How To Prolong Your Computer's Life?

[probyn]

I don't know alot about computers, but I am sure there are many knowledgeable people on this forum. I have two questions which were hinted at but were not answered in a previous thread.

Most people are now purchasing laptops rather than desktops. However, if mobility is not an issue, wouldn't desktops be better since they are more durable and are easier to repair?

What are the things that I can do to increase the life of a desktop and the life of a laptop?

 

[danibbler]

With regards to both at the same time, one thing that might not come to mind is making sure that you have the machine hooked up to a very good UPS.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Desktops are definitely more durable and easier to repair.
Laptops are fragile and have to be babied. All you need do is drop it once the wrong way on a hard surface and it may shatter and turn to scrap.

Heat is the big problem with both and will shorten their lives. Best to open up a desktop and vacuum it out once a year. You will be surprised at all the dirt and cobwebs you will find that will cause heat buildups, especially if it gets heavy use. Laptops are not as easy to open. Just make sure its vents are clear.

Hard to say how long they will last. I have a 14 yr old Pent II Gateway desktop that still works better than when it was new. Of course by todays standards it is slow but it still runs Linux decently while XP is slower. All I did to it was a couple critical upgrades and kept it clean inside. A friend got a P4 Gateway on my advice that lasted 10 yrs until the motherboard went.

 

[Rockslinger]

I heard that it is better to always leave the PC plugged into the power bar and the power bar left on. "Cold starts" are apparently hard on the body.

 

[Malibook]

Heat is the big problem with both and will shorten their lives. Best to open up a desktop and vacuum it out once a year. You will be surprised at all the dirt and cobwebs you will find that will cause heat buildups, especially if it gets heavy use.

I use compressed air and check that the fans are working.

My Dell recently died after around 5 years and I just bought an HP.
I need to create some recovery DVDs.

 

[WoodPeckr]

I use compressed air and check that the fans are working.

I never use compressed air.
Some PCs are soooooo dirty this would just make a bigger mess and then you would breathe in that crap! Prefer to vacuum and wipe it all out with a soft cloth so it looks like new again. This includes the keyboard.

 

[WoodPeckr]

I heard that it is better to always leave the PC plugged into the power bar and the power bar left on. "Cold starts" are apparently hard on the body.

This debate goes on forever.
I never left my PCs on 24/7. I turn it on for the day, then when done turn it off. A PC running 24/7 has to cause extra wear IMHO. Did this with my first PC which still works fine after over 14 yrs of operation.

 

[sleazure]

Another advantage to desktops is that it's easier to swap new components in and out. As well, there are usually some empty expansion sockets, drive bays and maybe a memory socket.

Until the motherboard goes obsolete, it's pretty easy to replace parts to keep up with emerging technology.

 

[Malibook]

I never use compressed air.
Some PCs are soooooo dirty this would just make a bigger mess and then you would breathe in that crap! Prefer to vacuum and wipe it all out with a soft cloth so it looks like new again. This includes the keyboard.

I don`t do it in the house.

How To Vacuum A Desktop Computer
1


Unplug your computer from all cables and remove the cover. Lay the computer down on a worktable, open side facing up. If there is a hood covering a rear exhaust fan or the processor, remove it. Most exhaust fan hoods pop out easily when the mounting tabs are pressed.

2


Press the power button on the computer for a few seconds to discharge any latent electricity that may still be in the system. Look for any loose screws or other loose components and either remove them or secure them.

3


Position the vacuum cleaner so the hose will reach inside the case easily. Remove any attachments from the "sucking" end of the hose so only the bare "tube" remains. Make sure the vacuum cleaner you're using has a plastic "tube" end; a metal tube will harm your motherboard.

4


Turn on the vacuum cleaner and test the "sucking" power by placing your palm over the end of the tube. If the tube forcefully sticks to your palm, the vacuum cleaner may be too strong and you should switch to a lesser-powered model. Extract dirt and debris from the outside of the case. Place the tube near the vents found on the front of the computer near the base. Vacuum any debris out of nooks and crannies around the closed optical drives and just inside any floppy drive "flap." Vacuum the exhaust fan on the rear of the computer case. Vacuum the vents on the outside of the power supply. Suck up any debris accumulating around the exterior of the PCI Card slots.

5


Hold the end of the vacuum tube near but not directly on the power supply from the inside of the case. Move the vacuum tube to any interior exhaust fans. Carefully vacuum the processor fan and heat sink assembly by holding the tube at least 1 inch away from the surface. Vacuum around the hard drive cage. Do not vacuum any other areas of the motherboard.

