01 Sep Tips for Maintaining and Protecting Computer Hardware

Getting the most out of your computer system involves maintenance and care. While it’s always important to update software and keep your anti-virus software up-to-date, computer hardware is just as critical. Like anything, age can impact a computer, affecting performance and stability. More so, the lifespan of a computer’s components can eventually lead to hardware failure.

Fortunately, performing updates and quality checks is not difficult and does not require expert knowledge of a computer system. It’s good to have computer maintenance soft skills too in case you take advantage of used hardware – or plan to.

Essential Computer Hardware Maintenance Tips

Dust that system!

Dust is one of the most common problems for PC and computer systems. Computers use fans to vent and cool their internal hardware, such as the CPU. While necessary, these tiny areas are a magnet for dust. Unlike large smooth surfaces which can be cleaned with a simple wipe down, PC dust accumulates over time since it is harder to reach.

Unfortunately, the build up of dust can cause overheating problems with your computer. It blocks the vents and gathers on cooling fans, decreasing the cooling efficiency overall. In extreme circumstances, if your computer gets too hot, it will begin to shut down. In worse cases, overheating can damage your computer components.

Dusting your computer is easy, thankfully. Special wipes can clean your keyboard and surfaces of dust, while specialized pressured air can push dust out of the crevices where it aggregates. Remember to do this carefully, as PC components are sensitive.

It’s good to dust your computer systems at least once a month. Heavy usage should see a good dusting every two weeks.

Invest in protection!

Protecting your computer electronics – specifically laptops – is also important. Laptops and other mobile devices are at a higher risk for physical damage because they are just that: mobile. Modern laptops are also designed to be portable and lightweight. That’s good for ease of use, but if the device is dropped or knocked over, it risks permanent damage. Additionally, modern mobile computers are flat, meaning they can slip off smooth surfaces, meaning it’s easier for them to sustain damage.

If you use a laptop for work, travel, or personal, it’s highly recommended to invest in protective coverings. This will safeguard the device from unexpected drops or scuffs. Remember, laptops are harder to fix as most of their hardware is baked into the system and cannot be easily replaced. Better to protect a laptop versus replacing the entire unit!

Another good tip is to place and store your laptop in safe locations. Keep it away from the edges of tables or areas where it is likelier to fall.

Get longer battery lifespan!

While laptops can last for years, their components are sensitive to overuse, wear and tear, and failure. Batteries in particular are vulnerable to failure due to overcharging. The longer they’re used, the less effectively they can hold a charge. While battery integrity can last for several years, it’s important to get the most out of your system. So, charge your battery when it’s nearing its lowest point, and consider unplugging the laptop when it is at full battery charge.

Defragment your memory!

Memory fragmentation is like dust: it builds up over time. Disk defragmentation is a helpful resource all computer systems can routinely perform to free up extra drive space and improve the speed of your computer. If your computer system relies on a hard disc drive, it’s worth checking disc cleanup and seeing what space you can free up. Excess files can take up a surprising amount of space, so don’t neglect this internal repair option!

Be sure to check for old software and apps you no longer use. This digital detritus can hog up system memory and drag down your computer’s performance. If you notice a progressively slower system, start with disc defragmentation and remove unwanted files, apps, and software.

Invest in data backups!

Even with the best intentions, care, and maintenance, system failure is always a possibility. Sometimes it is component age, other times, it is total software failure. In extreme circumstances, malware intrusions can corrupt data. Regardless, investing in data backups is an important part of system longevity.

External storage media is, fortunately, inexpensive and in abundant supply. External SSDs or HDDs are a great starting option for basic file storage. Cloud solutions are also a possible alternative if you want that extra level of file integrity. These days, the options for additional backups are numerous, cheap, and effective. That said, you never want to risk total file loss, as recovery from such is a difficult, near-impossible task.

Organize wires and cords!

Modern desktop systems are modular with numerous options for USB, monitor, and memory plugins. While great news from a utility standpoint, it creates an issue you may not expect: wires and cords! Power cables, monitor cables, external media cords, charge cables, mouse/keyboard attachments, the list goes on.

Not only can this forest of wires get messy, it can inadvertently put your hardware at risk. Tripping or accidentally pulling cables is a fast way to damage the ends. For instance, an HDMI cable’s teeth and head can be bent or broken out of position, rendering it useless.

A messy assemblage of cables is unsightly, disorganized, and risky for your hardware. Practice good cable management and storage. Place unused cables in organized boxes or storage where they’re easy to find. Make use of space behind your computer system in a way that neatly ties cables but allows for easy access where possible. If you can’t do that, consider adjusting your space to allow for better cable management.

Final tips and considerations!

We’ve covered a few essentials of basic computer maintenance. But, there are still plenty of other techniques you can take advantage of to extend your system’s lifespan and performance quality.

• For desktop systems, install additional RAM sticks
• Replace older hardware components where possible
• Routinely run anti-virus scans (or install anti-virus software if you have not already)

Still need tips for PC maintenance? You can always reach out for help. For additional information, contact Bytagig today.