7 Computer Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Machine Running Smoothly

Are you looking to take care of your computer?

Computers are ubiquitous in our society. It’s what leads us to take them for granted. As such, it causes us to lose precious data when they break down.

Computer technology play a vital role in progress our Social connection also.

Around 46% of computer users lose data each year due to various reasons. It could be because of a hard drive failure, theft, malware, and others. 

Data loss is not the only risk of owning a computer. It’s why you have to know how to properly take care of it. Check out our computer maintenance tips below to get the most out of your device.

1. Backup Your Data

Even when you do every computer maintenance tip, things can go south fast. Having a computer means knowing there’s always a risk of losing all your files in an instant.

A regular backup can save you from that fate. Do it at least once a week if you’re an average user. Any computer maintenance website will agree.

If you work with important files and have a lot of critical information on your hard drive, performing backups must be a daily task. It’s especially recommended for people using their machines for business. 

You have lots of options to back up your data nowadays. You can either use Cloud storage or external storage.

Both are secure ways of storing your data. You only have to be careful not to lose your Cloud password or your external hard drive.

2. Install Computer Updates

We get why some users get annoyed with constant software updates. You get all these notifications and wait for the update to finish installing.

However, software updates are crucial for your computer’s smooth operation and security. An update likely includes fixes and patches for security holes, vulnerabilities, and bugs. It also offers new features for fighting against new cybercrime methods.

By installing updates right away, you make sure your computer has enough protection against new types of danger. It allows you to protect data while enjoying an operational machine.

Of course, updates could bring cool new features. To learn more about the specific update, visit your operating system’s website. While you’re at it, check for the latest updates for your drivers as well.

3. Use an Antivirus Program

Antivirus software is one of the most important computer system maintenance programs to have. It performs various actions to keep your device protected against digital threats.

It performs regular scans of your computer to check for malware. It blocks suspicious downloads and deletes potential malicious files within your system.

You don’t need to do much after installing an antivirus program. It runs automatically in the background. It will inform you of important security concerns in real-time. 

Some have extra features, like website blocking and customizable firewalls. Take the time to learn about the software first to maximize its protection.

4. Clean Your Hard Drive

Check your hard drive often to look for junk files and unused programs. These can slow down your computer’s performance and take up valuable storage space. 

It can be time-consuming to track down each useless file. To make it easier and faster, get a cleaner program, like the one on this link: https://setapp.com/how-to/best-mac-cleaner-software.

You should also defrag your HDD. It’s the process of reorganizing the file data on your hard drive, making it easier to access. It speeds up your computer, but more modern setups won’t benefit as much.

5. Clean Your Computer Parts

Don’t forget to care for your hardware as well. There are different types of computer hardware maintenance, depending on the component.

The easy parts are the keyboard and mouse. Avoid putting any food item near these since crumbs and liquid can damage their internal parts. Use compressed air for the keyboard and mouse to get rid of dirt and hard-to-reach debris. 

Clean your screen more often. Get a lint-free cloth to wipe down your monitor at least once a week. It ensures your monitor is free from obstructions.

If you have a desktop computer, clean your entire hardware system at least twice a year. Get a computer vacuum and a computer cleaning kit. Clean your processor, RAM, motherboard, fan, and everything inside.

6. Take Care of Your Battery

The battery is one of the most expensive and hardest things to replace in a laptop. That’s why you must never overcharge.

It hurts the regenerative capabilities of your battery. If you do this bad habit often, you may damage the battery. It can get to the point that it can’t hold a long charge anymore.

Let it charge fully before taking off the charger. Once it hits 100%, unplug it and let it discharge as you use it.

Don’t wait until it reaches 0% to recharge as well. It’s a good idea to start charging your laptop once it goes down to around 20%.

If you’re not using your device for an extended period, remove the battery. It will help extend its lifespan. 

7. Use a Surge Protector

You can do everything right and still have your hard work go down the drain in an instant because of a power surge. It can fry your whole system with irreparable damage. It’s why you should buy a surge protector right away.

With a surge protector, a sudden increase in voltage won’t affect your computer. This helpful tool will redirect the extra electricity into the grounding wire. 

For laptops, you need not worry. Laptop adapters usually come with built-in protection to keep your device safe while charging.

Follow Our Computer Maintenance Tips and More

These are some basic computer maintenance tips to follow. Of course, you can always do more to give your computer extra protection and longer life.

You can use more computer maintenance software and buy other protective tools to keep your device safe. For more tips, visit our website and learn more today.

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