A well-maintained computer lasts longer and performs reliably. There are avoidable computer woes that a bit of regular maintenance can help avoid. Let us take a look at these 10 essential computer maintenance tips.
- Protect with padding
Drops, smash, and slips result in unappealing dings. An exposed laptop is vulnerable to all of the elements you want to protect it from. Shielding your PC starts with a protective case.
- Organize cords
Take time to declutter and organize the snake-like mass of wires spawning from your power strip and PC ports.
- Update your operating system
Are you looking for basic computer maintenance? Keep your operating system up to date. It is one of the easiest solutions. Irrespective of whether you have a Windows, Mac, or Linux, updating your PC when new patches are available ensures your PC stays at the cutting-edge of performance power.
- Unplug to avoid overcharging
There are few things more dreadful than a draining battery when you have got hours of work and play left on your day’s schedule. Nevertheless, it is better to resist the temptation to plug in the moment your PC falls under 50% battery life. Needless charging can lead to overcharging. This then leads to capability worsening. Your computer may not be able to hold a charge as well as it could in its earlier days. Being fettered to the weight of a charger defeats the purpose of a laptop’s wireless portability. To avoid poor battery life, unplug your device after it reaches 100% charge, and do not plug in until power is actually low.
- Remove junk files and programs
Your computer is sure to have its fair share of digital debris festering on your desktop or in your start menu. Before your computer gets to a point where it is begging for more storage space, use these tips to relieve your system:
- Uninstall trialware
- Run disk cleanup software
- Empty the recycle bin
- Delete temporary files
- Remove cache of offline web pages
- Run regular antivirus scans
Malware attacks can sneak up on you at any given moment, and in the event, one does, having a savvy antivirus installed on your PC will protect you against the damage viruses bring. Weekly antivirus scans can make sure your computer is always clear of malicious software infections. A basic scan will examine your computer for any glaring dangers or outstanding activity. If you are a frequent web user and download programs and files regularly, consider running a virus scan twice a week. It is always better to err on the side of safety, especially when your personal data could be at risk.
Malware infections can compromise computer performance and expose your confidential information to third-party cybercriminals. A virus could also:
- Slow web browser speeds
- Disrupt network connections
- Freeze or crash your system
- Alter computer settings
- Allow unauthorized access to system resources
Run regular antivirus scans, so that you can rest assured that nothing slips by.
- Clean the keyboard and case
You would be surprised to see just how much dust and debris live underneath your keyboard’s keys. A number of dirty particles can clog your keyboard. This usually results in sticky or difficult-to-press buttons. Clear out these hard-to-reach parts of your laptop or desktop setup. It is most easily done with a compressed air canister.
- Update your passwords
Poor password behavior includes using the same password for every account and using simple, guessable passwords such as “password” or “123456.” If you are overdue for a password update, consider using these strong password generation tips:
- Use at least 10 characters
- Use a mixture of lower-case letters and upper-case letters
- Include both numbers and special symbols
- Add emoticons if possible
A strong password safeguards all of your data against potential third-party hackers; which is precisely why it is such an essential part of computer maintenance.
- Organize your data
Whether it is old music files from your garage band days, or downloaded add-ons for your favorite simulation game, your PC’s many folders can become crowded. If you can’t remember the last time you took a look through your downloads folder, you are likely overdue for a visit. This applies to the rest of your default folders (documents, photos, etc.).
Dealing with a cluttered desktop, or crowded computer folders might be an intimidating task. But with these tips and tricks, you will be well on your way to a functioning system of files and folders.
- Create large, main folders
- Create small sub-folders
- Empty your downloads folder
- Clear your desktop
- Choose thoughtful filenames
- Backup your data
Unexpected crashes, unfortunate malfunctions, and accidental hardware failure have the potential to damage the computer data. One of the most vital computer maintenance actions is backing up files. Full backups are typically done on storage-heavy external hard drives and on the cloud. Make duplicate copies of everything on your PC (actually having your data in 3 places is safest).
At QuickTech, we ensure that computer repairs are done securely. We can keep track of the computer maintenance. We provide you with the best assistance whenever you need PC repairs. Search for “computer repairs Melbourne” on Google, or call us at 1300 016 017 and we will be happy to help you.
