Laptops are an essential device next to mobile phones. Laptops allow you to stay connected, productive, and entertained. Due to their portability, not only in the professional setup, laptops are now being used in schools and colleges replacing notebooks. Like other electronic devices, laptops are susceptible to physical damage, such as accidental drops, broken screens, spills, bumps, overheating, and scratches. To protect your laptop from damage and extend its lifespan, here are the eight easy steps to protect your laptop from damage.
1. Purchase a laptop case or bag: Keeping the laptop in a bag is one of the easy steps to protect your computer from damage. Before investing in a laptop bag, check for appropriate padding to absorb shock and accidental drops. There are also laptop bags with additional features like waterproofing which can be helpful in the event of spillage.
2. Avoid excessive temperature: The electronic components in the laptop are designed to work in a particular temperature range. Exposing the computer to extremely cold or hot weather can damage electronic components. Use cooling pads for gaming laptops and laptops that run high-end software. Using the computer at cold temperatures can shorten the battery life and harm its internal parts.
3. Clean your laptop regularly: The laptop may accumulate dust and dirt over time, failing the keyboard and motherboard. Regular cleaning will keep the laptop in shape and extend its lifespan. The dust can accumulate in the fan and cause overheating. Buy a laptop cleaning kit. Use a microfiber cloth with a cleaning solution to wipe away all the dust on the keyboard.
4. Be careful with cords and cables: Cords and cables are essential for connecting the laptop to power sources and other peripherals. If not connected properly, they can be a source of damage too. Insert the power cord on the plug and laptop firmly. Bending the cable or mishandling it may break the wires. Below are a few techniques to protect your laptop cable from physical damage.
Use cable protectors: Cable protectors work effectively by providing strength to the cable between the cord and the plug. Cable sleeves or protectors are affordable and available both online and offline. The cable protectors are also aesthetically appealing.
Avoid twisting or bending the cables: One of the most common causes of cable damage is turning. To avoid this, keep the cable as straight as possible. Position the laptop close to the power cord or use a power strip to prevent bending.
Keep the cable away from heat resources: Exposing the cord to heat can cause the outer material of the cable to melt. Since the outer layer of the wires is mainly made of PVC, the heat may cause the cable to melt or crack. Keep the cord away from hot environments or direct sunlight.
Wrap the cable: Wrap the cable properly when not in use. Be careful not to wrap the cord too tightly because this could strain the wires within. Instead, wrap the cable loosely and secure it with a cable tie or velcro strap.
5. Protect against power fluctuations: Power fluctuations or power surges can cause severe damage to the internal components. Lightning, usage of high-power devices at your home or office, and faulty wiring are the causes of power surges.
Surge protectors: Surge protectors or power strips are one of the easiest and most effective methods to protect your laptop from power surge damage. They have a fuse inside the protector that cuts off the supply to the computer whenever a surge occurs. Additionally, they have extra outlets that let you use other electronic devices. The power strips should be checked regularly to ensure they work correctly.
Unplug the laptop when not in use: Lightning strikes can still damage your laptop even though there is no power. The current can pass through the wires even when the switch is off. If you’re using your computer during a lightning strike, it’s a good idea to unplug it and wait until the storm passes before plugging it back in.
Use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS): Your laptop can temporarily be powered by a UPS, which is a battery backup, in the event of a power outage or other electrical problem. This can give you time to save your work and correctly shut down your laptop while preventing damage to your internal parts.
6.Use Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is essential for protecting your laptop from malware, viruses, and other online threats. Make sure you have reputable antivirus software installed and updated regularly. Additionally, avoid downloading software or opening emails from unknown sources. This can increase your risk of malware or virus infection.
7. Protect Your Data
Finally, it’s critical to periodically back up your data to guard against loss or destruction. Cloud storage, external hard drives, and USB flash drives are just a few of the various backup choices available. Select a backup method that works for you, and make sure to periodically back up your data to restore it in case your laptop breaks down or something else goes wrong.
8. Extra care on rainy days
The weather can occasionally be unpredictable. You must be prepared for rain if you need to take your laptop somewhere and are still determining whether it will rain. There are several precautions you may take on a rainy day to prevent getting stuck with a wet laptop that will most likely never function again. The easiest way to avoid water damage to your laptop is to keep it in a waterproof laptop bag or backpack. A rain cover is a cheap accessory you may buy and keep in your bag for weather emergencies if your backpack is not waterproof. However, you could check the forecast in advance and pack an umbrella.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, following these eight easy steps can help protect your laptop from damage and extend its lifespan. By using a protective case, keeping your laptop clean, avoiding extreme temperatures, protecting against power surges, being careful with cords and cables, avoiding physical shock, using antivirus software, and backing up your data, you can ensure that your laptop stays safe and secure.
