How Do My Laptop In Good Condition?

Laptops, regardless of the reason you buy them, are very important, not only because of their monetary value but because of the data that is stored on them. Furthermore, if your laptop stops functioning properly, then the time it spends in the repair shop will be time that you can't spend doing your work, studying or whatever it was you used the laptop for.

Here are some tips to help you keep your laptop in the best shape possible, year after year:

• 1. Vent Cleaning: The vents on your laptop need to be looked at every week to make sure there is nothing blocking them or impeding their performance. You can buy a can of air at a local store and use this to clean them out, as it is best not to poke anything in them.

• 2. Fan Functioning: A malfunction in the fan can lead to your laptop overheating, so make sure that your fan is working properly. Check the website of the company that made the laptop and look for software that will help you determine if the fan is working correctly.

• 3. Surface: Try and use a hard surface to keep your laptop on, and avoid both your lap and pillows as this will reduce the airflow to the fans and vents, causing the laptop to heat up.

• 4. Storage: Buy a good quality laptop bag or sleeve and store the laptop in this every time you turn it off. This will stop dust from getting into the laptop, as well as protect it from spills, or bumps. Make sure you only store the laptop when it is completely shut down, as putting it in a bag when it is on could make it overheat.

• 5. Liquids: Keep all liquids away from your laptop at all times. If you are in the habit of drinking water while working, make sure the bottle is covered at all times. If possible keep the water bottle on a different table to avoid mishaps.

• 6. Shocks: Make sure the laptop is well protected when you move it around, and always move it gently to avoid jarring it and breaking something.

• 7. Humidity: Protect your laptop from humidity at all times. It can cause damage to the motherboard and the screen. Don't use your laptop when at the beach, or outside when the weather is humid.

• 8. Dust: Always protect your laptop from dust. Keep it away from open windows, put it in a storage sleeve when not in use, and every week clean the screen and keyboard with a soft cloth to remove dust.

• 9. Floor: Never put your laptop on the floor for storage, as someone is undoubtedly going to step on it or put something on it, damaging it permanently.

• 10. Surge Protectors: Always use a surge protector when charging your laptop to protect the battery.

These few tips should keep your laptop in good condition for years to come and enable you to get great performance from it.

How to Clean a Laptop Properly

This is very important make sure that the cleaning solution does not contain any Ammonia as this may damage your screen and laptop. So be sure to check the ingredients if you are using any household product like a glass cleaner. You will find most Computer shops stock specialised cleaners. Most of these cleaners are made up of approximately 50% distilled water and 50% rubbing alcohol or isopropyl so you could make the solution up yourself.

Before starting any cleaning ensure it is turned off and unplugged for obvious reasons. If the laptop has excessive dust/dirt then give it a quick blast with the compressed air, do not shake the can of compressed air. Use you small brush or cotton bud to clean the larger particles between the keys. Just to dislodge them and then use the compressed air once again. Next use a damp cloth for the surface dirt on the keys and panel. Any ports or buttons maybe cleaned using the brush or cotton buds then use the compressed air to remove the remaining dirt. If you would like to clean the fan on your laptop, some fans cannot be seen, use the cotton bud to hold the fan steady as you clean and use the compressed air. The reason for this is because the power of the air may make the fan spin faster than it was designed to, it could cause permanent damage. If your laptop has a floppy drive, CD ROM/DVD ROM drive or card port then open then up and use the compressed air to clean them out. Be careful not to touch the lens within the CD/DVD as this could damage it. When cleaning the screen apply the cleaning fluid to the cloth and not directly on to the screen itself. Use slow smooth continuous motion to avoid leaving streaks. Use as much of your hand as you can while cleaning the screen as small pointed objects even your fingers can damage it. The case is cleaned the same as the screen and when completed you will have a laptop that looks as good as new.

If you are experiencing problems reading from your CD's or DVD's then you should purchase a CD/DVD cleaning disk. These can be obtained from most Electrical and Computer stores.

I have heard of people using a plastic card like a credit card wrapped in a cloth to clean between the keys.

Caution

Do not use any solutions that contain Ammonia as it could damage the laptop.

Do not shake the can of compressed air. The can has liquid within it and this will create a vapour that is not good for your laptop. So keep the can upright when spraying. Make short bursts (1 second) in the area you wish to clean. Do this 2 or 3 times and rest the can for at least 20 seconds to allow the liquid to settle and then repeat if necessary.