7.20.2019

7 monthly maintenance tasks that you must complete

When you buy a laptop, you do so with the intention of using it for a long time. Unlike phones, which are usually updated every two years, some people spend years without computer change. And why should he do it anyway? As the saying goes, "If it is not broken, do not fix it."

Owning a laptop is a bit like having a car. With proper care, gentle use and regular care, your equipment will last for years. However, ignoring important factors such as cleaning and manufacturer updates can block a machine that is difficult to work with.

If you want to use your laptop for as long as possible, you need to perform these 7 essential maintenance tasks each month. Not only do these tips help you extend the life of your computer, they also work for laptops of all brands. How to bind and prepare your canned air: Your laptop is about to do valuable work.

1. Save your hard disk by deleting old files

Whether you use your computer for work or your hobbies, you probably have a bunch of pending files that you no longer use.

These may be old photos that you have already uploaded to Facebook, songs that are no longer of interest, or installation files that are in the download folder. Cleaning these files frees up valuable space on your hard drive and allows you to free up memory to make your computer run faster.

Be sure to avoid any "critical" folders that contain files that you want to run on your computer before performing a thorough system cleanup. On Windows, these are mainly located in the System32 folder.

Apple, on the other hand, hides important files so that users do not have fun. Keep in mind that deleting critical system files prevents the full execution of your computer. Therefore, at the time of cleanup, delete only files that are not lost.

Here is a suggestion: Start in the download folder. People download pictures, videos and installation files that stay here and collect dust. You will not believe how much space you will save if you simply drop it in the trash and click "empty".

2. Delete your desktop using Windows or MacOS

A messy desk is ugly. Nobody can deny that. However, getting a good office requires a little experience. Of course, you can just click on the icons and drag them until something like "Order" appears, but it can take a long time, and you probably have better options than playing with the mouse for a while. hour.

Fortunately, Windows and macOS provide automated organization options for their workstations.

In Windows, just right- click on the desktop background with the touchpad or mouse. Then move the mouse over the Sort by option and choose the name , size , file type or modification date . I recommend that you choose the name as it sorts your symbols alphabetically. Once you click on it, your icons are sorted so you can choose which programs to keep and which ones work.

Mac, all you have to do is on the right mouse button or press Ctrl + click and you should have a menu option that says C tilt. When you click on it, the icons on your desktop are automatically reorganized.

If a clean-up is not displayed when you right-click, your system may already be configured to organize the icons differently. To check, click on the desktop and select Show in the menu bar, then Sort by, then your preferred method of organization.

For more information about customizing your cleaning, see the Apple Technical Support Guide on this topic, which will guide you through other options such as batteries and how to resize your icons.

3. Clear the cache and cookies of your browser.

This is important to keep your computer (and web browser) fast and secure. Even if you surf the Internet normally, a large number of cookies will occupy your browser files. Take time to get rid of them.

There are many browsers with different methods for deleting temporary files and cookies. Fortunately, we've covered most of them in one of our previous articles about the importance of periodically removing cookies.

Since most of our readers use Google Chrome, it's interesting to update the process for this popular browser.

In the Chrome window, click on the icon of three dots in the upper right corner of the browser. Then click Settings and scroll to the bottom of the displayed page. Then click on Advanced to expand the menu. Scroll down until you see Clear browser data . Click on it to clear your cookies, your cache and even your browsing history!

You can even set the time interval in which your deletion should be extended if you want to adjust the critical elements of the story.

4. Clean the screen and keyboard (of course with the right tools!)

After ordering the digital part of your computer, it's time to see the hardware for yourself. Regularly carelessly cleaning your computer can have catastrophic consequences for the life of your system. Imagine if you want how many crumbs, skin cells and dust particles get to your keyboard.

Imagine, all this dirt has accumulated over the years. It is not a nice picture ...

However, you can prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris by investing in computer-safe cleaning products. These elements work with your system and are designed to prevent you from accidentally damaging your sensitive components.

