1. Keep Your Computer Clean and Well-Ventilated

Dust, dirt, and overheating are some of the biggest enemies of computer longevity. A clean and well-ventilated machine will perform better and last longer.

How to Keep Your Computer Clean:

• Dust the Vents Regularly: Use a can of compressed air to remove dust from the vents, fans, and keyboard.
• Keep It Off Soft Surfaces: Avoid placing a laptop on a bed or carpet, as this can block airflow and cause overheating.
• Clean the Screen and Keyboard: Use a soft microfibre cloth and a little rubbing alcohol to keep your computer free from grime.
• Check for Overheating: If your computer feels hot or the fan is running loudly, it may need better ventilation.

Why This Helps: Overheating causes internal components to wear out faster, leading to potential hardware failure.

Tip: Consider using a cooling pad for laptops to improve airflow and prevent overheating.

2. Optimise Performance by Reducing Unnecessary Software

Computers slow down over time due to unnecessary programmes running in the background. Keeping your system clutter-free can improve speed and efficiency.

How to Optimise Performance:

• Uninstall Unused Programmes: Remove apps and software that you no longer need to free up space.
• Disable Startup Programmes: Stop unnecessary applications from launching when your computer starts up.
• Use an External Hard Drive: Store large files externally instead of overloading your computer’s internal storage.
• Run Regular Updates: Keeping your operating system and antivirus software updated helps protect against security risks.

Why This Helps: A streamlined system runs more efficiently, reducing strain on the hardware and extending its lifespan.

Tip: Use built-in tools like Windows’ "Disk Cleanup" or Mac’s "Optimised Storage" to free up space and boost performance.

3. Protect Your Computer from Power Surges and Cyber Threats

Power surges and malware can cause significant damage to your computer. Taking preventative steps can protect your device from unexpected failures.

How to Protect Your Computer:

• Use a Surge Protector: A surge protector helps prevent damage caused by sudden power cuts or electrical surges.
• Install Reliable Antivirus Software: Protect your computer from malware, viruses, and phishing scams.
• Back Up Important Files: Regularly save important documents to an external drive or cloud storage to avoid data loss.
• Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Be cautious of emails or websites that ask for personal information.

Why This Helps: Preventing physical damage and cyber threats ensures your computer stays functional for longer.

Tip: If you use your computer for online banking or shopping, enable two-factor authentication for added security.

Summary and Key Takeaways

• Regularly clean your computer to prevent dust buildup and overheating.
• Optimise system performance by removing unnecessary software and managing storage.
• Protect your device from power surges and malware with surge protectors and antivirus software.
• Back up important files regularly to avoid data loss in case of system failure.

With proper care, your computer can last for many years, saving you the expense of an early replacement. By following these simple steps, carers can ensure their devices remain reliable for work, communication, and day-to-day tasks. For more money-saving tips and resources, visit CarersCardUK.