Just like your car, home, or anything else, computers can become run-down over time. With the lighting quick pace at which new technology becomes yesterday’s news, many of us never see the effects of time on our machines before they are relegated to the scrap heap. Unfortunately, this often leads users to neglect the physical needs of their machines, which can lead to hardware failure. With computer owners feeling the squeeze in this economy, it’s good to know that there are simple things we all can do to help increase the lifetime of our machines.

Overheating is one of the most dangerous problems for hardware, fortunately it’s also one of the simpler ones to reduce or prevent in the first place. Between the tiny moving parts and electrical currents running through everything, the inside of your computer can become very hot, and this can damage every piece of your system. The first thing to do is to monitor your computer’s temperature. If it feels hot to the touch (being slightly warm is normal) or the temperature increases significantly over time, you may need to intervene. All computers have little fans to help disperse the heat generated inside the case. In a computer that’s suffering from heat problems, these may be broken or just not powerful enough. You can replace these fans (heat sinks) yourself, or hire a professional. You can also reduce overheating issues by not pushing your desktop past its capabilities (overclocking) and checking periodically that the vents are clear of obstructions.

Another simple potential source of hardware trouble for the average user to resolve may come as a surprise: dust bunnies. Just as dust finds its way into the strangest places in your car, it also winds up inside your computer case where it can build up. While most of the time this is harmless, large accumulations of dust can damage moving parts or block the vents (leading to overheating). The best solution is to periodically open up the case of your computer and use “canned air” to blow away the dust inside. Remember, make sure that the computer is turned off and unplugged from the wall before you attempt to open it up to prevent damage to the hardware and yourself.

While keyboards and mice are pretty inexpensive parts, it’s still wise not to waste money replacing them when you could just as easily keep them in working order for much longer. Keyboards are often damaged when food and other bits of debris get stuck under the keys. To reduce this risk don’t eat at the computer, or put your keyboard away when you do. Standard mice, with a ball built into the bottom, should be used on a clean surface such as a mouse pad. You should clean this off periodically and keep it away from food just as you would a keyboard. In the event that liquid spills on either item, unplug it immediately and allow it to dry out all the way before checking to see if it is still functional (this will cut down on the risk of damage).

One of the best ways to protect the components of your machine is a little bit of an investment, but it literally can mean life or death for your system. Instead of plugging directly into a wall socket or standard power strip, you can use a surge protector or a universal power supply to protect your computer from power outages and power spikes. These two issues cause a enormous amount of hardware failure and data loss every year. It’s vital to buy a universal power supply that has sufficient capacity to run your entire system in order to get the full benefit. It may be wise to consult with a professional about your power needs if you choose that product. A surge protector won’t provide the same protection for your data if there is a power outage, but is more convenient and provides needed protection for your hardware from power spikes.

We know it can be difficult to keep on top of the little chores that come along with computer ownership, which is why Geek Choice offers preventative maintenance service in addition to computer repair.