Did you know that the average computer/laptop has a life span of about five years? Phones and tablets last about two to three years. That said, depending on your usage and care, you can stretch the life of your gadgets. Below, we’ve put together a list of things you can do to prevent your devices from malfunctioning too early.
Keep It Clean
Dirt and moisture can cause laptops to overheat. Also, unless you’re certain that your device is waterproof, it’s best to keep it away from water and other liquids.
Here are a few cleaning tips:
Avoid eating and drinking near your electronics. Spilled coffee on your laptop’s keyboard can cause the keyboard to short out. Food crumbs can also build under the keys and cause them to malfunction.
Do not spray liquids directly onto the computer, phone, or tablet when cleaning. It is best to use a slightly damp microfiber cloth (it will not scratch the surface) and lightly rub the screen to clean it.
Install Anti-Virus
Keeping your devices’ software virus-free is just as important as keeping the hardware clean. Given this, consider installing an anti-virus application on your computer to keep it safe from malware attacks. Check on a regular basis if the software is up to date. Avoid getting a virus by practicing habits like inspecting flash drives and DVDs before opening or downloading files from them, not clicking on emails from unfamiliar senders, and not visiting problematic websites. While we don’t hear about viruses affecting cell phones too often, it is possible. So, it makes sense to install anti-virus software on your phone, as well.
Practice Protection and Storage
We carry our electronics with us everywhere. While they are built to withstand shock, regular bumps and jolts can nevertheless damage the internal components of your devices. Given this, it’s important that you use a high-quality case, such as a laptop bag with heavy cushioning. Padded sleeves help protect the outside of your device and the screen from being scratched by other items in your backpack. You should also purchase a cover and screen protectors for your phone and tablet. They are fantastic at keeping your electronics clean and scratch-free. Remember to also keep electronics away from severe temperatures. Do not leave them out in the sun or in cold weather. This can harm your device’s battery.