Most people try to buy reputable and expensive computers in hopes of using them for a long time. But one must know that a machine needs extensive care to stay well-functioning and useful.
No matter what PC you invest in, repairs and replacements can cost quite some money, especially Mac repair. Though it’s better than buying a new piece altogether, especially if the PC is relatively new, you can still try to avoid spending money on repairs and replacements even in the long run if you take care of your PC well.
Let’s see what six best practices you can follow to maintain your PC’s good working condition.
Table of Contents
1- Keep the PC updated:
Our number suggestion is always to keep the PC updated. Updates, in other words, are improvements made in the OS that enhance your computer’s overall performance and reinforce the device’s security. Whether you use a Windows OS, macOS or Linux, switch settings from manual to automatic to install updates if they aren’t already set on automatic.
For Windows OS:
- Go to “Windows update” by typing in the search.
- Once it opens, click on “Change settings” available in the sidebar.
- A window will open; choose “Install updates automatically” below the “Important updates” heading.
- You can also customize the day and time in the settings so the updating process doesn’t interfere with your work.
For macOS:
- Go to “Software Update” via the System Preferences.
- Choose the “Automatically keep my mac up to date” option, and you’ll be good.
2- Install a good antivirus:
An antivirus is a must-have software for all computers. The best antivirus software programs also provide additional features like a VPN download, RAM cleanup, a protected browser, etc., other than saving your computer from malware. Bitdefender, Avast, Kaspersky, AVG, Intego, Malwarebytes, and Norton are some excellent and reputable antivirus programs that offer various paid packages and a free version.
3- Back up data:
Backing up important data regularly is a fair practice for users to avoid the loss of useful files in case of mishaps. There are thousands of ways to lose data, and though repair shops can help recover some of it, it’s better if you create a backup on a remote cloud server or keep external HDDs and USBs. That way, if malware enters your PC or the hard drive gets corrupted, your data will remain secure.
4- Keep the computer clean:
Whether you use your PC for work or gaming, a clean display gives a clear view and enhances your focus, so you must clean the computer regularly. A neat and clean computer not only pleases the aesthetics but also keeps the dust and gunk away that could otherwise damage the ports, air vents, and speakers. Your keyboard also needs periodic cleaning, especially if you eat snacks while using it.
Several guides are available for cleaning various parts of a PC; you can follow the instructions for each component and maintain the neatness of the computer.
5- Use a disk cleaning utility:
A good disk cleaning utility can manage the storage space by deleting unnecessary files and cache. It optimizes computer performance and smoothes operations, making more room for other apps, media files, and documents. You can find plenty of options online. Some good software includes CCleaner, Treesize, Glary Utilities Pro, CleanMyMac X, etc.
6- Prevent overheating:
Suppose you use your computer for intense tasks like VFX, illustration, photoshop/video editing, gaming, software programming, and coding. In that case, the PC will likely heat up, and at some point, if the room temperature doesn’t help either, it could overheat. Now, overheating can cause a lot of major issues, like damaging the internal components, including the HDD and processor.
So, you must maintain the PC temperature. To do so, you could turn on the AC in the room or buy a mini cooler and keep it on the desk to ensure the PC remains cool.
Bonus tip- Do not leave your PC on if you’re not using it:
It isn’t a good practice to leave the PC on when you’re not using it for long hours. Put it on sleep or hibernate mode; otherwise, your PC screen would be affected.
Final Thoughts:
Personal computers have a good lifespan, to begin with. However, it really depends on how the user treats their PC. If you do not take care of your computer, things can go bad earlier than expected. So, you must follow the best practices for maintaining the PC and extending its life tenure.
