Three Tips for Preventing Some Common Laptop Malfunctions

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A laptop can be an extremely useful tool for your work and personal life. However, it is an unfortunate fact that you might make some fairly simple oversights that could compromise the lifespan and performance of your computer. To help ensure that your laptop stays in the best condition possible, it is critical for you to follow these simple maintenance tips.

Dust It on a Regular Basis

Many individuals will overlook the sizable threats that dust can pose to a laptop. In particular, it is possible for the dust to gather on the interior cooling fans. When this happens, the fans may not work as efficiently, or they may become clogged and malfunction. To minimize the risk of this occurring, you will want to make sure to regularly dust the exterior of the laptop. When dusting it, you should use a dry microfiber cloth or pad and gently wipe the exterior. Additionally, you should use a can of compressed air to clean the keyboard, as it can be possible for dirt, crumbs, and other debris to interfere with the functioning of the keyboard and get into the interior of the laptop.

Be Careful When Using Laptop Cooling Pads

Many individuals are concerned about their laptops overheating. As a result, they may invest in cooling pads. These pads have fans on them that will help to dissipate the heat from the unit. Unfortunately, if these pads are powered by the laptop, they may not be particularly effective. This is because they can cause the laptop to generate more heat by placing a higher demand on the power supply. If you want to use one of the pads, you should make sure to use one that can connect to a power outlet to eliminate any additional demand on the laptop's power supply.

Keep the Computer Updated

Many individuals will resist updating their operating systems and programs. Often, this is done because the user assumes that the program does not require an update because it seems to be working correctly. Many updates are released to address security issues that have been discovered. Failing to install updates that are for security purposes can result in your computer being a more vulnerable target for cyber criminals. If you are concerned about these updates taking up too much space on your hard drive, most operating systems and many programs have the option to only install updates that address security issues. Using this option will help you to ensure your laptop stays secure without taking any more hard drive space than necessary.

For more information about how to keep your laptop in good repair and virus-free, talk to the professionals at the Computer Exchange.

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10 October 2016

Updating Programs: How a Professional Can Help

About two years into my new business venture, it was obvious that the software I was using no longer met my needs. It still worked well enough, but my business was growing and I needed something with more features. That is where help from a local systems specialist made all the difference. After evaluating my operation, he was able to recommend new software that would work just fine on my network. Best of all, he handled the data transfer overnight. My team signed off the old software the night before and came in the next morning ready to work with the new program. If your business has outgrown the older software, get advice from a professional before buying anything. I'll tell you how going this route meant a seamless transition that allowed us to keep going without adversely affecting any of our customers.