6 simple ways to ensure your laptop is healthy and happy…and stays that way!

Hands up who can live without their laptop?

I know I sure cant! And if you have ever been so unfortunate for your laptop to break down at the most crucial moment, then I feel your pain.

So, here are some great tips for ensuring your laptop stays healthy and you remain happy!

1.     Spring clean your laptop

This is something that I know many people don’t give a second thought to, but giving your laptop a thorough clean is essential to extending its life. It’s vital that you back up any important data , either on an external hard drive or a portable flash drive. Don’t let your laptop clutter your workspace – organize your desktop icons, empty your laptop’s trash on a regular basis, and delete any programs you don’t use. This will help free up space, and keep your laptop running smoothly, which will allow you to work productively.

2.     Shut down your laptop…PROPERLY!

It’s all too easy once you have finished using your laptop to just close the lid and forget about it. But if you don’t shut down all open programs and put your laptop to sleep instead of just closing the lid, you risk your laptop over-heating, so help your computer stay cool and safe by shutting it down properly.

3.     Protect your laptop

With many laptops thin and lightweight, these days they can easily fit into a holdall or your bag without any case. However, it is important if you’re going to be lugging your laptop around to make sure it’s protected in a padded case. Laptops can be surprisingly fragile, so look after them.

4.     React fast

One of the worst things that can happen is spilling water on your laptop ( or even worse wine!). Accidents happen but if you don’t act fast then your beloved laptop will likely suffer. The “rice” method is the best way to deal with any type of spillage; take out the battery, dry off the laptop as much as you can, and pop the whole thing in a bag of rice. You will be amazed that this really works!

5.     Remember your laptop is temperature sensitive

Alongside liquid, heat and cold are your laptop’s worst enemies. Hot and freezing temperatures suck the life out of your battery, and also can cause damage to your internal components. If you have no choice but to leave your laptop in your car when the weather is bitterly cold, make sure to wrap it up in layers, i.e. a jacket or scarf to keep it warm.

6.     Use the correct cleaning products

Don’t ever use any old household product to clean your laptop. Make sure you use only LCD approved cleaning sprays/wipes. Steer clear from any all-purpose household cleaners, especially anything containing acetone, ammonia, or alcohol. These will strip away your LCD’s protective coating. Use a soft cloth to gently wipe down your screen and don’t use anything which will cause scratching. For more stubborn stains, try distilled water, or a mixture of white vinegar and distilled water, and use light quick circular movements to help reduce any streaking marks.

Do you have any essential tips for keeping your laptop in totally mint condition?

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Post your comments!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Tamalyn-Roberts/606135677 Tamalyn Roberts

    thanks for these tips, i seem to ahve let my laptop go a bit and will now site down and go through these steps!

    • http://www.parcel2go.com Sarah Parker

      You’re welcome. Glad to help :)

  • http://www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk/ Claire (The Beauty Scoop)

    Overheating can also be caused by using a laptop on your knee, the clothing and body heat combine with the heat of the laptop to cause more heat than your laptop can take on a regular basis. Also the lack of airflow because of using it in this way can stop the laptop being able to cool itself down.

    I recommend buying a dedicated laptop knee rest, Belkin an other brands do various types (from simple cushion type to electrical fan assisted ) which can help matters if you absolutely have to use it on your knee. Otherwise, maybe you could look into a laptop table as they don’t take much room up, and can really help to prolong the laptop components.