How to extend the life of your computer in 5 simple steps

Computer prices have fallen sharply in recent years, but that does not mean the cost is insignificant. Whether you use a laptop for school, a desktop as part of your home business or own a computer just for fun, you want your machine to last as long as possible.

Not only is replacing a computer expensive, but it can be a time-consuming process as well. There are files to move, backups to make, programs to install and lots of other hassles. If you want to simplify your computing life, taking steps to extend the life of your current hardware is a very smart thing to do.

No computer has an unlimited lifespan, and eventually you will have to replace your current laptop or desktop. Even so, the steps outlined above can help you put off that replacement date, so you can continue to use your old computer for many years to come.

Upgrade the memory

If you want your old hardware to handle new software and modern operating systems, you may need to give its memory a boost. Adding more memory to your computer is one of the simplest, least expensive and most effective things you can do to extend its life.

Replace the hard drive

The hard drive is where all of your data is stored. Hard drives, like any moving components wear over time and replacing them every few years can certainly help prolong the life of your computer. A new hard drive will also run faster compared to an old one.

Uninstall those unused programs

If your computer is more than a few years old, you probably have some programs you never use. Maybe you downloaded a program for one-time use, then left it on your computer. Perhaps you bought into the hype and purchased a program that turned out to be less than you had hoped.

No matter what the reason, those unnecessary programs are sapping your memory and taking up space on your computer. Removing them can boost your speed and give your old computer a new lease on life.

Run a system scan

You should be running regular scans for viruses and other malware, but doing a full system scan is also a smart idea. Scanning your entire system could uncover problems you may have missed, giving you a chance to fix those deficiencies and extend the lifespan of your old hardware.

The system scan will assess the health of your hard drive, check the operating system for issues and inconsistencies and look for problems with your files. Running a complete scan a few times a year is a good practice and a great way to increase the life expectancy of your computer.

We can carry out a computer tune-up for you whereby we run thorough checks of your whole machine.

Keep your computer clean

If you want your computer to last, you need to care for it properly, and that does not just mean scanning for viruses and avoiding sketchy websites. The physical integrity of your hardware is just as important, so regular cleanings are very important.

Over time, dust from the environment, dander from pets and other debris can clog up the interior of your computer, causing it to run hotter than it should and doing damage to the delicate interior components. You can avoid that damage by regularly cleaning the vents with a can of compressed air and occasionally removing the case and doing a deep cleaning.

Be sure to turn off and unplug the computer before those occasional deep cleanings. When you open the case and look inside, you may find an accumulation of dust, dirt, and debris that can be sucked out with a small vacuum cleaner made for use on computers.

Here’s some tips for cleaning your tech devices.

Whether you own your own business or use your computer for general use, you have a vested interest in keeping your system running smoothly. Changing computers can be a time-consuming process, and it is easy to lose files when making the transition. By keeping your existing computer running strong, you can put off those issues and save yourself a lot of money in the process.