6


Switch to the air can. Gently blow out any hidden debris from crevices inside the case. Direct a stream of air on any fan blades with the air can to make sure they still spin freely. Use the vacuum again to pick up any dust the air can treatment may have dislodged.

7


Turn off the vacuum cleaner and unplug it from the wall outlet. Remove any static electricity from your body by touching a piece of bare metal outside the computer. Replace any hoods you removed earlier. Replace the cover on the computer. Plug in the power and all cables.



Read more: How to Vacuum a Computer | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5568198_vacuum-computer.html#ixzz1SfcpdT2s

 

[Rockslinger]

I turn it on for the day, then when done turn it off.

Yes, turn it off, but leave it plugged into the power bar and leave the power bar on. The "phanthom(sp)" power keeps the PC warm so when you turn it back on again it won't be a "cold start".

 

[AnimalMagnetism]

I don't know alot about computers, but I am sure there are many knowledgeable people on this forum. I have two questions which were hinted at but were not answered in a previous thread.

Most people are now purchasing laptops rather than desktops. However, if mobility is not an issue, wouldn't desktops be better since they are more durable and are easier to repair?

What are the things that I can do to increase the life of a desktop and the life of a laptop?

Most people purchase laptops to compliment the desktop PC they already own. by far the desktop will last longer and offer many more upgrade options, but many buy laptops for the home so they have the portability to roam the home on wifi or sit on the deck.

I have a 10 year old desktop which i built, running Windows XP and Linux Mint. it's a pentium 4 3GHz and still runs like a charm and it's never turned off.
I also use a Windows 7 laptop which for the most part stays at home, battery is stored in a cool place and only used when AC is not available ie the back yard.
both perform like new because of maintenance ie cleaning out dust and dirt and keeping all drivers updated.

 

[Cobster]

compressed air once a month in the garage/basement/outside, wherever.

Got a machine from Canadian Tire during one of their half price deals and it's saved me tons in terms of buying cans of compressed air, basically paid itself over. Paid around $80 for the smaller one, which is all I need.
Hold the fans while blasting in and around them and you're fine.

Vacuum only when if I'm too lazy to bring my rig downstairs.
Just clean it out once a month, put it in sleep mode and don't keep it on 24/7 and you should be fine.

 

[zorlack]

I don't know alot about computers, but I am sure there are many knowledgeable people on this forum. I have two questions which were hinted at but were not answered in a previous thread.

Most people are now purchasing laptops rather than desktops. However, if mobility is not an issue, wouldn't desktops be better since they are more durable and are easier to repair?

What are the things that I can do to increase the life of a desktop and the life of a laptop?

hi probyn,

yup, I like desktops...maintain them and they can last forever...if a part dies, usually easy to upgrade, unlike portable gadgets whereya at mercy of warranty & nearest authorized repairshop.

desktop: keep the computer off the ground, don't bury it under a desk with a lot of junk...don't obstruct the fan intakes & exhausts, be sure plenty of air can circulate around the perimeter of the case. I always keep my desktop on top of my desk, so my computers are always pretty clean...place it where you can see dust if it collects on the top, so that you see it and are more likely to periodically clean & maintain it...also go into powersaving settings, set harddrives to turn off after 1hr of inactivity, etc.

laptop/netbook: always use a cooler, components will not heat up as much...I use a Microsoft Notebook Cooling Base for a netbook, works great...also adjust powersaving settings accordingly...good idea to not overtask a laptop...some people watch movies on them all day, in my opinion movies are what entertainment center is for, games a desktop or console system...for music even just use a cheap boombox with memorycard or thumbdrive for MP3s, or get an internet radio, or FM streaming from desktop...also funny how some kids hammer a poor laptop by trying to play games meant for a desktop.

yes it is good to actually unhook a desktop workstation, wipe down the desks, take computer & keyboard outside to to blow the dust out...I often wipe down my desk, keyboard, mouse, and monitor with vinegar...keeps the stuff feeling like new.

later

 

[Rockslinger]

I like desktops...maintain them and they can last forever...

Yup, the older the better just like my 32 year old GE refrigerator. This new stuff is not built to last.

 

[trod]

Don't install anything that you don't need.

 

[probyn]

Thanks guys, your comments were very helpful

 

[zorlack]

Don't install anything that you don't need.

good point.

also uninstall all the crappy trialware which comes with out of the box PCs.

good old CrapCleaner helps a lot.
http://www.ccleaner.com/

later