Desktop Computer Maintenance
Desktop computers could stay on top shape even after years of rigorous use as long the user knows how to maintain the desktop in the same condition. You too could easily increase the lifespan of your desktop. There are certain practices that you need to follow so that your desktop will be in top condition always.
Heat Prevention on CPU
An LCD (flat) or CRT monitors (the bulky) could easily handle heat just like your regular television. However, your CPU or central processing unit might not be able to handle as much as heat as the monitors do. CPUs usually come with one or two fans but they are never enough to prevent heat in your CPU. When your CPU comes to a point wherein it absorbs too much heat, it will just stop working and worst, will cause electric shock and will destroy the desktop entirely.
If the area wherein you place your computer doesn’t have air-conditioning, be sure to place a fan that faces the back of your CPU. This will easily dissipate heat and will ensure the optimal performance of your computer at anytime.
Dusting your Computer
Aside from heat, be on the look out against dust in your desktop especially in your CPU. Dust could slowly destroy the components of your CPU so they would need to be cleaned from time to time. This is usually challenging especially for beginners but luckily, desktop components are very easy to handle. When cleaning the CPU, you don’t need to remove the components. Use light brush so that you can easily remove the dust in your hard disk, RAMs, sound and video cards, fans and other components inside the CPU.
Note: never open your CPU or monitor if they are still under warranty. If you want your CPU to be cleaned, bring the CPU to the shop wherein you bought it and let them clean the computer on your behalf.
Using Disk Defragmenter
Disk defragmenter is a tool that you can find in most computers. This tool will organize your hard disk so that you computer speed will be faster. Although this tool is very useful in improving your computer speed, you might be destroying your hard disk. Do not use the tool constantly since your hard disk will work overtime. Eventually, your hard disk will be destroyed and your computer will completely stop working. There is a tool in most computers that will inform you if you need to defrag your hard disk. Use it so that you will only defrag your computer when needed.
Using Voltage Regulator
A desktop will still be working without any problem even without an AVR or automatic voltage regulator. But if you want to prevent any eventual damage to your desktop, it is highly recommended to have a voltage regulator. Computer components are very susceptible to power surge so a regular should be able to prevent those surge and will provide consistent power for your computer. As much as possible, look for a voltage regulator with UPS (uninterruptible power supply) so that you can properly shutdown your computer if there’s a power failure in your area.