19/12/2012
Carry your laptop in a protective case or bag, free from any potentially harmful substances.
• Computers should be carried in a bag with lots of padding and protection.
• Alternatively, you can purchase a "laptop sleeve" to protect your computer. Models with padding inside and a hard shell are preferred.
• Don't place food, drink, or other potentially harmful substances nearby or in a bag with your computer, as liquid spills on laptops are all too common and often come with a heavy price tag.
• Be sure to include accident protection in your warranty, if you are concerned abou accidental damage or spills.
Always power down your laptop before moving it around, and at night.
• The hard drive, where your data is stored is a series of spinning discs with a read/write head (analogous to a record player). Thus, transporting or moving your laptop while powered on can cause corruption to the hard drive (analogous to a record scratch).
• To avoid long boot-up times, you can also put your computer into Sleep, Standby, or Hibernate modes.
• Shutting down your computer (or putting it into Sleep or Hibernate) will also extend the life of the hardware.
Take care with the screen and keyboard.
• The laptop's compact design means sensitive components must be stored directly below the keyboard.
• Avoid slamming or punching down on keys with excessive force, as this may damage the components underneath.
• The LCD screen is also sensitive, so avoid poking the screen too hard or placing heavy objects on top of your laptop.
Keep the laptop on a flat surface when in use and avoid blocking air vents.
• Blocking air vents will cause the computer to operate above the normal operating temperature range, which over time will decrease the lifespan of your computer.
• Avoid using your computer in a particularly dusty area.
• Consider purchasing a compressed "air" canister and blowing out the dust from the vents.
Back up your data regularly and backup important files to multiple locations.
• Hard drive failure is difficult to predict and may even occur within the first few months of computer ownership.
Install Antivirus Software, keep it updated, and perform scans regularly.
• Be sure to install Antivirus Software.
• Keep the software updated by setting your Antivirus to check daily for updates.
Set strong passwords.
• Be sure to set a strong password for your username, using numbers, letters, and capitals.
Delete unwanted programs and files, and avoid installing lots of 'extras'.
• In Windows, There are many flashy programs that run in the background of your computer (usually showing up as little icons in the task bar, e.g. WeatherBug). Use 'Add/Remove programs' in Control Panel to remove these programs or any others not in use.
• In OS X, be sure to remove unwanted programs from your 'Applications' folder.
• Empty your Recycling Bin or Trash.
• Delete old files from your desktop or documents folders.
• Remove any excess user accounts that may be taking up space.
Update Windows/OS X regularly.
• To have the best patches and security updates available, be sure to regularly update your computer.
Keep track of your software CD/DVDs and license keys.
• Never discard the Windows, Office, or other discs that come with your computer, these can be invaluable in getting your computer running fast.
• Keep all official documents, receipts, and license keys for your software, which are needed if the software must be reinstalled.