Save Your Laptop

 

For many web workers, the most expensive piece of gear is the laptop computer. For some of us, it’s even more than expensive: it’s essential, because it’s our only computer. You love your laptop, but do you tend to it well enough? Here’s how to keep your laptop a bit safer, and also protect your investment.

 

Buy a Rugged Model. Some laptops are simply more resistant to physical 

damage than others. If you’re doing to do a great deal of travel, especially if you have a tendency towards klutziness, it’s worth looking into “ruggedized” or “semi-ruggedized” models. At the top of the sturdiness line you’ll find machines, like the Dell XFR D630, that comply with Department of Defense standards - they’re designed to be used in rough conditions and dropped without losing function. You’ll pay a premium if you go this route, though. At the very least, look for a computer (such as a MacBook) with an accelerometer built in to park the hard drive if you drop it.

Buy the Warranty Just remember two things. First, the warranty likely won’t cover some of the most blatant things you can do to break a laptop. Second, having the company repair or replace a laptop is small consolation if you can’t get to your precious data in the meantime. You must have a decent backup strategy.

Cover it with Insurance - Having your laptop insured won’t keep it running, but it can make it easier to replace. You need to talk to your insurance agent on this one: establish whether your laptop is covered on your home or business policy, and set a sensible deductible. Then remember to review this coverage when you change laptops.

Handling the laptop

·        Place laptops away from liquids and moisture. For most laptops single spill can be disastrous. Don’t expose to direct sunlight.

·      Use an external mouse whenever possible so that the touchpad does not wear out fast.

  ·        Often when you close a laptop, the keys touch the screen lightly leaving permanent marks on the screen overtime. Prevent that by placing apiece of soft cloth over the keyboard before closing.

·        Use a laptop cooler if your room is not air-conditioned. The cooler is a stand sometimes combined with fans to prevent a laptop from overheating.

·        Unlike desktops which can run continuously, it is better to switch off the laptop when not in use.

·        Wipe the screen periodically using soft cloth and clean between the keys with a cotton bud or vacuum clean.

 

Get a Decent Bag - However rugged your computer, I wouldn’t recommend dropping it with wild abandon. But eventually you will drop it - and you’ll likely be better off if it’s in a decently-padded bag. We’ve looked at choosing the perfect bag before - from the standpoint of investment protection, just remember that you want to prioritize “sturdy” over “stylish.”

Saving your laptop battery: To get the most out of your laptop battery follow the rules.

• Utilize the software: Both Macs and Windows based laptops nave inbuilt power management software. Set it for power save mode.
• Screen brightness: Conversion of electricity to light user power. Reduce your screen brightness to comfortable minimum.
• Run fewer Programs You may simultaneously have Photoshop, Excel, M.S> Word and more open when all you need is M.S. Word. Quit all the other that you don’t need especially DVD. Switch off WIFI Bluetooth and LAN Card if not in use.
• Reduce Attachments: How many USB parts are being used? Unplug all unnecessary attachments including any mouse and use the touchpad instead.