HOW TO MAKE MY COMPUTER LAST LONGER?
It is important to know that any computer equipment, whether it is a CPU, Monitor, Keyboard & Mouse, or Printer, would only last for a while and not forever, even we ourselves, last for an appointed time.
To get a deeper understanding of how to care for your computer equipment so that it may last longer, consider reading on:
Physical Aspect of Caring for your Machine
Some people would spend thousands of dollars on hire purchase to get a computer, expecting it to last a lifetime. Some also accused merchants of selling them faulty equipment. Without proper care, any computer and peripheral would go bad within six months of purchase. In the “Caribbean Region,” it is necessary to get your unit serviced at least two or three times a year by competent professionals. It has been proven that due to the climate that we have, it is necessary to ensure that our system is cleaned twice a year. The dust build‐up from the internal fans along with insect excrement poses a serious problem. I have also seen the salt air blowing in from the sea, rotten a few computer mainboards and cases in Barbados. The problem with power is a very serious one in the Caribbean.
So to make it clear on the physical aspect of caring for your PC, you would need to ensure that your computer equipment is:
1. Serviced (cleaned) at least twice a year.
2. Keep the computer elevated above the floor or off the ground (try to keep the area clean and tidy at all times).
3. System must always be in a safe place and free from where it can easily fall.
4. Ensure that your computer and peripherals are connected to an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) or use a Surge Protector.
5. Try as hard as possible not to expose your system to too much salt air or sea breeze.
6. It is important not to move your computer while it is on because this can damage your Hard Disk.
7. If you accidentally make the system fall, make sure you let a qualified technician evaluate and make recommendations before use. (This can ease you from having to purchase a new computer).
Software Aspect of Caring for your Machine
Most computers, if not all, will experience a software problem before a physical one. Some users may not be familiar with computer problems and conclude that their device is no longer good. I can remember some customers at a company I worked at came and said: they no longer wanted the computer because it was not working. In most of the cases, the computers had software issues that were caused by the end-users.
What were some of those Issues? Some computers had viruses, Spyware, wrong software downloaded for Operating System, Low Disk Space, etc.
It is very important to ensure that the following guidelines are always met when dealing with the software aspect of caring for your machine:
8. Ensure that your system has virus protection software.
9. Only install programs that are designed for your Operating System (OS).
10. Avoid downloading Music, Games, and other media. Stay away from Porn Sites.
11. Use firewalls and other protections if you know how to.
12. Try hard to attend basic computer classes if you are not computer savvy.
13. Always check to see your disk space usage (Right Click on C:\ Drive and choose properties, and you should see your disk usage.)
14. Delete temporary files and folders.
15. Defrag system every three months
16. Limit the number of start-up programs.
17. Call a technician if you are not sure about certain things.
18. Keep one or two User Accounts and no more (if possible, one user only).
19. Avoid upgrading OS if you don’t have an OS license.
20. Install legal software only.
If you follow these guidelines (1‐20) carefully, your computer will last a lifetime.
Authored by: Daniel W. Bovell
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admin
Great post on "how to make
Tue, 05/17/2022 - 3:16pmGreat post on "how to make your computer last longer". Keep up the good job.