New computers are expensive and most people can’t afford to run out and buy a new one every time the machine slows down or something happens. By keeping your computer clean and doing home-maintenance, you can extend the life of your computer by years.
Tips and Tricks:
1. Power supply – How many horror stories are out there about people whose computers were ruined when the power went off or the house was struck by lightning? Seriously one of the best things to do for the health and wealth of your computer is get an uninterrupted power supply (UPS). The uninterrupted power supply will keep your computer safe from power surges and high voltage incidents.
2. Defragment once per month – Over time, despite efforts to save things properly, a computer gets bogged down with stuff. Running a Scandisk and defragmenting once per month will help with the health of your hard drive and prevent crashes.
3. Don’t turn the computer off until Windows has shut down. – Ultimately this is another tool to protect the hard drive. Ctrl+Alt+Delete is a tool you need to use when the system locks up. Hitting Ctrl+Alt+Delete twice will reboot the system.
4. Get an external hard drive – Your hard drive is supposed to have plenty of room. If you’re saving things to the desktop or to the hard drive its time to get an external hard drive. If your computer ever does crash for real, you will regret the money you didn’t spend with the headache you get from not backing up.
Maintain a clean working environment and keep your computer screen and keyboard clean. The all-too-familiar story of someone spilling a cup of coffee on their computer has led to more than a few deaths of computers. Encourage yourself and your family to keep beverages away from your personal computer.