10 Random tips for the laptop user.
1.
Always use a surge protector to guard your laptop from power surges. It can happen anytime, anywhere and especially in places where electricity is unstable. A sudden increase in the amount of electricity may not destroy your laptop at once, but it does have a long term effect.
Belkin Surge Protector
2.
Invest in a good laptop bag. A well-padded and insulated bag will protect your laptop from unexpected bumps that may contribute to its wear and tear. Make sure that it has a lot of additional storage compartments to avoid scratches on your machine.
Booq Laptop Bag
If you are traveling, don’t carry your laptop inside a bag that screams, “Laptop Inside!”. That will only entice thieves into making you their next target. Disguise your computer by using less obvious handbags or backpacks that are also specially designed for carrying them.
3.
Speaking of thieves, make it a point to buy a sturdy lock for your laptop. It’s going to come in handy when you have to leave your laptop unattended for several minutes. It slips right into the Kensington security slot that is found in almost all laptops.
Kensington Security Slot
4.
Don’t drink or eat anything while you’re working. Laptops don’t like water and bread crumbs anywhere in it’s body so you have to respect that. A good amount of liquid may cause the laptop to short-circuit and morsels of food may settle in between the keys.
Keyboard Spill
5. Don’t put your laptop on the floor or anywhere your children or your pets can reach them. If the words “children” and “pets” doesn’t scare you, try imagining a big adult foot accidentally squishing your expensive laptop.
Believe me, doing away with this nasty habit can save you from a lot of mini-heart attacks. I’ve been there.
Laptop on the Floor. Tsk. Tsk.
6.
Avoid placing your laptop on soft surfaces like rugs and bedsheets while its running. Fibers or dust may cause overheating by blocking the air vents under your laptop.
Give your laptop as much ventilation as possible. Keep it away from hot objects and warm environments.
Overheating Laptop
7.
Unless you are an expert on computers, never try to repair your laptop by yourself. Laptops are different from desktop computers because they have smaller components and a more complicated design.
Do-it-yourself tricks will save you a few bucks or do just the opposite. Let a qualified professional do it for you or better yet, ask tech support. Holding for the next available technician can be worth it sometimes.
Laptop Repair
8.
Don’t expose your laptop to a cold environment or place it there for a long period of time. Cold temperature alone will not harm your laptop, but moisture will. The liquid that is formed inside your laptop due to a sudden change in temperature will cause it short circuit.
The Process of Condensation.
9.
Bring an ethernet cable anywhere you go. Everyone’s using wireless nowadays but you’ll never know when you’ll need one. Bringing items like a mouse, a universal adapter or a fully charged extra battery won’t hurt either.
Cat5 Ethernet Cable
10. This is the last and most important tip of all. Back-up your files! Just like any other machine, you’ll never know when your laptop will crack open or swim on water. Laptops have a higher risk for wear and tear because you carry them everywhere.
A broken laptop is the least of your worries when all of your important files are erased. Unlike new laptops, you can’t buy important family pictures and office documents anywhere. A lot of people make the mistake of waiting for tomorrow to back up their data and deeply regret it when something disastrous happens. Don’t be a statistic.
File Back-Up
