After years of experience using a desktop PC at home, in school or at work should give users practical ideas in taking care of their computers to make them last longer than their planned obsolescence. Personal computers, like other electronic devices, should be given more attention in cleaning and managing their use to save money on repairs and replacements of parts. Components most vulnerable to breakdowns and security breaches include the power supply, memory cards, video graphics card, Audio/Video jacks, and USB ports.
The Power Supply
Computer
A computer is frequently affected by electromagnetic pulses released by lightning into the atmosphere during a thunderstorm. Don't let the fuse box to fizzle out after a particularly intense lightning strike. Turn off the computer and, if possible, wait out the storm until it passes. Also, using a regulator or a UPS doesn't protect the fuse from damage caused by a blast of electromagnetic particles.
Memory Cards
Most computers have two slots for DDR2 memory cards on their motherboards. Usually, adding the second memory card speeds up the processor's speed and increases the computer's capacity for storing and shifting data around the system. Keep off the dust from pooling in the tiny spaces inside the slots through a handheld vacuum cleaner. Take out the cards before turning on the vacuum, put them back after cleaning, and make sure their tightly locked into place.
Video Graphics Cards
The type of monitor and the purpose of the computer determine the kind of card needed for optimal video graphics display. Look for LCD monitors that measure 19 to 21 inches diagonally. The higher the resolution it has, the finer the quality of images and videos it displays. Also, consider the dynamic memory capacity of each video card. The video RAM is important in storing temporary and permanent data needed in rendering the final image. The higher the RAM storage, the more capable a computer can display three-dimensional images while watching movies or playing a video game.
Audio-Video Jacks
People who wear headphones every time they use a computer would know the fragile quality of audio/video jacks. They get pulled many times and the wires eventually break down and get torn apart. Some people also tend to push too hard as they insert the jacks into their respective ports. When using a headset, be careful not to make a sudden move to stand up or bend down.
USB Ports
Rather than use peripheral devices with I/O plugs, choose a keyboard or mouse that can connect to a USB port. They don't have pins that deform or break. Plus, USB allows plug-and-play applications to recognize the new hardware immediately. The USB port also allows mobile phones and tablets to connect to a desktop PC quickly. Finally, when inserting a flash drive or external hard drive via USB, deactivate the autorun feature and always run a virus scan or a malware check on it.
Practical Desktop PC Management Tips
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