Every Computer Owner’s Guide to Proper PC Care

Nowadays, every household has at least one computer, be it a desktop or a laptop. It’s used for a wide variety of things, from entertainment to communication, and even work and studies. There’s no denying that computers have become an important household item, as the world has evolved to value its uses.

However, despite computers being a common fixture in many houses, awareness regarding proper care remains low. Many people even assume that computers don’t need constant maintenance, opting to buy a new one if the last one begins to slow down. All kinds of computers need upkeep, whether it’s a gaming rig or a workstation, and here’s how you can take care of yours.

Hardware Side

Taking care of your computer hardware is the best way to ensure its longevity and consistency. There might be some aspects where you need professional help, but knowing what to be careful about will help you in the long run.

Be Cautious with Liquids. It might sound obvious, but it could not be stressed more: keep liquids away from your computer. Accidentally spilling liquid over it can irreparably damage some (expensive!) parts that you’d rather keep safe, and you’re also running the risk of a fire hazard. Ensure your computer unit is in a safe location where even if you bring liquids to your table, they won’t reach your computer just in case of a spill.

Dust the Fans. Most computers use a fan of some kind, and many computers have more than one fan connected. There’s a fan on the power supply unit, on the CPU, on the GPU, and even on the case. These fans are used to ensure that the computer stays at a safe temperature, but they accumulate dust. Make it a monthly habit to do a light dusting to prevent accumulation. This way, you won’t have to take your computer apart every time you want to clean it.

Cover Your Keyboard. Eating in front of the computer is a relatively common activity- it can be fun to watch your favorite YouTube show while eating chips. But what’s not fun is crumbs on your keyboard. You can purchase a keyboard cover to ensure that crumbs won’t find their way in between the keycaps and eventually damage your keyboard.

Software Side

The software is just as important as hardware, and this can be easier to manage in comparison. However, do be careful not to tinker around too much and delete important files.

Install an Antivirus Software. Many people wrongly assume that you don’t need antivirus software. But the simple and direct answer to that is: yes, you do. To protect your data and files from tampering, unauthorized access, or malware, you need reliable antivirus software.

Sort and Backup Your Files. With all the moving about we do in software, we sometimes make multiple copies of the same file. Often, we even lose files in the mess of folders and partitions we create. At worst, we accidentally delete them. To prevent this from happening, you need to consciously organize your files, making sure they’re divided by purpose and type. This also helps you maintain control over your files, know which ones are duplicates, and delete unnecessary ones. It also helps to make backups of your most important files, as the last thing you want is to suddenly lose pictures and videos because you accidentally deleted them.

Uninstall Unused Programs. Installing software is a requirement to use a computer properly. There are different software for different purposes, and many install multiple software that does the same thing to make sure they have backups if the other one doesn’t work.

However, this leads to an all too common problem: slowdowns. Many of the software we install uses background processes to make sure they’re ready when you click on them. If your computer is slowing down, or you would like to guarantee that it stays fast for quite a while, it’s important to either uninstall unused software or disable them. Doing this guarantees that you aren’t overworking your CPU and makes everything respond a lot snappier.

Other Helpful Tips:

• Always make sure you use an auto-voltage regulator, as it protects your system from sudden power surges or outages.
• Upgrade your computer components every few years or so to make sure it’s performing to the best of its ability.
• Place your computer in a room with a well-regulated temperature.
• ALWAYS properly turn off your computer.

Taking care of your PC is a topic that’s not often discussed. Yet it remains essential, especially nowadays, when everyone has to use one for work or school. Use your computer confidently, but make sure to take care of it as well.

Meta title: How to Take Care of Your Computer
meta desc: Computers and laptops are very common. But not everyone knows how to take care of theirs. Here are some tips you can follow to take better care of your PC.