, digital art, education, and streaming as well as tech & media companies.
