Technology evolves every single day or at least advances a few steps further than what it previously was. Though this is an amazing thing to know because it will provide us with new opportunities in the future, what it does is create an atmosphere of planned obsolescence.
Planned obsolescence means that everything created is designed to become obsolete, and then eventually replaced by something new. For many products, this is the life of owning them. However, you don’t always have to subscribe to the “buy a new one” trend. Tech products like computers can be squeezed for a long time provided you give them the right amount of care.
Here are some tips to care for your computer and maximize their lifespan:
Regularly Clean Your PC
Over time, dust, and dirt will accumulate in your unit due to its stationary nature. Dust build-up can clog up fans and eventually destroy internal components. This is why it is important to regularly monitor the situation of your PC, as these objects may cause overheating, therefore shortening the lifespan of your device.
A good way to easily clean these spots is using compressed air to blow dust out and away from fans, as well as making sure to clean the monitor regularly with a proper screen cleaning product.
Do Not Shut Your PC On and Off Too Often
Shutting your computer off and booting it up multiple times a day is not advisable due to the stress it places on internal components that are trying to regulate the system’s temperature. This can also cause PC hardware components to expand and contract simultaneously, causing premature wear and tear.
Shutting your PC off once per day at the end of the day is enough, so try to avoid constantly turning it on and shutting it down multiple times a day.
Avoid Moving Your PC Around Too Much
Moving a desktop computer or a laptop should be done with utmost caution. Desktops can have their components shift during movement, which may cause damage or errors in operation. Laptops should be carried by their base when moving them around, and not by their screens, as the screen is the softest part of the laptop build.
Invest in a Surge Protector Just In Case of Power Outages
During storms or natural disasters, it is natural that sometimes the power cuts out. This leads to voltage spikes when devices are plugged in and can fry the electronics in your computers, causing a costly repair. To prevent these components from frying during a power outage, investing in a surge protector is a surefire way to ensure that your computer lives longer. The surge protector will then have to be replaced following a storm that cuts your power out.
Invest in RAM and Hard Drive Space
If you didn’t invest in a high-end system, chances are that you are stuck with the limited memory and hard drive space the initial model offered. Random Access Memory or RAM for short allows you to run programs on your computer faster and will put less stress on your entire system. Investing in a bigger hard drive, or even a modern Solid State Drive can allow you to store more files and make your system run faster than usual.
Conclusion
Owning a computer is definitely easy despite all these things to watch out for. These are simple steps to take in order to lengthen the life of your unit and can allow it to run for years on end if done correctly. However, problems are bound to occur, and professional repairs may be needed to get your system up and running again.
Based in Greenwood, Indiana, Finchum’s Computer Services has 20 years of experience in the field of Information Technology, and are ready to assist you with queries or problems you have. Contact us for all your computer repair or information needs.
