Hardware Tips

Graham Roberts Home Computer Services

Reputable & reliable computer repairs and servicing for Barlborough, Clowne, Bolsover & surrounding villages.

Helping your PC Live a Little Longer!

28th March 2007

The main reason that your computer could suffer expensive repair costs or irreparable damage is overheating and electrical surges.

Vital internal components like the Hard Drive, Motherboard, Processor or Video Card can be damaged beyond repair over time or in one fail swoop by these two factors, and there are a lot of my customers who have learnt this the hard way. It’s not just about the potential cost; you may also lose all your files and photographs.

The thing is; it just takes a tiny bit of time and effort and minimal cost to considerably reduce the chance of your PC “curling it’s toes” earlier then it should have, so here are my five top tips for computer hardware longevity.

1. Always make sure that there is enough air flow all around your PC’s base unit as restricted flow can substantially raise the inside temperature to above the maximum tolerance levels particularly in summer.

2. For the same reasons as above, periodically check that the fan inlets and the air ducts are not clogged with dust and fluff. You’d be surprised how quickly this can happen especially where they rest on thick pile carpets or there's loose animal hair is around. I use a compressed air canister, but the easiest alternative way is to use one of those “dust magnet” types of feather duster and gently brush until the vents are clear and clean.

3. Avoid running too many programs at one time on your PC unless it’s totally necessary by habitually shutting down the ones that you aren’t using. You will probably notice (on the newer models) just how much the fan speed increases if you do have several programs open and running, and this is because your computer is under stress as it is being overworked. Manufacturers may talk all day long about multitasking and duel performance PC’s, but the simple facts are that (just like we humans), a computer that’s overworked and under stress over time will have a shorter lifespan and wear out more quickly, due in the main to it running at constant higher temperatures.

4. Except in an emergency, never turn your computer off at the mains. Always use the Windows shutdown program or if it’s frozen, use the “soft” shutdown method by keeping the PC’s “On” button pressed for around 5 seconds. Failure to do this on a regular basis can cause damage the hard drive. Also, try not to move your computer or laptop when it’s staring up or closing down as this may also damage your hard drive.

5. Always protect your computer (and other accessories like the monitor and printer), by using surge protection extension leads or adaptors. Although they probably wouldn’t defend against a direct lightening strike, even the basic ones (which cost only a few pounds from PC World or the DIY stores), should protect against damaging mains exchange electricity surges or the more remote lightening strikes. I personally use them on all my valuable electrical items like for instance my TV and DVD.

Following the above advice is maybe not rocket science but it is certainly pocket prudence (ooer).

Graham

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