Do you have a bad history with IT devices? The average desktop computer should last for at least 3-5 years before you consider replacing it. However, many of us are already dealing with sluggish speeds and overheating problems. Extending the life of your IT devices will not only save you money, but it will also help combat the growing problem of e-waste. Do you need some pointers? Continue reading for advice on how to keep your IT devices running at peak performance for as long as possible.
Table of Contents
1. Better Battery Life
Poorly performing batteries are one of the main reasons why consumers replace their electronics with new ones. If you’re using a device with a lithium-ion battery, never let the battery drain to zero before reaching for your charger.
You should also strive to reduce your power consumption. Avoid using your USB ports to charge smartphones and other devices. Furthermore, consider which features you actually use. Disable Wi-Fi on your device if you don’t need to be connected to a wireless network.
2. Don’t Forget To Shutdown
Most of us must use our devices for extended periods of time. Long periods of operation, on the other hand, can reduce the lifespan of your electronic devices. Avoid closing the lid and putting your machine on standby after you’ve finished using it for the day. Instead, make it a habit to actively turn off your device.
Not only will this protect your electronics from power surges, but it will also help you save energy. Meanwhile, turning off a computer helps clear RAM, resulting in faster performance the next time you turn it on.
3. SSD Upgrades
If your current hard drive isn’t performing well, consider replacing it with a solid-state drive (SSD). SSDs are not only becoming more affordable, but they are also far more efficient than traditional hard drives. SSDs, unlike traditional hard drives, have no moving parts. This reduces temperature buildup and allows for faster performance.
4. Keep Them Cool
Heat can cause a variety of problems for your IT devices. Unfortunately, heat is an unavoidable byproduct of electronic devices. Your machine will produce simply by being turned on. When intensive applications are running, however, additional strain is placed on components such as graphics cards and processors. When temperatures reach dangerously high levels, IT devices must work twice as hard to stay operational.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to combat the problem. To begin, consider carefully where you will place your devices. Place them in cool rooms whenever possible and keep them out of direct sunlight. It’s also critical not to obstruct ventilation grilles with anything on your desktop. You’ll also need to consider cleaning CPU fans on occasion. Computers for gaming will benefit from the installation of additional fans Consider purchasing a cooling pad if you use a laptop.
5. Remember To Clean
If you don’t clean your IT device on a regular basis, it will die young. Everyday debris such as dust and hair will be the most difficult to keep clean and functioning properly.
Even the smallest particles can accumulate over time. A clogged keyboard, for example, can make a laptop nearly impossible to use. Meanwhile, excessive dust buildup can cause your fans to slow down, making it more difficult for your machine to maintain an optimal CPU temperature. Keep your computer and peripherals covered when not in use to save yourself a lot of trouble.
6. Handle With Care
Avoid moving your device whenever it is turned on. Even something as simple as a laptop should ideally be kept stationary when in use. If you must move your device, take care when doing so. Make it a rule to always close your laptop’s lid before moving it and to never grab it by the screen.
Invest in protective gear to extend the life of your devices even further. If you prefer to travel with a laptop, a padded case will make traveling with it much easier and prevent accidents from occurring in transit. A screen protector is also a good idea if you want to reduce scratches and superficial damage.
Get More From Your IT
It is not difficult to extend the life of IT devices. Keeping your keyboards, and fans clean will help your machines run as efficiently as possible for as long as possible. Rethinking your charging cycle strategy will also help your battery last longer. Investing in upgrading to solid-state drives will pay off in the long run if you want to push your IT devices even further.
Author Bio:
This article was written by Paula Napolitano.
Product Sales Manager of Wisetek Store, part of the larger Wisetek Group, data destruction specialists, and was created to give customers access to high quality, reliable and affordable refurbished laptops.
