A Pew Research Center survey revealed that 84% of all American households have at least one smartphone. 80% have at least one desktop computer or laptop. 33% of all Americans live in households with three or more smartphones, and 18% are “hyper-connected,” with 10 or more electronic devices in the home.
In real terms, desktops and laptops are actually less costly to replace today than in 2010, but they’re not exactly cheap. According to PC Magazine’s analysis of the market for new PCs, you can expect to pay anywhere from about $410 to $2,899 for a quality replacement machine. At full price, a top-of-the-line smartphone can easily cost $700 out of the box. Refurbished electronics aren’t as costly, but they lack the cachet of truly new products.
Well-Maintained Devices Live Longer
Maintenance offers the best of both worlds. It’s far cheaper than swapping burnt-out devices for new or used replacements, and it puts off the disruptive transition from one machine to the next. Well-maintained devices last years longer than maltreated equivalents, supporting smooth personal and professional use patterns and keeping more of your hard-earned money in your wallet along the way.
These electronic device maintenance tips are all well within the capabilities of the typical non-expert computer user. Some are tailored to desktops and laptops. Others apply to a broader range of devices. Most are best done on a recurring basis. And none require excessive investments of time, effort, or money.
Computer Maintenance Tips – Physical and Environmental
These tips cover your devices’ physical housing and accessories, and the environments in which you store and operate them.
Keep the Keyboard, Mouse, and Openings Clean
Start with the easy stuff: keeping your device’s accessories and openings clean.
A dirty keyboard will eventually stop working properly. Ditto for a dirty mouse. A replacement keyboard costs roughly $20 new, so replacing yours won’t ruin you, but that money could absolutely be spent on better things.
To clean your keyboard’s more accessible surfaces, use a damp, lint-free cloth. Don’t spray water directly onto the keyboard or allow water to pool anywhere on it – this will only make things worse. Use the same approach to clean your mouse’s accessible surfaces.
To clean harder-to-reach parts of your keyboard and mouse, such as the mouse’s optical opening and the spaces underneath the keys, use a compressed air canister. You can get one for $5 or $6 online or in your local hardware store.
Don’t neglect laptop and desktop ports and crevices either. Dusty or particle-clogged ports reduce airflow into and out of the device, increasing the risk of overheating. If you’re prone to forgetting small tasks like this, set a recurring calendar reminder every month.
Gently Clean Your Monitor
Your monitor might seem solid enough, but it’s just as vulnerable to dust and debris as your keyboard and ports. Dust it periodically with a microfiber cloth. Remove tougher stains with LCD screen cleaner, which should cost you no more than $6 to $10 per can.
Don’t Block the Vents
Like people, desktop and laptop computers need to breathe.
The operative rule here is “don’t block the vents.” Just like people, machines need to breathe – though, in their case, it’s to ensure their insides remain cool enough to function properly.
If you have a desktop, keep the tower clear of any obstructions, like cabinets or walls. If it’s possible to do so securely, elevate it to ensure good airflow on both sides. For laptops, maintain a clear workspace free from clutter that could obstruct airflow – for instance, papers or books. Periodically check that the fans are working as well.
No matter what kind of device you have, maintain adequate ventilation and reasonable climate control. You don’t have to blast the AC or leave the windows open in the winter, but setting the thermostat to 80 probably isn’t a great idea either.
Source: https://www.moneycrashers.com/computer-maintenance-tips-checklist/