The average lifespan of a laptop is between two to four years. Due to the many mishaps that can happen throughout the course of time, it is not uncommon for a machine to last for less than a year.
If you are not on-board with the idea of shelling out thousands to replace your laptop then, you must take certain precautions to maximize its lifespan. May the following tips help your circumstance.
LET ME FREEZE YOU
Unbeknownst to many, overheating is among the top reasons why laptops fail. Snuggling up in your bed with your trusty laptop as you watch your favorite movies sounds divine! However, your lap is not the best place to use this machine. Any soft or uneven surfaces can block the vents and restrict the airflow. It is recommended to work on a hard and smooth surface or to use a laptop support.
ADD MORE RAM
Random-access memory or RAM stores data and machine code that is currently being used. It works like your short-term or working memory. You can rely more on the system that pulls the data afresh from the hard drive once you upgrade your RAM. You see, reducing your hard drive activity reduces the power consumption. Other performance benefits will be quickly seen upon adding more RAM.
KEEP IT CLEAN
It comes as no surprise that a clean laptop will last longer than a filthy one. Unless you are working in a highly sanitized room, every laptop can come in contact with dust and dirt on a daily basis. Left to linger long enough, these unfriendly substances can suffocate the hardware of your laptop. Doing so will reduce its performance or contribute to a component’s premature demise.
UPGRADE TO SSD
Bid farewell to moving parts by switching to an SSD and using flash data memory to store your data. If possible, this upgrade will immediately make your laptop more energy efficient. Aside from its benefits surrounding your laptop’s battery life, an SSD can deliver a faster performance. Furthermore, it removes problems associated with fragmentation.
UPDATE YOUR SYSTEM REGULARLY
Whether you are a computer geek or not, it takes a few clicks of the mouse to update your operating software. Do not hesitate to update your current system once a notification comes up! Remember that no operating system or program is perfect. Hence, every upgrade includes new features and solutions to previous issues.
Aside from patching up some issues, keeping your software updated reduces the chances of security exploits. Maximize your security by regularly running anti-virus and anti-malware scanners. Less malware and junk supports a smooth running system.
SHIELD THE OUTSIDE
Modern technology has led to the introduction of smaller, thinner, and lighter laptops. This means that these machines are more susceptible to damage from spills and drops. Extend the life of your device by providing laptop covers and screen protectors. A tumble off your desk or a scratch against the wall can be shielded thru a powerful hard-shell or soft-shell case. Just ensure that your protection does not obstruct the laptop’s cooling system.
SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE
Multitasking is a necessity in today’s revolving world. It may sounds nice, but running several programs at once puts a significant load on the processor. This further creates more power consumption. So, stretch your battery’s life and take care of your laptop by simplifying your activities.
As much as possible, stick to one application at a time. Close any additional programs when typing a document. For instance, I only use Notepad when writing a draft for my articles. How about for listening to music? Instead of streaming some tunes, you can use the locally stored songs. Streaming media over Wi-Fi uses the laptop’s wireless radio and other components. Less is more.