Purchasing a laptop isn’t a small investment and can be quite expensive if you need to repair or replace it. It is important that a laptop is kept in top shape to increases its longevity and effectiveness. Here are some tips on what to avoid in order to keep your laptop running efficiently for as long as possible.

Don’t Take the Term Laptop Too Literally

Nope, unlike the name states a laptop should never be set on top of your lap. The truth is that by putting a laptop on your lap you actually decrease the lifespan of your machine. A laptops processor, which is the brain of the PC, gets hot! The vent to release the heat is likely to be located on the bottom of the laptop where ventilation is scarce. This vent if covered by pants or blankets the laptop overheats. Another side effect of putting a laptop on your lap is that dust begins to settle. Even when this dust is then removed using canned air it is not really removed, it is just shuffled internally which can hurt the processor and internal workings of the laptop as well.

Don’t Forget to Shut Your Laptop Off Occasionally

It is so easy to simply close the laptop lid at the end of the night without shutting it down however this isn’t always what is best for the health of the laptop. Many of us fall into this trap because the next morning when we want to use it, the computer boots up within seconds. By shutting down your laptop on a regular basis, it allows the PC to install the fixes that need to run in order to update the software vulnerabilities. Laptops, like desktops, do not apply the fixes unless the computer is restarted. For the best results we recommend shutting your laptop down at least once a week (or more).

Don’t Overlook the Importance of a Surge Protector

Using a surge protector should be quite obvious however, so many people forget to use one when using their laptops. It is common to hear that you should unplug electronics during storms. If your laptop is plugged in and lighting hits and the computer is not plugged into a surge protector, you will likely fry your laptop.

Don’t Disregard the Importance of Installing an Antivirus

This too should go without saying, an antivirus is critical for the protection of your laptop. Antivirus protection is essential for both laptops and desktops as it keeps the bugs from getting into your systems. Which let’s be clear, happens all the time when you are surfing the internet. Malware and virus’s make your computer run hot and can “break” your laptop. Antivirus should be installed and regularly updated to keep your system safe.

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The world we live in is run on advances in technology. From the timing of the stop lights to the programs we work with daily, our everyday lives are made simpler with technology. What happens though when the technology that is so intertwined within our daily lives fails? With personal computers these problems are inevitable; from user error to complex hardware issues, pc troubleshooting basics are a must for everyday users.

Slow Computer Speed

Many common complaints regarding user’s PC’s surround the speed of the systems. One day our computers are running without issue and the next they are crawling along at a snail’s pace. A slow computer could occur for a number of software or hardware related issue. When a computer is slow from software related issues it could be from a virus or malware infection, too many open windows, or even from an accumulation of temporary files being uploaded. Slow computer issues can also come from the systems hardware. If you have ruled out software issues have the systems hard drive checked out for failure, not enough RAM, or an older CPU that needs to be replaced.

Constant Restarting of Your PC

Sometimes it seems as if your PC might be possessed; computers that keep restarting on their own can cause a great deal of headaches for users. When your computer keeps restarting without the users request it can signal issues with either the computers software or hardware systems. When a system begins to reset on its own first check the software for any automatic OS update errors. Another issue could come from a virus or malware infection. This is easily remedied by taking your computer in for service at a local computer repair company for virus removal scans. If software isn’t to blame, then it’s time to look into the computers hardware. Check the computers graphics card, motherboard and network card drivers, all which could be to blame for the computer restarting on its own.

External Computer Component Failure

Another common computer issues have to do with the keyboard, mouse, or printer not functioning as they should. Again, this can have something to do with either software or hardware. Check the computers drivers, update them and verify if this was the issue or if it still remains. If the keyboard, mouse, or printer are still not working as they should check the systems hardware. Look to make sure the computers ports or peripheral components are working properly. If not, this could be the issue at hand.

Using Your Local Computer Repair Source

These are just three common issues that affect everyday computer users. The best solution anytime your computer is not functioning as it should be take it in for troubleshooting and diagnosis at your local computer repair source. Most computer issues can easily be diagnosis and fixed relatively quickly as computer consultants understand just how important computer technology is to your everyday life.

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com. To contact one of our IT experts, call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

Tag: computer help

Mistakes That Decrease the Longevity of Your Laptop