LAPTOP COMPUTER MAINTENANCE

The laptop computer is like a portable compact office for those of us who own one. Since when they first hit the market over 10 years ago a lot of improvements and advances have been made to the laptop's functions and capabilities. However, they are still quite delicate. So extra precautions should be made to extent their life. Following are some suggestions for maintaining the full function of your laptop and extending its life.

Whenever using your laptop always set it on top of a cooling pad. Unlike the processing units of desk top computers, laptops do not have internal fans that constantly run to keep it cool. Laptops tend to overheat when used as a result. Surface no-nos for laptop uses are soft things such as bedding, sofas, carpets, clothes, and pillows. These things all act as insulators and retain heat, causing the laptop to overheat even more, resulting in damages.

To avoid damage to the laptop and extend its life, it must be kept cool. Cooling pads are made especially for laptop computers to sit on. When working on your laptop place it on a cooling pad on top of a flat, solid surface.

The laptop is a proven magnet for dust, but take precaution in cleaning it. Some say its alright to clean with a damp cloth or damp cotton swab. However, I advise against this. Water from the cloth or swab can seep between the keys or other tight spaces and cause damage. Instead use compressed air or those new magnetic dusting cloths. Armor All wipes are good to use. Do not attempt to clean beneath the keys. Even though they can pop off easy they are hard to put pack in place. So only allow a technician to remove the keys and do the job of cleaning.

Another thing to clean is the laptops memory. Do not make the laptop your primary storage for data. Its memory capability is limited. Always save your work on desks or CD - ROMs. On a regular basis, once a week , for instance delete files from the computer.

Believe it or not just opening your laptop can damage it. The hinges brake when the computer is opened by pulling up the screen by one corner. This puts too much pressure on one hinge, which are quite delicate and cause it to break. Repairing the hinges can be very expensive. The proper way to open the laptop would be to open it by pulling up the center of the screen. This allows both hinges to be used equally.

When you use electricity to power your laptop, remove the battery first. This extends the battery's life. The electric power can short out the battery. Only keep the battery in the computer when it is not connected to electricity. Only use batteries made by the laptop's manufacturer. They are especially designed for the computer. After-market batteries, which are batteries not made by the computer's manufacturer. These batteries may explode, cause fires, or damage hardware. Only use the batteries recommended by the laptop's manufacturer.

Be sure to use security software to protect against viruses and malware that can damage the computer. Keep the security software updated.

Only use your laptop indoors. The heat and cold can affect its operating abilities.

As handy and as convenient laptop computers are they can be very delicate and should be treated with kid gloves.