Did you know that the average laptop lasts about 3 to 5 years? If you don’t take care of it, however, it could break within a year. After spending so much money on a laptop or desktop computer, it’s best to do everything you can to make it last as long as possible.
Are you wondering what you need on your computer maintenance checklist? Keep reading to learn all about the 5 steps you should take for top-notch maintenance.
- Update All Programs
It can be a bit of a hassle to update your apps and general software all the time, but it’s an important part of good laptop maintenance. Not only will a fully updated program function better, but it will also keep your computer protected. This is because hackers can slip through the cracks of an out-of-date piece of software, putting you at high risk.
However, if your computer has really serious or annoying problems, it’s best to take advantage of these services.
- Put Old Files in the Trash
If you’ve used your computer long enough, chances are you have loads of files and programs you don’t need and rarely use if ever. These are things that should be put into your computer’s trash bin and deleted.
The reason this is an important step for avoiding computer problems is that too many files can make your computer as slow as a sloth.
- Scan For Viruses
It’s often the case that a computer could have a virus without you even knowing about it. That’s why it’s so important to scan for viruses regularly.
When a virus is caught early, it can save you a ton of money on computer repairs.
- Clean Your Computer
You must take the time to clean your computer regularly. While there’s plenty of emphasis on the software side of things, the hardware needs to be spick and span as well.
It’s best to be vigilant and prevent dust and dirt from building up within the seams of the case, under the keys of the keyboard, and elsewhere. If you wait too long, you’ll most likely need to shell out for laptop repair.
- Create Strong Passwords
One way to avoid laptop problems is by creating strong passwords for all your accounts, as well as for accessing the computer itself. Many people create passwords they can easily remember, such as “password123”, but this puts them at high risk for cyberattacks.
The strongest passwords have at least one capital letter, one symbol, and non-sequential numbers.
Ready to Use Your Computer Maintenance Checklist
Now that you’ve learned all about the 5 steps you should take for top-notch computer maintenance, you can share them with your friends and family. They’ll truly appreciate having a computer maintenance checklist that’ll ensure a fast and reliable computer.
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