Advice for keeping your hardware healthy
Just like your automobile, home, or anything else, computers can become run-down over time. With the lighting quick pace at which new technology becomes yesterday’s news, many of us never see the effects of time on our machines before they are relegated to the scrap heap. Unfortunately, this often leads users to neglect the physical needs of their machines, which can lead to hardware failure. With computer owners feeling the squeeze in this economy, it’s good to know that there are simple things we all can do to help increase the lifetime of our machines.
Overheating is one of the biggest problems for hardware, fortunately it’s also one of the easier ones for users to reduce or prevent in the first place. Between the small moving parts and electrical currents running through everything, the inside of your computer can heat up quite a bit, causing damage to everything inside. A good first step is to monitor your desktop’s temperature. If it feels hot to the touch (not just warm) or the temperature goes up significantly after it’s been running for a while, you may need to do something about it. All computers have small fans to help disperse the heat that builds up inside the case. In a computer that’s overheating, these may be broken or just not powerful enough. You can replace these fans (heat sinks) yourself, or hire a professional tech to do it for you. You can also cut down on overheating issues by never pushing your computer past its published capabilities (overclocking) and ensuring that the vents are not blocked by anything.
Another simple problem for users to resolve might come as a surprise: dust bunnies. Just as dust finds its way into the strangest places in your house, it also winds up inside your computer case where it can accumulate. While usually harmless, large accumulations of dust can get in the way of moving parts or block the vents for the heat sinks. The best solution is to periodically open up the case of your computer and use “canned air” to blow away the dust inside. Remember, make sure that the computer is turned off and unplugged from the wall before you start to open it to prevent damage to the hardware and yourself.
While keyboards and mice are pretty cheap components, it’s still a good idea not to waste money replacing them when you could just as easily keep them in working order for much longer. Keyboards are most frequently damaged when food and other small items get under the keys. To reduce this risk don’t eat at your desk, or put your keyboard out of reach if you do. Standard mice, with a ball built into the bottom to track movement, should be used on a clean surface such as a mouse pad. You should clean this off periodically and keep it away from food just as you would a keyboard. In the event that liquid spills on either item, unplug it immediately and allow it to dry fully before testing if it is still in working order (this will reduce the risk of damage).
One of the best ways to protect the components of your machine involves a little bit of an investment, but it literally can mean life or death for your system. Instead of plugging directly into a wall socket or standard power strip, you can use a surge protector or a universal power supply to protect your hardware from power outages and power spikes. Both of these issues cause a stupendous amount of hardware failure and data loss every year. It’s vital to buy a universal power supply that has sufficient capacity to run your entire system in order to get the full benefit. It may be wise to consult with a professional about your power needs if you choose that product. A surge protector won’t provide the same protection for your data in the event of a power outage, but is less expensive and provides needed protection for your hardware.
We know it can be difficult to keep abreast of all the little tasks that come along with computer ownership, which is why Geek Choice offers preventative maintenance service in addition to computer repair.
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