We get computers in our workshop all the time that have problems that could easily have been avoided. Here is a list of things you MUST and MUST-NOT do to avoid uneccessary cost and down-time on your home PC or laptop:
1. YOU MUST-NOT let your children use your laptop or your PC if this computer is the one you use for your banking 
and to keep your important records. The sites kids visit and the software they download seems predetermined to introduce viruses or trojan horses to computers. And when a pop-up appears asking for permission to download ‘software-X’ kids happily click the go-ahead button and disaster strikes. Be warned. Computers are so cheap now you can buy 2 for the price you would have paid for one 2 years ago – buy 2.
2. YOU MUST make sure your automatic updates are switched on. People mistakenly switch these off in an attempt to reduce their bandwidth usage. A mistake. Switch them back on, the bandwidth use is minimal and your computer will work better for it.
3. YOU MUST keep your PC in a dust-free environment. Most PC’s are stuck under the desk, gathering dust and dirt, while the screen is on top of the desk. Have the Box on the desk too, if you can and keep it as dust free as possible. This will lengthen it’s life considerably.
4. YOU MUST NOT move your laptop around if at all possible when you are using it. This can jolt the internal workings and cause damage. Close it down to move around.
5. YOU MUST NOT block the vents which are underneath the laptop when you are using it. You will see it has little feet underneath – these are to keep the machine elevated off any surface you are working on to allow air to circulate freely through these vents. If you are working with the machine on your lap, these vents can be blocked. Do your machine a favour and place it on a firm surface to work on.
5. YOU MUST do regular backups of all your data. Put a once weekly appointment in your calendar. Go on. Do it now.
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