Most of us have them, but do we always know how to get the best out of our computers? For something that is such an integral part of our day-to-day lives, how well are we looking after our computers, prolonging their lives, and limiting potential inconvenient and costly problems? Do not be scared of your system – by understanding what makes it tick you can then maintain it to the best of your ability.
Looking After Your Computer
Whether you are the owner of a computer or a laptop, neither will last forever. However, that does not mean that you cannot try and prolong their lifespan for as long as possible, especially as they are not cheap to replace. The following tips may assist.
Keep the computer out of direct sunlight and placed on a hard surface. Keep it clean using safe cleaning methods and don’t allow any liquids onto the monitor or keyboard. Be careful when handling either your computer or laptop as they may not tolerate being dropped.
Keep your memory clean – every time you go online or store a photo, the memory is effected and every so often needs clearing, otherwise the computer will run slowly and its lifespan will be effected. Make sure you understand your computer or laptop, what information it can handle having downloaded onto it and what it cannot.
Understanding Your Computer – Software and Hardware
Software includes computer instructions and data or anything that can be stored electronically. They vary from storage to display devices which are more commonly known as hardware. The terms software and hardware are used often and the distinction between the two is often confusing, as they are so closely linked. When you buy a program, you are buying software but you also need the hardware on which the software is recorded.
Insuring Your Computer
At times we do all we can to look after and understand our expensive and often indispensable piece of machinery, however problems can still occur and insuring the computer can help. If the system breaks before it should, the shop that you bought it from should be able to replace or fix it, and insurance for your system or software insurance will also assist with this after its warranty runs out. You may also need to insure the computer or laptop against theft and loss, and for this it can be worth looking at SSP, which has the broadest set of skills in the insurance technology area.
In the modern world, almost every household now has either a computer, laptop or some form of access to the internet. Some of us use our systems for social purposes, others for work – whatever you use your systems for, they are often an integral part of the household and their lack of presence, if they were to break or be stolen, would be felt. Not only are they very useful and for some of us a necessity, they are also expensive to replace. Ensuring you are careful with your system, understanding its memory and limitations, and by insuring it, any unpreventable problems and damage should at the very least be limited.
About the Author – Sarah Makinson is a freelance blogger who contributes regularly to a number of consumer sites, including SSP.