3 Ways To Get A Little More Life Out Of Your Computer
By: Rob Leon
Tags: Startup, Computers, Get Your Tech Right, Small Business, Managed Service Provider

3 Ways To Get A Little More Life Out Of Your Computer

Putting a little structure around the tech in your business can have a huge impact on productivity and profitability.

TECH STRETCH ARMSTRONG

There are many reasons why you might want to get a little more life out of your computer.

You’re in a cash crunch.

You’re trying to be nice to the environment.

Or, you’re just not ready to upgrade your computer.

Whatever your reason, here are 3 ways to get a little more life out of that computer of yours.

CLEAN THAT DISK

One way to bring some life back into your computer is to clean up your hard drive.

It’s a simple do-it-yourself process that doesn’t require you to downloading any weird apps from the internet.

Safety tip — Don’t ever download a cleaner app from the internet. (never ever!)

Now on Microsoft Windows 10, there’s a built-in tool named Disk Cleanup.

You can run it as is or jump to the More Options section and do more stuff like deleting old restore points and remove applications.

Next, take a look at the list of programs you have installed on your computer.

If it’s an app you don’t use anymore or just used once.

I’d recommend that you get rid of it.

Now on to the next step.

CLEAN THAT COMPUTER

Yes, even computers need cleaning.

Dust build-up can do things like cause your computer to run hotter.

And running hotter means running slower.

Depending on your skills you may want to take your computer to shop to clean or if you’re a DIY kind of person, grab yourself a can of compressed air from your local hardware store and while you’re at it, grab a vacuum cleaner.

If you have a desktop computer, remove the case cover and carefully vacuum out any dust and build-up you see.

Then finish it off with some compressed air.

Make you’re doing this in a well-ventilated area — like outside.

If you have a laptop, grab that compressed air and blow out the blow-holes.

And while you’re at it, blow out all that dead skin under the keyboard.

And last but not least.

KICK IT UP A NOTCH

I hesitate to recommend this last step but what the heck.

Another way to get a little more life out of your computer is to upgrade it.

The 2 things you should consider upgrading are the hard drive and memory.

If your computer has an older hard drive you’ll want to upgrade to a solid-state hard drive.

Obviously, there’s a cost involved in upgrading the hard drive but if it gets you another 12 to 18 months of life that would help.

The other item would be to add some memory.

Memory is fairly inexpensive and can be popped in or swapped out fairly quickly.

THE LAST MILE

If these 3 options don’t work for you then it’s likely time to suck it up and buy a new computer.

One last thought for you and this is the Big Think.

Ideally, if you’re managing the tech in your business effectively you’ll have a Life Cycle Replacement Plan in place.

With a Life Cycle Replacement plan in place, you’ll ideally have new expenses budgeted.

And if all of the stars are aligned, you’ll be replacing your computers as they round that last mile of life.

Of course, all this takes a little planning and forethought.

Putting a little structure around the tech in your business can have a huge impact on productivity and profitability.

The key is having the right technologist in your corner.

Happy computing!

🌴