3 Ways to Help Prevent Computer Repairs

Computers are a way of life. People use computers for banking, communicating with friends and family, for work and for pleasure. In order to keep enjoying your computer and avoid having to frequently bring it in for computer repair services, there are several ways that you can prevent damages from occurring.

Proper Shut Down Will Help You Avoid Computer Repairs

One of the main ways that you can protect your computer and minimize the need for computer repairs is to always wait for Windows to shut down before you push the “off” switch on the computer tower. Otherwise, if the programs are not properly closed, you may not only lose any unsaved documents/files, but also damage your computer’s operating system resulting in having to bring it in for computer repair. In most of the newer computer models, the computer will automatically shut down when you choose the command to shut down from the Windows start menu; this helps you avoid causing any damage to the hard drive and other vital computer components.

Power Surge Prevention Will Help You Avoid Computer Repairs

Instead of connecting the computer directly into a wall outlet, you should always use an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) that can be bought in most computer stores. If there is a power surge or low voltage, such as during an electrical storm, your computer will not suffer any damage due to the protection device. Otherwise, an electrical surge may damage the components inside your computer, such as the power supply, motherboard, CPU, memory modules and video card requiring it to be brought in for computer repair services.

Computer Cleaning Will Help You Avoid Computer Repairs

Another good way of minimizing your chances of having to bring your computer in for service is to open the side of your computer case twice a year and vacuum the dust. Before doing anything, make sure to turn off your computer and disconnect the power cable. The computer case can usually be opened by removing 2 screws from the back and sliding one side back to expose the motherboard, CPU heat sink and fan, hard drive, video card, RAM memory and other computer components. Using a soft vacuum brush, carefully remove all of the dust that might cause your computer to overheat.

By following these three easy procedures, you can prolong the life of your computer and minimize the need for computer repairs.