For your screen, pre-moistened wipes are the best option. These items contain a safe amount of moisture that can not damage your screen and improve the clarity of your screen.

My personal recommendation is the CareTouch lens cleaning cloth. Originally designed for eyewear, they are a sure way to shine your laptop screen. In addition, they can be safely used on smartphones and tablets.

Kim uses Windex electronic cloths, which are ideal for a no-trace shine.

As far as your keyboard is concerned, you should be careful. Pushing a clip into the space between the buttons unnecessarily can destroy the delicate mechanisms that make the thing run. The best solution is to use an "invisible touch" that moves waste without physically touching it. For this you need a compressed air can or "canned air", as it is sometimes called.

These pressurized oxygen tanks are perfect for cleaning computers and have been used by IT professionals for a long time. Lightly point the can at the affected area and spray.

A small but strong gust of wind pushes crumbs and dust in the smallest space. In terms of the best airbox brand, we recommend Dust-Off, a long-lasting brand known for its compressed air quality. Follow the instructions on the packaging for maximum safety.

5. Clean your ports for years

Like the keyboard, your computer's connectors can become clogged with dust and dirt after years of use.

As you know, your computer has a variety of connector types (unless you are using a new Macbook, they are just USB Type-C connectors). Each of these connections has a slightly different shape. then entering and removing dirt can be a challenge for the uninitiated.

Fortunately, it is already in your hands when you have completed the other steps. As with the keyboard, compressed air removes dirt and debris without touching the contacts in the terminals. This makes the use absolutely safe!

However, this safety depends on how you handle the air. The instructions on the can will probably be detailed, but it should be noted that the compressed air at the outlet of the can is very cold. If it blows too close to a certain surface, a frost layer will temporarily appear.

Because of this, most airless brands include a straw to direct airflow, but not all. To clean your connections as safely as possible, leave some space between the port and the nozzle (or end of the straw) and gently squeeze the trigger to gain more control.

6. Check your camera and microphone

Not all laptops are equipped with them, but they are becoming more common in modern computers. These are important ways to communicate with loved ones, and you can even become a source of revenue if you are a blogger or a creator.

To keep these items clean and tidy, gently clean the camera with the above lens cleaners and clean the microphone with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use compressed air to clean the microphone, as it may loosen or displace internal components that can pick up sound.

But many of us have privacy and security issues. These concerns are not lost to the titans of the industry such as Mark Zuckerberg, who understands that bad actors can use the cameras of laptops for spying.

There is nothing wrong with leaving the microphone and camera open, but it is important for your reassurance that you cover them. Just make sure you have a label of the correct size to fill the full width of the camera lens. Three-dimensional adhesives are strongly recommended as they are easy to remove if you change your mind.

7. Update your software and firmware

This is one of the most important things you can do for the longevity and security of your system. And rightly I could not operate your computer for years, if I was infected with viruses anyway.

Due to the rigors of cyber pirates and cyber criminals, software and hardware developers are constantly being updated to keep the security of their systems as stable as possible. Although there may be a bad update here and there, security patches should not be avoided.

Even older or outdated operating systems tend to receive these types of updates. So if you choose not to use the "feature versions", take some time to make corrections. Is critical

To upgrade to Windows 10, just click the Windows icon in the lower-left corner of the desktop, click Settings, and then click Update and Security . This menu shows the latest updates and patches available for your system.

Just open the App Store on the Mac and click Updates in the left sidebar. This will display any available updates that your Mac can download.

Keep your system up-to-date with updates, and you'll notice fewer problems with your system over time. In fact, this is one of the most effective defenses against common security vulnerabilities. If you act regularly, you can prevent new threats from affecting your system.

After you know the methods, it is up to you to put them into practice. If you do, you will be surprised how many years you can live with your machine. And with the prices for computer (especially for Macs), in the course of the years in which have sprung height , it is the long term money in the bank. What is better than that?

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