Laptops are devices that are used over and over again, often used incorrectly, and you have to spend a lot of money to buy a new one. The following instructions will help ensure your laptop can last as long as you can use it.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Protecting the laptop
Step 1. Know where your laptop is at all times
Be careful if you leave your laptop unattended. Label them properly in case they are lost, misplaced or stolen.
- Label all laptop parts with your name. Paste the address label on the top of the laptop, on the inside, under the keyboard, both parts of the power cable, the CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/floppy drive and the USB disk (USB drive).
- Buy a suitcase hanger. Hang it in a laptop bag and write your name on it. Make sure your name is not covered by anything.
- Hang something unique into a laptop bag. This will help prevent other people from mistaking your laptop for theirs.
Step 2. Treat the laptop with care
Dropping, crushing or bumping the laptop can cause damage to the hard drive, sometimes the damage is permanent and irreparable.
- Do not put drinks near the laptop. In the event of an accident, drinks could spill onto the keyboard and damage it, and it may be impossible to repair.
- Use both hands to lift/carry the laptop and support it on the bottom (the side where the keyboard is). Never lift/carry the laptop by holding the side of the screen.
- Do not store the laptop in very cold or very hot places.
- Do not place the laptop near electrical equipment, as it can generate a magnetic field.
Step 3. Protect your laptop screen and body
Your laptop will last a long time if that part is not damaged.
- Never turn the screen on its hinges as this may crack the screen.
- Never cover the screen if there are pencils or pens left on the keyboard. This can cause the screen to crack.
- Never scratch or push the screen.
- Don't slam the screen when you close it.
Step 4. Carry the laptop with care
Buy and use the right laptop bag to protect your laptop from impacts during travel.
- Remove the wireless card properly before moving the laptop (if relevant).
- Always try to carry a laptop in a bag lined with padding, and never pile things on top of the laptop.
Step 5. Keep the laptop clean
- Clean the screen using a lint-free cloth. Do not use window cleaners, such as Cling; the ammonia contained in it will make the screen dull. You can purchase a special screen cleaner for laptops from a computer supply store.
- Think twice before sticking a sticker. Stickers leave a residue that can cause permanent damage or create an unsightly mess.
Part 2 of 4: Caring for laptop parts
Step 1. Make sure the power cord is working for your laptop, and not damaging it
Treat the laptop power cord as an extension of the laptop itself.
- Be careful when unplugging the power cord. Remotely jerking the cable from the laptop can cause damage.
- Do not wrap the cable too tightly. You can loop it loosely in a figure eight pattern.
- Never turn the laptop over while the power cord is still plugged in. Doing so can damage the adapter plug on the back of the laptop.
Step 2. Carefully remove the disc (disc)
Small parts can break easily if you are not careful.
- If you are still using a diskette, do not use a damaged diskette. It can cause severe damage to the internal drive.
- Remove the disc from the CD-ROM drive before taking the laptop elsewhere.
Step 3. Extend your battery life
Remove the fully charged battery and reinsert it only when you need to use it. As simple as that.
Store the battery in a dry place away from heat and direct sunlight
Part 3 of 4: Software
Step 1. Make sure you know the software requirements of your laptop
Some software is susceptible to viruses and can hamper performance.
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Step 1. Schedule regular maintenance
Your laptop, like your car, needs regular tune-ups. This will increase the ability of the laptop so that it can work smoothly.
- Run the “Disk Cleanup” and “Defragment” tools at least once a month. You can find it under “Accessories”, in the All Programs list. Start > Programs > Accessories. Make sure you have turned off the screen saver before starting maintenance.
- Check for disk errors at least once a month. Open "My Computer". Right-click on drive C, then select Properties. Click the Tools tab. In the Error-checking section, click on “Check now”. Tick on “automatically fix file system errors,” then click Start. You may be asked to restart the computer.
- Set the virus protection software (antivirus) to download and install updates automatically and enable real-time virus protection.
- Do a virus scan every week.
- Set your computer to automatically download every latest Windows update that is released. To do this: Open Control Panel (Start > Settings > Control Panel) and double-click on “System”. Click the Automatic Updates tab and make your choice. Most people prefer the “Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them” option.
Make Your Laptop Last Longer Step 11 Step 2. Set your printer settings
This feature allows the printer to run quickly, using as little ink as possible.
- On your laptop, click Start > Settings > Printers.
- All installed printers will be displayed.
- Click on the printer to select it.
- Right-click, then select Properties.
- Click the Setup tab, and under print quality, select draft.
- Click the Advanced tab, and check the “print in gray-scale” box. At school we are asked to print in grayscale (black and white) for most assignments. For certain tasks when you need to produce a color printout, you can uncheck it.
Make Your Laptop Last Longer Step 12 Step 3. Adjust the power settings
This will help your laptop to save power and work efficiently.
- Start > Settings > Control Panel.
- Select the Power Management directory by double-clicking it.
- Select Portable /Laptop from the drop down menu.
- Click the Alarms tab, and set the alarm to sound at 5%, and turn off the device at 1%.
- Click the Alarm Action button, tick Sound Alarm and Display Message.
- Underclock for maximum life.
