Eight Essential Computer Maintenance Tips
When maintained correctly, the average computer should last five to ten years; however, its lifespan can quickly shorten if you don’t look after it. Keeping your computer in excellent working order will extend its life both externally and internally. Because PCs are such an investment, you want to get the most use possible. Would you rather pay for a new computer every two years or seven years? Here are eight of our essential computer maintenance tips you should follow to make the most out of your PC.
1. Watch for viruses
Viruses are a common cause of a slow computer running poorly or constantly freezing. You can download them by clicking on harmful links, visiting sites with dangerous ads, opening infected emails and sharing files without scanning them first. Always tread the internet with caution, and never click on suspicious links or ads or anything that seems “too good to be true” because it usually is.
2 . Defrag regularly
Running Disk Defragmenter will help keep your computer’s hard drive organised and improve performance. It’s best to do this every month or so on Windows PCs. You can do this by opening the Defragment and Optimizing Drives settings on your Windows machine and scheduling automatic defragment.
3. Keep your software up to date
Outdated software can cause all sorts of problems, including reduced performance and even data loss. Make sure you install any software updates as soon as they become available. Most apps will notify you when an update is ready.
4. Clean your PC regularly
Over time, dust can build up on your computer components and cause overheating problems, which lead to reduced performance and hardware malfunctions. They are one of the biggest causes for mac computer repairs. Make sure you clean out your fans and vents with compressed air or a vacuum cleaner at least once every six months.
5. Keep it cool
Keep your computer in a cool, dry location with proper ventilation. If it’s too hot, the internal parts will begin to deteriorate, and performance will drop. Regularly dusting your PC and shutting off unused applications can also help prevent overheating and expensive local laptop and PC repairs. If you don’t know what you’re doing, overclocking is not recommended.
6. Use a surge protector
A power surge can fry your computer’s circuitry, which can lead to expensive repairs or even a total system failure. Protect your computer from surges and spikes with a surge protector before you need help from geek computer support.
7. Defend your hardware
Viruses and malware can attack through the internet and cause all sorts of operating problems, including slowdowns and data loss. A good antivirus program will help protect you from these threats and keep your computer running fast for years to come. Onsite computer repairs and maintenance services are also an option if you want an expert to take a look at your hardware in your home.
8. Turn it off
If you’re not using your computer, turn it off. This will help conserve power and reduce the amount of heat it generates, extending its lifespan.
Computers, like all machines, age with time and use. By following these simple tips, you can help maintain the performance of your computer and increase its lifespan. Get a professional computer repair service in the Northern Beaches today if your machine is suffering!