When in doubt, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection and repel attacks. It’s especially important for Windows machines, since Microsoft only patches systems in shutdown mode. This article has been viewed 194,135 times. Dusty or particle-clogged ports reduce airflow into and out of the device, increasing the risk of overheating. Without basic network security, your computer is a sitting duck – out there in the open for any hacker or cyber criminal who feels like sending a malware package your way. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. These days, you can find a 2-terabyte model for $60 to $70 at major retailers. Unnecessary charging actually retards batteries’ regenerative capabilities. The fan on my computer started smoking and my computer won't work, what can I do? Ditto for a dirty mouse. Turn off backlit keyboard. Your hard drive is incredibly sensitive to magnetic fields of any strength. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Majorgeeks isn't for cleaning computers. Malware developers and their “white hat” nemeses are perennially locked in mortal, globe-spanning struggle for advantage. This sounds like the power supply is bad, and needs to be replaced. These tips cover devices’ hardware components, operating systems, memory, software, and vulnerability to external threats. You probably know someone... Fall is a great time to get outside. If you live in a city of any significant size, you’re almost certainly served by a public or nonprofit e-waste recycling service licensed to recycle old desktops, laptops, tablets, e-readers, smartphones, and like devices. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Don’t spray water directly onto the keyboard or allow water to pool anywhere on it – this will only make things worse. Sure as day follows night, these files will affect your system’s speed and overall performance. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. I’m probably in the minority on this one. I won’t go through all the steps here – check out PC World’s comprehensive guide to finding and removing malware from Windows computers here. Repeat after me: Don’t eat or drink over your desktop or laptop! Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. The operative rule here is “don’t block the vents.” Just like people, machines need to breathe – though, in their case, it’s to ensure their insides remain cool enough to function properly. I personally only shut down my smartphone for updates, since I like to be available for emergency calls and alerts through the night. It has a pro option, but the free version has all the features the average user needs. 80% have at least one desktop computer or laptop. Avoid making embarrassing mistakes on Zoom! Check the virus definitions date regularly and see whether it is up to date. Unplug, detangle, and reorient your cords in your handy new organization system. If you don't have at least a late version of an i3 microprocessor, it would be easier on your sanity to get rid of Windows and switch to Linux. Rice is merely the best desiccant, or drying agent, that most people have lying around the home. I never had a problem letting Malwarebytes "fix" anything that it wants. Some anti-malware software may cause more problems than it solves. Rather than throwing them out, collect them as they come in, taking care to store them somewhere child- and pet-proof. But you can’t simply delete them, can you? But think of the consequences: A single spill is enough to destroy a keyboard, and a high-volume dump could penetrate the device’s casing and wreak havoc on its internal components. To create this article, 34 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. References to products, offers, and rates from third party sites often change. To create this article, 34 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. That’s for emergencies only – otherwise, it just stresses your hardware and software. It’ll eventually worsen to the point that you’ll need to have your charging cord handy – meaning you won’t be able to work or play online without an outlet nearby. When he's not investigating time- and money-saving strategies for Money Crashers readers, you can find him exploring his favorite trails or sampling a new cuisine.

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