Tuesday’s Technology Tips
December 6, 2016
Today’s Topic: Keeping your computer happy
Hello everyone and welcome back to some new technology tips. This week’s newsletter offers
some technology suggestions on how to make your computer happier and extend its life.
1. Do not block the computer cooling vents.
The vents are very important to keep your computer cool. If you push the computer against the
desk or against a sofa or something else, the vents could be blocked keeping the computer from
cooling down and possibly overheating. High temperatures inside the computer could damage
the circuit boards and other important hardware inside the computer. And when you remember
to not block the cooling vents, next time, take a moment and look at the computer. Look for dust
in the laptop or desktop computer. Consider taking a few moments and blowing out all the dust
that could be blocking the computer from cooling itself properly.
2. Deleting System Files
When we use our computer, we sometimes clog the hard drive with pictures, movies, music, and
other junk. When the hard drive is full, it works harder, making your computer sluggish. The
problem arises when inexperienced users try to clear up space by deleting files they don’t know
about. Please be cautious when deleting files that could possibly render the computer inoperable
or worse prevent certain other programs from running properly. Don’t delete any files ending
with.SYS,.DLL, or.EXE, in particular from these directories: Program Files, System32,
Windows, Users.
3. Cleaning the Screen with detergent or cleaning liquids
When you want to clean your computer screen, be careful of what you use to clean the screen.
The very best way to clean your screen is using a dry microfiber cloth or one with a little bit of
plain water on it. Any other type of liquids used to clean the computer screen could damage the
special coating on the screen.
4. Consider not pushing the CD/DVD drive to close it.
I am guilty of doing this as much as anyone else. Instead of pushing the drive to close it, use the
open/close button on the drive. When you apply force to the drive, you can break the opening
and closing mechanism. So next time you’re closing the drive, use the button instead.
5. Never Use the Same Password to Login to All Accounts
It may be easy to remember your password this way, but it also makes it easy for hackers and
criminals to log into your private information. You wouldn’t want to use the same password for
your bank account as for your credit card or utility bill. If you get frustrated using passwords,
consider coming up with a password that is a familiar phrase or part of the lyrics of your favorite
song.
6. Use caution when browsing the web without up to date antivirus software.
One of the most important things you should always have installed and updated on your
computer is antivirus software. Browsing the internet exposes you to many malicious attacks
from websites. Some try to collect data on you, some want to trick you into paying them, and
some want to steal your identity. So make sure your computer has antivirus software installed,
and that it is updated.
7. Don’t let your pets get to close to the computer.
If you’re a pet owner, you probably noticed that your pets like to use your computer as a pillow.
Who can blame them? It’s nice and warm. You may find it adorable, but it’s actually very bad
for your computer. Fur finds its way into the computer and can block the vents, or jam internal
fans, causing the computer to overheat.
8. Be wary of allowing programs to install themselves automatically.
Many programs will offer to “save you the effort” and automatically install themselves. The
problem arises when these programs install add-ons like unwanted toolbars on your computer,
which will, at best slow it down, and at worst steal your information. Next time you install
anything, take a moment to read what’s going on instead of just clicking “OK”.
9. Be careful to not expose your computer to direct heat sources.
Exposing your computer to direct heat sources such as sunlight or heaters can cause severe
damage. Electronic devices such as computers produce heat, so adding more heat can cause
plastic parts to melt, as well as solder. So make sure that you keep your computer nice and cool.
10. Avoid hitting the case or giving it a thump when you get frustrated.
Your computer is full of delicate electronic parts. Hitting the computer in frustration could cause
the parts inside the computer to become loose or even break internal parts. Next time you feel
like hitting your computer, take a breath, switch it off, and relax a few moments. If you do hear
strange noises, try to find the source or take it to a technician that is familiar and can check on
what is going wrong.
11. Be sure to log off your email account when you are finished reading email.
Once you’re done with your e-mails, you should log out from the email service. If you don’t log
off, you risk having someone else access your account and showing all your private emails and
personal information.
12. Be careful and don’t open too many web pages in the browser at one time.
When I go online, I sometimes end up with multiple internet browser windows or tabs open (like
my e-mail, Facebook, YouTube, etc.) but this requires the computer to allocate more resources to
your various windows and tabs. Make a habit of not opening more than a total of 5 or 6 windows
or tabs at any given time.
Now off to some computer humor and then our world famous quotes for the week.
Now the world famous quotes for this week’s newsletter:
Have a great week ahead!! As always if you have any suggestions or feedback
please email me at [email protected]. Thanks for stopping by!!