We are all aware of how production can matter depending on the speed and performance of your computer. It’s irritating to see when your new laptop or desktop computer is underperforming and running at a slow pace. Is it related to a hardware issue? You are wrong, the problem is not related to the hardware, it is related to the maintenance of the computer.
It is common that various users around the world have faced similar issues and the best way to deal with them is to follow a routine computer maintenance checklist. This will not only help you with fewer headaches from working on a slow computer, but you can also achieve healthy hardware with fast software support.
The best way to start creating a computer maintenance checklist is to have regular hardware and software maintenance checks, a comprehensive backup plan, protection against malicious vulnerabilities, and maintaining an overall tidy system.
Computer Maintenance Checklist
Keep the system clean and free of dust
When it comes to Dust, it is the biggest enemy, which leads to a lot of problems that affect your computer. To keep your computer environment dust-free, make sure the property is well-enclosed. This will not allow dust to enter your facility. A clean room will cause fewer systems to be damaged. Other than this, if you are using desktop computers, periodically open the CPU cases and clean the dust with a portable vacuum, especially be careful around the vents. Similarly, check your RAM, processor, and motherboard for dust. In case there is dirt, wipe it off, avoid using your hands instead, use a dedicated computer cleaning kit for cleaning.
Reassemble your PC
In case you are using a branded desktop, try not to do this, users with assembled desktops can continue. Before you start, you should have a basic idea on how to set up a computer or better leave it to an expert. In case you choose to continue, you can go ahead and try to reassemble your PC. Disconnect all the cables connected to the hard drive, DVD Rom and graphics card. During the assembly process also be sure to clean up any dust buildup.
Check the flow of electricity
The fluctuation in the flow of electricity can cause problems such as hardware outage. Generally, in case of laptop adapters, they come with a built-in option for power optimization. While in case of desktop computers this is not present hence you need to check the cabling and power outlet. You can use a surge suppressor and related equipment to protect against such power fluctuations.
Keep your laptop cool
In case you are using your laptop for tasks that use a lot of your resources, it will surely produce a lot of heat. Especially if you keep the laptop on a desk, the generated heat cannot circulate. This can cause the laptop to crash and it is better to keep it cool by using a USB powered fan or cooling pad.
Don’t forget to use your keyboard
We are sure that some of you are using an extended keyboard or wireless keyboard on your laptop to make your work easier. It’s not a problem, but once in a while try to use the built-in keyboards, as sometimes they can go bad and you’ll have to replace them entirely. Continue to use them from time to time and use a portable vacuum from time to time to keep it free of dust.
Update and register your software
Always keep your system software updated, you can keep them in automatic mode. This will allow you to relax and not worry about updates. An up-to-date system will always give you good protection against malware attacks and vulnerability exploitation. Also, check your hardware warranties and customer support details. We strongly recommend against using pirated software.
Regular data backup
Keep a good data backup plan, better safe than sorry. A backup can be your salvation when you are faced with unpredictable events that lead to data loss. You can design a backup plan that can be weekly, monthly, or quarterly. The backup period will depend solely on the amount of data being processed and how often you make changes. For users with frequent data changes, a periodic backup is recommended.
Install a good antivirus program
In the event that you are running Windows 10, you can stick with Windows Defender, it is the default antivirus. Otherwise, you can choose any third-party licensed antivirus. Your antivirus program can be vital in protecting you from online and offline virus threats.
Once the antivirus program is installed, run a virus scan periodically and keep the antivirus program updated for the latest virus definitions and database.
Install anti-malware software
Although antivirus and antimalware software may sound a bit similar, that is not the case. As an antivirus program it will not be able to detect a computer infected with malware. You will need anti-malware software to overcome this threat.
Keep your Windows up to date
As a Windows user, you should always keep updates to your operating system. Make sure you are not using pirated Windows, always use genuine Windows and keep your system updated regularly. These updates sometimes consume a lot of time and space on your PC, but you will benefit in the form of a faster and more secure PC. Regular Windows updates ensure that you are protected against potential threats and vulnerabilities.
Keep your device drivers up to date
Up-to-date device drivers can help give you improved performance and also help you work smoothly with your software. Recently updated drivers also act as advanced protection against data stealth via peripheral devices.
Delete Junk Files and Internet Files
You can remove junk files on your system using CCleaner software. You can run this regularly as junk files can slow down your PC performance
In the case of Internet files, cache files, Internet cookies, passwords, and other scripts should be removed to improve your browsing experience. This can be done from the browser settings, use CCleaner as mentioned above.
Defragment your HDD
Defragmenting your HDD helps increase the speed and stability of your hard drives. There are many free and premium tools available to perform disk defragmentation. Windows 10 also comes with a built-in disk defrag utility.
Delete unused software
You may have installed a number of the program, some of these are not used for a long time. It is good to remove such unwanted or unused software. This will help free up storage space and help improve the performance of your PC.
Read more here: https://technoidhub.com/how-to/computer-maintenance-checklist-keeps-computer-safe/
