Laptops need TLC

When people talk about computers and how to keep them running well, they typically speak of software or operating systems. Consider that the “mental” aspect of computer health. Today we’re going to talk about how to keep your laptop healthy physically.

Vocabulary tidbit:
When someone uses the phrase Operating System or OS when referring to a computer, they are talking about the core software on your computer, Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Mac OS X for examples.

An OS is responsible for handling everything your computer does. If you open Word, or your email program, it is the OS that is allowing those programs to work. Think of it like your car. If the Processor is the engine, then the Operating System would be what you use to operate it — the steering wheel, brake pedal, clutch, etc.

Anyway, where were we?
Oh, right. Proper laptop care. This can pretty much be summed up in six words: Don’t be mean to your laptop!

But I’m not mean to my laptop!
Uh-huh. Are you sure? Do you ever:

* Drag it down the stairs in a rolly backpack?
* Carry it while it is open by the front corners?
* Just let it drop into your bag with a thud?
* Close it and walk off with it before it has had a chance to go into sleep mode?
* Eat messy food while using it?
* Type REALLY hard (to get your point across)?
* Beat on the keyboard or palm rest with your fist?
* Throw it on the ground?
* Close it with too much enthusiasm?
* Use it while it’s sitting on pillow or other object that is blocking its heat vents?
* Use it as a coaster?
* Use it as a booster seat for a child?
* Use it as a cookie sheet?
* Slam the CD/DVD Drive closed?
* Plug a power cord into it that is not made for it (even if it happens to fit)?
* Use it as a cat bed/bed warmer?
* Leave it in the sun, on your dashboard, or other hot places?
* Use it in extreme temperatures?
* Take it apart?
* Poke stuff into open holes on it?

At the help desk, we are fairly frequently brought laptops to work on that are in simply terrible shape. Some go beyond dirty into the realms of grotesque, with the amount of food and crud and dirt lodged in every available space. The owners almost always say they aren’t mean to their laptops. And invariably, there are a few that come to us with these obviously abused machines, angry at the laptop for being broken.
Hmm.

Furry Keyboard: Not as Cute as You Might Think.
Many things are cuter when covered in fur but computers are not. If you have a pet that looks really cute sleeping on your laptop take a moment to think how much you spent on your pet bed and how much you would like to have to buy another one. Pet fur and dander can damage components on your laptop by clogging vents or gumming up bearings on fans that keep your laptop from overheating. Fur can also get so jammed up under your keys that they will stop working.

Warranties:
Some parts of your laptop are covered under warranty. But don’t start being cavalier in the treatment of your machine because of that. Warranties typically only cover damage that happens all by itself. If it is obvious the damage was caused by the user, warranties are usually useless. Manufacturer warranties typically last between 90 days to a year.

Many manufacturers and retailers offer special warranties that cover accidental damage protection. This can cost a lot, but it can be worth it. It’s up to you to decide. As an example, I purchased two years of this protection on an HP laptop I once had, for about $200. Well, always make sure your backpack is zipped tight if you have a laptop inside. Mine wasn’t, and my machine fell out, destroying the screen. Without this extra warranty, it would have cost me $800 to replace. Just something to think about.

Okay, so what should I do?
Here are some things that laptops would tell you to do if they could talk:

* Clean your laptop regularly, including screen, keyboard, and case.

(On that note, make sure you spray cleaning solution onto the rag, not the computer. If it gets inside, it can cause damage. Use a terry cloth rag if you have one. We have cleaning supplies you can use at the help desk.)

* Put your laptop in a nice padded case before going into a backpack or briefcase.
* Make sure your hands are clean before using your laptop.
* Avoid the activities listed above.
* Try to remember you’re carrying around and using something that costs as much as a brick of gold.

Clean computers are more fun to work on! (Really — it’s true!)

Not only will you have more fun working on a clean laptop, the tech guys you have help you out really appreciate a clean laptop as well. Sometimes computers are so dirty that we are forced to plug in our own peripherals such as keyboards and mice so that we feel comfortable working on a particular computer. YUCK!

By Wesley Christiansen & Aaron W. Herd