How To Make Your Computer Last Longer

October 20, 2021

There are some things that we all must have if we’re going to live life to the fullest. Take a computer, for example. While it’s not essential -- you can certainly live without one -- having one does make things a lot more straightforward. The issue is that they can be expensive. They’re worth the investment, sure, but it’s not an expense you’ll want to spend all too often! Your computer should last for many years, not just one or two. 


While there will always come a point when technology just dies for good, when that moment arrives is somewhat in your control. In this blog, we’re going to run through some useful tips that’ll help to keep your device in tip-top condition for as long as possible.


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Buy Quality


The first tip is to make sure that you’re buying a good device in the first place. The better the computer is when you begin using it, the more likely it is that it’ll last for a long time. Remember, low-quality goods usually don’t stand the test of time! This is especially the case if you’re buying your computer second-hand. This is a good way to save money, but it can pose additional risks. It’s worthwhile investigating the overall longevity of the machine before investing in a second-hand or refurbished device. If others say it has a short lifespan, then you’ll know that it’ll be best to look elsewhere.


Treat It Well


Even if your machine is well-built, it’s important to remember that it’s not invincible. Far from it, in fact. If you’re routinely throwing your laptop around, then you’ll run the risk of causing damage, even if you’re throwing the device onto a soft material, such as the couch. All you need to do is misjudge the throw just once, and you might have big problems that need fixing! Also, remember that your laptop is not a coaster or a dinner plate. One spilt drink could mean having to get your wallet out and buying another computer!


Don’t Overburden The Device 


If you’ve invested a significant amount of money into buying your machine, then you’ll expect it to be highly capable. And the truth is that it probably is capable; your laptop will be able to do a lot. However, it’s unlikely that it’ll be able to do all of it all at the same time. If you continually have too many apps open, then you’ll be overburdening your computer -- and at some point, it might crash. One way to know if you’re overloading your device is if it's always overheated. Keep your mac cool, and you’ll be unlikely to have too many major problems. Another telltale sign is that it's running slowly since that usually indicates that the computer is under too much pressure.


Keep It Updated


Your computer does not exist in isolation. It’s more like a series of components, such as the hardware, software, websites, and things like that. While it can be tempting not to update your device (since it can take time/may require a chance of software), there’s a lot of value in doing so. They do, after all, release updates for a reason. You’ll find that bugs are fixed and that the security aspects of your device are better, too. Plus, you’ll find that updating your computer is better for it, anyway, since it’ll allow you to download more modern apps and so forth.


Virus Issues


Of course, just because you’re keeping your device updated, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be safe from hackers. You usually need to get your own security software to ensure that. So first of all, invest in good antivirus software. Second, be sure to handle any issues as soon as possible. The longer you have them on your device, the worse your machine will become -- and the more willing you’ll be to say goodbye to that device and invest in a new one. 


Handle Issues


You can fix some computer issues yourself, but for others, it’ll be best to take your device to an expert. In fact, sometimes it’s a good idea to take your computer to a professional even if you don’t have any major issues. They’ll be able to perform some TLC to keep it in full working condition. 


Keep It On


People tend to think of their devices in the same way that they think of themselves, especially when it comes to getting rest. You might need eight hours of sleep each night, but your computer does not. People have been turning off their computers and phones for years in the mistaken belief that doing so helps to preserve the battery. But the latest research tells us that this is not the case. It’s often better to keep it on since the device requires more energy to turn off/turn back on, and in any case, switching off the phone doesn’t save battery any more than if it’s on in idle mode. 


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Try To Save It 


Finally, remember that it’s worthwhile looking to see if your device can be saved before giving up on it entirely. Most people decide to buy a new laptop when their old one looks like it’s gone to computer heaven. However, studies have shown that around 80% of the items that end up in the trash can actually be saved. So even though all hope might be lost, it could be worthwhile taking it to a computer repair company. If the first one tells you that it can’t be fixed, take it to another company. They might just tell you something different -- and help you to save plenty of cash in the meantime since you won’t need to buy another device.


Conclusion


And there we have it! As we said at the beginning of the article, how long your device lasts is within your control, to a certain degree at least. If you take all the tips that we’ve outlined above, then you’ll find that you don’t need to go computer shopping all too often.




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