Just like your automobile, home, or anything else, computers can become run down over time. With the lighting quick pace at which new technology becomes yesterday s news, many of us never see the effects of time on our machines before they are relegated to the scrap heap. Unfortunately, this often leads users to neglect the physical needs of their machines, which can lead to hardware failure. With computer owners feeling the squeeze in this economy, it s good to know that there are simple things we all can do to help increase the lifetime of our machines.
Overheating is one of the biggest issues for hardware, and one of the simpler ones for users to reduce or prevent in the first place. Between the small moving parts and electrical currents running through everything, the inside of your computer can heat up quite a bit, and this can damage everything inside. The first thing to do is to keep track of your PC s temperature. If it feels hot to the touch (not just warm) or the temperature goes up significantly after it s been running for a while, you may need to do something about it. All computers have small fans to help get rid of the heat generated inside the case. In a computer that s suffering from heat problems, these may be broken or just not powerful enough. You can replace these fans (heat sinks) yourself, or hire a professional. You can also reduce overheating issues by never pushing your PC past its capabilities (overclocking) and ensuring that the vents are clear of obstructions.
Another simple potential source of hardware trouble for users to resolve may come as a surprise: dust bunnies. Just as dust finds its way into the strangest places around the office, it also winds up inside your computer case where it can accumulate. While most of the time this is harmless, large piles of dust can get in the way of moving parts or block the vents for the heat sinks. The best solution is to periodically open up the case of your computer and use “canned air” to blow away the dust inside. Remember, make sure that the computer is turned off and unplugged before you attempt to open it to prevent damage to the hardware and yourself.
While keyboards and mice are pretty inexpensive components, it s still a good idea not to waste money replacing them when you could just as easily keep them in working order for much longer. Keyboards are often damaged when food and other small items get stuck in the spaces between and beneath the keys. To reduce the risk don t eat at your desk, or put your keyboard out of reach if you do. Standard mice, with a ball built into the bottom to track movement, should be used on a clean surface such as a mouse pad. You should clean this off periodically and keep it away from food just as you would a keyboard. In the event that liquid spills on either item, unplug it immediately and allow it to dry fully before checking if it is still in working order (this will cut down on the risk of damage).
One great way to protect the hardware in your machine involves a little bit of an investment, but it literally can mean life or death for your machine. Instead of plugging directly into a wall socket or simple power strip, you can use a surge protector or a universal power supply to protect your components from outages and power spikes. Both of these issues cause a stupendous amount of hardware destruction and data loss every year. It s vital to buy a universal power supply that has enough capacity to run your entire system in order to get the full benefit. It may be wise to consult with a professional about your power needs if you choose that product. A surge protector doesn t provide the same protection against data loss if there is a power outage, but is more convenient and provides needed protection for your hardware.
Author Resource:
Gregg Housh holds the position of Technician Manager at Geek Choice. At Geek Choice we solve computer problems such as: Slow computer, Virus Removal, Spyware Removal, Computer startup problems,
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