Buying a new laptop or desktop can get expensive. Sometimes it's better to keep what you have and make the most out of it. Let's look at some simple steps to help your computer last longer.
Updates, Updates, Updates!
Older computers should be kept as up-to-date as possible. Both Windows and Mac computers release updates regularly, at least until the operating system is at end of life.
New OS and driver updates help improve performance. If your computer is behind on these updates, it may cause slowdowns. Updates also address flaws and security issues.
Open the Windows start menu, and click the Settings icon on the left. Click Update & Security.
On a Mac, Click the Apple icon, System Preferences, then click Software Update.
Keep it Clean
Computers that have been around for a while get dusty. Dust primarily builds up on the fans that keep your laptop cool.
Hot components will cause slowdowns. Take a can of compressed air and spray the fans on your laptop or desktop.
Take some electrostatic wipes or a microfiber cloth to clean your screen, keyboard, etc.
Cleaning out unnecessary files is another way to help your computer last longer.
Empty your Recycle Bin or Trash folder. Files build up there over time, so clearing it now and then is good practice.
Clean your Downloads folder regularly, and find and delete temp files.
Also, look at all the apps and programs you have. Decide which ones you use frequently and uninstall the ones you don’t.
Upgrade the Hardware
You can get a few more years out of an older machine by swapping out some components. Adding more RAM is a great start.
You can add an extra stick or max it out; looking up the exact model can tell you the max RAM you can add.
A lot of computers still have regular, spinning hard drives. Switching this out with a solid-state drive (SSD) is a huge upgrade.
SSDs are storage devices with no moving parts. They are faster, quieter, and more durable than HDDs.
More and more computers are being made with SSDs, but if you're one of the holdouts, it might be time for a change.
Wrapping Up
You may have done all of these steps in the past, and it didn't help. Sometimes, a fresh start is needed.
Wiping your machine and reinstalling macOS or Windows can help clean out any corrupted files or programs. Then you can reinstall your apps with a clean slate.
But if you decide to take a sledgehammer to your computer, consider a custom-built PC as a replacement.
Head to PC Part Picker and create a custom build that fits your needs and budget.
Or if you prefer someone do all that for you, check out my custom builds!
