All devices require maintenance. Laptops, computers, like cars, needs care to maintain their performance.
Like any other consumer object, the computer requires maintenance. And no, it’s not enough to just defrag the disk or scan the system for viruses. The hardware is physical and, as if it were a car, you have to clean it, grease it and prevent it from getting too hot. If you want to extend the life of your laptop, take a look at these tips.
1. Dust, Better Keep Away
One of the reasons laptops have a lid is because they get on badly with the dust. If it accumulates on the keyboard it can not only cause its malfunction, but a major problem, since underneath are other more valuable components. In addition, since the keyboard is inserted into the body of the computer, it is not possible to change it easily and can cause a visit to the technical service.
On the other hand, a large accumulator of dust is the fan. It is important to open the computer to keep the air outlet clean; this can be done either with a compressed air pump or with a cotton swab impregnated with alcohol and a lot of patience. It doesn’t matter how you do it as long as the air outlet remains free.
2. Beware of What You Install
In many occasions the free programs are the ones that end up being more expensive. It is common that, when downloading from Cnet or Softonic, we are asked a series of questions and boxes checked by default. We have to be careful, because we will probably install, besides the desired software, another pair of malware programs that do not have to provide us with anything.
A classic case is the Ask.com bar. It is installed as a complement to the browser and deleting it costs god and help. So much so that Ask itself makes money by promoting an article on Google to explain how to uninstall it. This is a vicious circle: users who do not pay attention to what they accept are forced to put their five senses to remove it from the system because, naturally, the software does not do anything on their part. What’s more, it’s easy for them to keep their entry in the system’s registry, which brings us to the next point.
3. Clean Registry and Startup
Sometimes already uninstalled programs remain in the registry and system startup. And when too many accumulate, the overall performance of the computer notices. It is convenient to perform monthly inspections of these two databases and purge what is no longer in use. A good ally is CCleaner, a tool suitable for all audiences that automates the work. It removes unnecessary registry entries and allows the user to delve into programs that automatically starts at Windows startup. You’ll get a shock when you get to know that how many programs you don’t use run right after logging in.
4. Run Down the Battery
We are aware of the battery problem, and yet we continue to make mistakes. Although some manufacturers claim to have eliminated the memory effect, lifetime recommendations are still the most effective method of extending battery life. Namely: familiarize yourself with battery removal and remove battery connected while the laptop is running on main power supply.
Store it in a dry place, at a temperature between 15º and 25º and, if possible, with the connections plugged. Remember to use it every one or two weeks and recharge it only after completely draining it out. And don’t forget that, even if you take care of it like Bohemia’s crystal, all the batteries end up kneeling on knee when they complete their recharge cycle.
5. Add Additional Fan
If your laptop expels heat from the bottom, attaching a base that provides extra ventilation is an interesting idea. When buying laptop or computer it it is crucial to opt for a model that has adaptable heat sinks. Or these heat sinks should be placed on the air outlet of the laptop. There is no point in cooling a layer of plastic, just as certain models, with prices below 30 euros, offer a testimonial effectiveness. The ideal is to measure the temperature of the processor, the graphics and the hard disk before and after the ventilation base. If the heat hasn’t gone down for a few minutes, return it to the store.
The laptop also needs breathing. Do not use it on soft, deforming surfaces such as a quilt, or in places where heat accumulates, such as a shelf compartment. Sometimes a simple window airflow can keep your computer cool and safe from burns.
6. Change the Thermal Paste of the Processor
It’s a hot day, you’re attending online college on laptop and it shuts down for no apparent reason. It doesn’t close normally, but disconnects. It is common to think of an electrical system failure, but the most common thing is that the processor has reached a critical temperature and has proceeded to an emergency shutdown to prevent further damage.
What to do in these cases? Change the thermal paste. It is a fluid with a great capacity to conduct heat that interposes itself between the chip and the copper heat dissipaters. And its purpose is to lower the temperature as much as possible. However, over time, the paste dries and the processor tends to overheat.
Although it seems complicated, it is a simple task that only requires a little practice, much closer to crafts than to computers. And especially useful, make it a habit to change it every two years. And learning how to do it saves money and time compared to sending the equipment to technical service.
7. Reinstalling the Operating System
Indispensable. A percentage of users get rid of their old laptops because they consider them damaged or too slow to work, when all they need is to erase the hard disks and reinstall the operating system. This is a task that has been greatly simplified since Windows XP, to the point that all you have to do is insert the usb or disk and follow the instructions. Generally speaking, it is good idea to do it every two years, and/or whenever you experience speed problems when starting or running programs.
