Steve Smith talks about 5 ways to prevent premature damage to your electronics, computers, laptops, and tablets.
Episode #6-24 released on February 29, 2016
We use computers every day, whether it be laptops, desktops, or tablets. And, while most of us know how to use them correctly, some of us have bad habits. Today, we talk about 5 things you should not do to your gadgets, and why.
Do not turn off your laptop or desktop via the power button. Since the advent of Windows 98 and ACPI, we have been able to turn off the computer via the shutdown option available in the start menu of Windows, and several other operating systems. This allows the operating system to safely store remaining information needed for normal operation, and allows for all tasks to be finished or terminated safely. Holding the power button until it simply turns off does not allow this, and can result in corrupted files, a damaged operating system, or worst, hardware failure.
Do not store your laptop, while powered on, in a backpack or case, during transport. Desktops and Laptops emit a lot of heat, but you can't carry around your desktop, but many of us can carry around a laptop. Failure to hibernate or power off our laptops can result in a burning our hands, over heating our laptop, or far more commonly, dropping the laptop on the floor, result in damage that can result in data loss. The laptop overheats because of the lack of ventilation from being inside the bag.
Do not Defrag your SSDs. Many advocates will tell you that by defragmenting your PC you will make it faster, and while this used to be true before AHCI was a thing for spinning hard drives, defragging a SSD is a waste of time, and worst completely levels the entire SSD. It uses a form of non-volatile random access memory, which means even if all the data is scattered, it will always be faster at accessing data, hands down, then any spinning drive.
Keep liquids away. Desktops are not water proof. Laptops and Tablets are hard to open, even with the right tools. And while we are all told that rice, and isopropyl alcohol can help potentially, the sad fact of it is, that in the end, water with enough of a mineral content will short out the battery, the boards, the screens, or even the memory modules. Sometimes the damage is only partial, and the issue shows up later. If you wish to keep your devices, do not get them wet, don't dip them in liquids, and always have a backup of those files, just in case.
Along the same lines as keeping liquids away from your PC, stay away from glass cleaners, and other solvents to clean your PC, many components of your computer and screen are easily cleaned with a microfiber cloth and a touch of water. Used compressed air to clean off most dust, and cloths that are barely wet to whip anything, especially around electrical components. Do not clean a computer, laptop, tablet, monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc. while it is plugged in and powered. If you were to use glass cleaners and solvents on various components, you will damage the surfaces, and destroy some components. Always follow the instructions in the user manual, and stay away from many natural claiming products, including vinegar, this will damage most components.
And a bonus tip, and this will save your computer, laptop, and other electronics, and may save your life. Do not be an idiot, always power off your machines before making any electrical changes to your computer and other devices. While hot swapping may be a thing, it is, also, possible to electrocute yourself if the mechanism was not made for powered state removal. This includes all devices without a tray, and an exposed circuit board.
Host : Steve Smith | Music : Jonny Lee Hart | Editor : Steve Smith | Producer : Zed Axis Productions