How to Care for Your Computer System

How NOT to treat your computer system ^^^^

The average lifespan of a computer is around 8 years. Alas, as an IT guy, I can’t tell you how many sad, neglected computer systems I’ve seen bite the dust before their time. Taking good care of your computer can help it live a long, happy life…plus save you money because they are pretty darn expensive to replace! Here are a few tips on how to care for your computer system. 

1. Clean your keyboard and mouse

If you aren’t careful, your computer keyboard and mouse can turn into a real petri dish. Wipe them both down regularly with a damp lint-free cloth. If you are concerned about germs, you can lightly spray the cloth with antibacterial spray before wiping them down. Don’t forget your mouse pad! To clean harder to reach areas like between the keys of the keyboard, use a compressed air canister. 

2. Wipe down your monitor 

Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down your monitor screen. Dust, dirt, and smudges build up on the surface and can migrate into the machinery. Avoid using chemicals on the screen, as coatings can damage the display and make viewing difficult. Some chemicals can leach behind the display and cause corrosion or electrical shorts. 

3. Do a deep cleaning 

Dust can get anywhere, both on the outside and the inside of your computer. Finding where it is building up and removing it can allow for more longevity for the system. Ideally, you want to clean the inside of your computer every 3-6 months with compressed air to prevent dust build up. Make sure to unplug your computer first. Each system is different. If you aren’t sure how to open it up, ask your IT professional. 

4. Prevent against rust or corrosion 

Here in Hawai’i, we live in a pretty humid climate. Everything metal seems to grow rust like mold on cheese.…including computers! To prevent your computer system from corroding, follow the above cleaning suggestions and keep your computer system in an air conditioned environment if possible. It is especially important to keep Servers in air conditioned rooms. 

5. Power down your system and reboot regularly 

Shutting down your computer at the end of the day and rebooting in the morning is a good habit to get into. Shutting down and restarting gives your system a chance for automatic updates to be installed.

6. Check for computer updates

Keeping your computer operating system up to date is important for the health of your device. If its operating system is out of date, it won’t run as well. If not updated for a long time, it can affect the performance of software and programs, including security programs. Updating your system is worth it to ensure the most current security patches are installed and protecting the system. 

7. Empty trash and delete unused programs and files 

Excess files and programs that you don’t need crowd up your hard drive and slow your system down. Get in the habit of cleaning out old, unused programs and files once a month to keep your system uncluttered. 

8. Prevent overheating 

Make sure your computer is set up in an area that has good ventilation. Don’t store piles of boxes or documents on top of your computer, or surround it with clutter. Your machine needs to breathe! 

9. Avoid overcharging your device 

When working on a laptop, unplug your device once it’s reached 100% charge. This preserves the life of the battery. If the device is not going to be used for a month or more, remove the battery. This will preserve its lifespan as well. 

10. Keep food and drinks away! 

I know it can be tempting, but keep food and drinks away from your device. I can’t tell you how many laptops I’ve seen meet an untimely demise from an innocent cup of coffee. Food and drink residue in your work area can also attract ants or other insects (especially in Hawaii!), which you don’t want near your electronics. Unfortunately, the computer is a perfect place for tiny creatures to take up residence….which will ruin your valuable equipment. 

That’s all folks. I hope these tips on how to care for your computer system were helpful! Have more questions about taking care of your computer system or other IT problem that’s giving you a headache? Schedule a consultation with me today!