In order for your computer to work perfectly, it’s important to keep it clean and organized. You have to take care of the data that’s stored in it, as well as where it is.
Just as you maintain your body and keep your house clean, you have to do the same with a computer and other devices.
It’s important to keep your computer free of harmful files or viruses because they will cause the device to work slower, have issues with some functions and possibly even result in data loss or identity theft.
Here are a few tips for keeping your computer malware-free and running well:
1 – Install safety measures against viruses
You obviously wouldn’t purposefully allow anything harmful to enter your computer, but what you have to watch out for is what you could potentially be let in by accident.
Be sure to use a good antivirus program and install a really good VPN, two very effective tools that will do most of the work for you. Together, they will prevent viruses and other forms of malware from invading your computer and protect all the data that’s stored on it.
2 – Get rid of duplicate files
Once you’ve protected your device from any malicious threats could secretly enter it, clean all the files with your data.
Avoid creating or keeping duplicate versions of the files you already have. Your system will only be burdened and weighed down by all those extra files, which will only cause it to work slower and not perform all of its functions in the best way.
That’s very easy to avoid simply by keeping an eye on your storage and its content every once in a while.
3 – Take care of the hardware
Most of the focus of improving the function of your device is centered on the software, but you can’t forget about the hardware components that makeup your device either.
Be sure to keep the screen and keyboard dust-free and clean the vents and fans as well.
Dust build-up can end up can clog the vents and fans on the computer, which could eventually cause the fans to stop working, allowing the computer to reach a dangerous temperature that could potentially lead to serious damage, or even cause a fire.
If you don’t know how to correctly remove the dust from the delicate parts of your device, this post explains how to do it safely.
Alternatively, you could always take it into a shop a couple of times a years and ask them to give it a thorough cleaning.
4 – Take out the digital trash
Dust and dirt aren’t the only types of “trash” that can cause problems with your computer. Digital “trash” can be harmful as well.
Every once in a while, when you clean the storage of unnecessary files and folders, make sure to empty your Recycled Bin and clear our the cache.
The accumulation of junk files will slow the performance of your computer, weighing it down and making it perform in a sluggish manner.
Cache memory can contain various harmful viruses or contaminants which could potentially damage your machine and make it unstable or even unusable. That’s why it’s a good idea to “take out the trash” on a regular basis.
Conclusion: The above are crucial steps that can help keep your computer running well for as long as possible. I encourage you to also do your own research and add other useful tasks to the list.