Laptops are some of the most useful devices that business owners and casual user like to take advantage of. But, not everybody knows how to take care of them appropriately.
Fortunately, laptop maintenance is far easier than most people think.
Not quite sure how to begin? We’ve got all the information that you need to keep in mind. Let’s take a look at everything you should know.
- Never Eat or Drink Near Your Laptop
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that you should avoid eating and drinking near your computer. Crumbs can easily become lodged in your laptop keyboard and cause issues down the road with key sensitivity.
But, the real danger comes from spilling liquid on your device. Even a small amount of water, soda, etc. can cause catastrophic damage to your device.
In some cases, this could also lead to data loss that is impossible to recover from. So, you should always be fully aware of where your laptop is when drinking from an open container.
For example, spilling a cup of water on your nightstand while your laptop is stored underneath could lead to the same problems .
For those who have coverage for their devices, you can use this policy to make repairs in certain circumstances. Those with Apple devices can take advantage of AppleCare, which is renowned for being one of the most useful forms of coverage.
Wondering ‘how much is AppleCare?’ You can visit this resource to learn more.
- Let The Vents Breathe
Many of us like to watch videos or movies on our laptops while we lie in bed. This is also the preferred location for many people who work from home.
However, this also often results in people inadvertently covering their computer’s air vents with blankets, pillows, etc.
This causes the internal components of your machine to heat up for more than they should, which could lead to hardware damage. In extreme scenarios, you might even melt certain parts of your computer if a high enough temperature is maintained for an extended period of time.
Instead, ensure that there is plenty of airflow to your computer vents while it is in use (no matter where you are).
- Keep Your Software Updated
In order to keep your laptop running as efficiently as possible, you need to ensure that you keep your software updated to the most current version. Unfortunately, hackers actively seek to prey on users who utilize outdated software.
They can easily capitalize on security flaws and steal personal information or compromise the user’s machine entirely. Fortunately, keeping your software updated is as easy as clicking a button in most cases.
Additionally, most programs will actively tell you when a new version is available and many also give users the option to automatically download and install new versions as they are released.
Regardless of how you do it, always make sure that you’re using the most current version of programs, applications, and your computer’s operating system.
- Back-Up Essential Data
Properly backing up your data is one of the most important responsibilities that you have as a laptop owner. Although unlikely, it’s always possible that a machine defect or freak accident results and you being unable to access information that you normally would.
In general, there are two primary ways that users choose to back up their important information:
- Remote storage (such as through cloud-based services)
- An external hard drive
If you choose to use an external hard drive, you should treat it with the same level of care that you would treat your computer. This means that you should always store it properly, keep it away from liquids, away from extreme temperatures, etc.
- Set a Strong Password
In the event that your laptop is stolen or access by an unauthorized party, it’s imperative that you have password protection on your device. Otherwise, anyone who has physical access to your laptop will be able to do virtually anything they want with it.
This is a particularly dire circumstance if you have sensitive data on your device, such as financial records. Your password should also be something that isn’t easy for others to guess, even if they know you well.
If you can’t remember your password and have to write it down somewhere, store the note in a safe location such as within a safe. Since adding a password is a simple way to provide a strong layer of protection over your personal information, it’s an obligation that simply can’t be ignored.
6. Don’t Leave Your Laptop Constantly Plugged In
For many of those who use the laptop for long periods of time, it can be tempting to leave it plugged in during all hours of the day. Unfortunately, this can cause long-term damage to your battery and make it unable to hold a significant charge.
For example, if you make a habit out of this for months at a time, you might find that your laptop can only last for an hour or two when you take it somewhere else. But, all you’ll need to do is remove your charger when your battery is fully charged and plug it back in when your battery is approximately 20% or so.
This will allow you to ensure your battery lasts as long as possible, which is something that can help you avoid making expensive repairs or replacements in the future.
Laptop Maintenance Is Easier Than You Think
And the above information will make the process far smoother. From here, you’ll be able to ensure that you establish the correct laptop maintenance habits and keep your device running as efficiently as possible.
Want to learn more info you should keep in mind? Be sure to explore what the rest of our blog has to offer.
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