Today I Learned...
Key Takeaways:
- Delete outdated files: Locate and remove old files from your computer to free up space. This can be done manually or using a program like CCleaner.
- Limit heat damage: Common cause of computer failure is heat damage. Prevent it by using a cooling pad, keeping the computer in a cool environment, and avoiding placement on carpets/rugs. Turn off the computer when not in use for a few hours.
- Protect against malware: Install anti-virus software, use strong passwords, and be careful when downloading files from the internet to protect against malware.
f you are serious about getting the most out of your computer (which can save you time and money), there are some simple things that anyone can do in order to protect their investment:
Delete outdated files.
You may want to locate and delete old files on your computer. Files that are no longer useful, relevant or interesting should be removed from your hard drive.
You can do this manually by going through each folder and deleting the files you no longer need. Or, you can use a program like CCleaner (free) to scan your computer for unnecessary files and then automatically remove them.
Limit the effects of heat on your computer.
The most common cause of computer failure is heat damage. Heat can be caused by overclocking (running a processor faster than it was designed for), not having adequate ventilation around your machine, or simply leaving it in an area that gets very hot. To prevent this problem and keep your system running smoothly, you should take these steps:
- Use a cooling pad or stand.
- If you have an older laptop that doesn't have much power anyway, consider buying a laptop cooler to keep it at optimal temperatures while you work.
- Keep your computer in a cool environment; don't leave it under the sun or near any sources of heat (such as radiators).
- Avoid putting devices on carpets or rugs—they trap heat and block airflow.
- Consider getting a laptop with built-in fans if yours doesn’t have them already—this will help ensure efficient cooling when needed!
Don't leave it on all the time.
Computers need to rest occasionally in order to function well, so turn yours off when it's not being used for more than a few hours. This will lead to better performance and fewer problems down the road.
Uninstall unused and unwanted software.
If you have software on your computer that is not being used, remove it. This will free up space for new files and improve the performance of your computer by reducing the amount of clutter on its hard drive.
Before uninstalling any program, make sure that you have all of your data saved somewhere else or printed out so that you can put them back in case you need them again later down the road.
Protect against malware.
Malware is the term for any kind of software that's designed to do something bad, like steal your passwords or personal information. It's a growing threat, so it's important to stay vigilant when it comes to keeping your computer safe.
Here are some steps you can take:
- Install anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date.
- Use strong passwords, and never re-use them across multiple websites.
- Be careful when downloading files from the internet—a file that appears innocent might actually contain malware!
Hopefully, we've helped you take steps to prolong the life of your computer. Contrary to what you might have thought, there are quite a few simple things that you can do to make sure that your computer is a sturdy, reliable workhorse for years to come.
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Classes by:
Vicki Soll
