How to keep your system in great condition
Just like your car, appliances, or anything else, computers can become run-down over time. With the lighting quick pace at which new technology becomes yesterday’s news, many of us never see the effects of time on our machines before they are relegated to the scrap heap. Unfortunately, this often leads users to neglect the physical needs of their machines, which can lead to hardware failure. With computer owners feeling the squeeze in this economy, it’s good to know that there are simple things we all can do to help increase the lifetime of our machines.
Overheating is one of the most dangerous concerns for hardware, and one of the simpler ones to reduce or prevent entirely. Between the small moving parts and electrical currents running through everything, the inside of your computer can become very hot, and this can damage everything inside. A good first step is to keep track of your computer’s temperature. If it feels hot to the touch (not just warm) or the temperature rises significantly after it’s been running for a while, you may need to intervene. All computers have little fans to help get rid of the heat generated inside the case; in a computer that’s suffering from heat problems, these may be broken or just not powerful enough. You can replace these fans (heat sinks) yourself, or hire a professional to do it for you. You can also cut down on overheating problems by not pushing your computer past its published capabilities (overclocking) and checking periodically that the vents are unobstructed.
Another straightforward problem for users to resolve may come as a surprise: dust bunnies. Just as dust finds its way into the strangest places in your car, it also winds up inside your computer case where it can accumulate. While usually harmless, large piles of dust can damage moving parts or block the vents for the heat sinks. The best solution is to periodically open up the case of your computer and use “canned air” to blow away the dust inside. Remember, make sure that the computer is turned off and unplugged from the socket before you attempt to open it to prevent damage to the hardware and yourself.
While keyboards and mice are generally cheap parts, it’s still smart not to waste money replacing them when you could just as easily keep them in working order for much longer. Keyboards are commonly damaged when food and other small items get lodged in the spaces between and beneath the keys. To reduce this risk don’t eat at your desk, or put your keyboard away when you do. Standard mice, with a ball built into the bottom to track movement, should be used on a clean surface such as a mouse pad. You should clean this off periodically and keep it away from food just as you would a keyboard. In the event that liquid spills on either item, unplug it immediately and allow it to dry completely before testing to see if it is still working (this will reduce the risk of a short).
One of the best ways to protect your computer is a little bit of an investment, but it literally can mean life or death for your computer. Instead of plugging directly into a wall socket or simple power strip, you can use a surge protector or a universal power supply to protect your hardware from outages and power spikes. These two issues cause a enormous amount of hardware failure and data loss every year. It’s vital to buy a universal power supply that has enough capacity to run your entire system in order to get the full benefit, so it may be wise to consult with a professional about your power needs if you choose that product. A surge protector does not provide the same protection against data loss if there is a power outage, but is more budget-friendly and provides needed protection for your hardware from power spikes.
We know it can be difficult to keep on top of the little tasks synonymous with computer ownership, which is why Geek Choice offers preventive maintenance service in addition to standard computer repair. If you”d like to schedule an appointment for preventive maintenance, or if you have questions about how to keep your computer in good shape, give us a call at 1-800-GEEK-HELP (433-5435) and talk to one of our techs.
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