Over time, even the most advanced computer will start to show its age and slow down as components start to wear out. However, some common practices can shorten the lifespan of your laptop or desktop and cause unnecessary PC repairs. Below are a few factors that might be harming your computer.

What Habits Can Lead to PC Repairs?

1. Installing Unverified Software

Malware authors often hide viruses and adware inside legitimate-seeming programs. Downloading software from third-party sites leaves you vulnerable to security risks that the antivirus software may not detect until it’s too late.

At best, malware can be annoying, but in the worst case, it can also put your sensitive information at risk and damage the computer. To protect the system, always keep the antivirus up-to-date and only install verified programs from trusted vendors.

2. Putting a Laptop on a Soft Surface

Every computer generates a lot of heat, which gets dispelled through the fans and vents on the back of the machine. Soft surfaces, like blankets, or sofas, can block these vents, leaving the heat inside the machine with nowhere to go.

Excess heat can slow down the processor and limit the battery life, and may even cause damage to the motherboard. To keep the heat inside the computer under control, always rest it on a hard surface with plenty of space around the air vents.

3. Letting Your Machine Get Dirty

Desktop computers have fans that draw in air that cools down the motherboard, processor, and other heat-generating components. However, dirt, pet hair, and dust will also find their way into the air vents, restricting airflow and eventually causing the system to overheat.

Keeping foreign material out of the machine in the first place can help minimize the risk of unnecessary PC repairs. Keep the desktop off the floor, install filters over the air intakes, and avoid eating or drinking at your computer desk.

4. Skipping Maintenance

Like any complex device, computers need regular maintenance to perform at peak efficiency. Perform regular system scans, update old software, and clear out old files to eliminate software issues that can cause the system to lag.

To maintain the hardware, keep the casing clean and clear out the vents on a regular basis. If you have a desktop, open the case every few months and blow out dust with a can of compressed air. Finally, if the computer starts making strange whirring or beeping sounds, take it to a PC repair tech immediately. This can help prevent serious problems before they start.

As Staten Island’s most trusted PC repair shop, Alpha Laser Richmond Corp. has been serving clients throughout all five boroughs since 1993. Whether the computer has a virus or it is making a strange noise, the experienced technicians will identify the issue and provide fast, cost-effective solutions you can rely on. Visit their website to browse the brands they service and call (718) 317-1263 to schedule a repair appointment.