Here's a guide to help you utilize your laptop effectively, preserving battery life and maintaining hardware health. Electronic devices typically have a limited lifespan, but the following laptop usage tips will maximize your device's performance.
BEST PRACTICES FOR USING LAPTOPS AND NOTEBOOKS
1. Insights on Purchasing Laptops and Notebooks
Before acquiring a laptop, it's advisable to cross-verify the invoice and information on the intended purchase. To safeguard your interests, opt for reputable stores, ensuring that the details on the invoice align with the warranty period for the laptop.
2. Proper Machine Storage
- Operate your computer in a well-ventilated area, avoiding dust: Regardless of the item, it's recommended to use it in a well-ventilated space, especially electronic devices. Every computer, including laptops, is equipped with a cooling system to regulate internal temperatures. However, this component is prone to accumulating dust. If you operate your laptop in a dusty environment without regular maintenance, dust will impede its performance. Therefore, Mytour advises using your laptop on a flat, well-ventilated surface to facilitate heat dissipation and performing laptop hygiene every 3-6 months.
- Avoid water spills on your computer: If you accidentally spill a drink on your laptop, promptly disconnect the charger, remove the battery, and thoroughly clean your computer. If you have technical skills, disassemble the laptop and use a dryer on its components to prevent rust.
- Minimize impact on your computer: Avoid placing heavy objects on your computer surface, and when moving your laptop to a different location, ensure it's turned off. When the computer is running, internal components like the hard drive are spinning, and pressure can easily cause congestion, leading to a bad or completely damaged hard drive. Additionally, the computer screen is a sensitive surface that can be easily damaged by placing heavy objects on it.
- Use a shock-resistant bag for transportation: To prevent damage from bumps, use a shock-resistant bag that fits the size of your laptop and store your laptop in it during transportation.
3. Battery Usage, Best Practices to Maximize Battery Life
When purchasing a new computer, adhere to the charging and battery discharge instructions provided by the manufacturer and the retail outlet. Avoid improper charging practices that may lead to regrettable consequences.
- First Charge: For the initial charge, it's recommended to charge for 8-12 hours, depending on the battery cell count. After charging, disconnect the charger and use the battery until it fully depletes (discharge) before proceeding to the second charge.
- Second and Third Charges: Similar to the first charge, charge for 8-12 hours, then initiate the battery discharge process. It's essential not to use the laptop while charging, as this can lead to battery swelling.
- During regular battery usage, discharge the battery 4 times per week to extend its lifespan.
- Proper Battery Removal: Shut down the computer completely, then disconnect the charger and remove the battery. When reinstalling the battery, ensure it makes full contact with the pins and securely fasten the screws.
- When using the computer, activate power-saving mode to reduce battery consumption.
- Over time, your battery may degrade, but the percentage of deterioration is minimal. Minimizing the battery degradation percentage is the best practice for ensuring stability in your laptop usage.
- Use the original charger (adapter) provided by the official manufacturer to maintain a stable power source for your computer. Avoid using components with unclear origins that may compromise safety standards.
4. Optimizing Laptop Usage for Stability
In addition to hardware maintenance, how you use your computer and install software plays a significant role in maintaining its stability.
- Limit Installation of Unnecessary Applications: Installing numerous applications can strain the computer's performance, leading to a quicker hardware deterioration and increased battery consumption. Be selective in installing applications and avoid overloading your system with memory and storage-consuming ones.
- Choose Software that Ensures Security for Your Computer: In the online world, it's challenging to discern safe content and beneficial applications for your computer. When browsing the web, consider installing Adblock Plus, a leading ad-blocking tool. While it may not eliminate all ads and pop-ups, it significantly reduces the risk of intrusive advertisements. For overall safety and security, use Kaspersky Internet Security (KIS) as the primary tool to combat viruses and malware. Additionally, regularly clean your computer using CCleaner, a reliable junk cleaning software.
- Avoid letting others use your computer: Laptops and notebooks store a lot of private user data. Refrain from granting access to your computer to others. In shared computers with multiple users, administrators should create distinct user accounts and assign specific permissions to each individual.
5. Proper Hygiene Practices
As mentioned by Mytour, it's advisable to clean your computer every 3-6 months for optimal performance. If you're unfamiliar with disassembling the computer, take it to service centers or the place of purchase for cleaning (costing 50-100k VND per session).
- If you can clean your computer independently, invest in a computer cleaning kit priced at 50k VND, including a brush, cloth, cleaning solution, and dust blower. Apply a small amount of cleaning solution to gently wipe the screen surface. The brush and dust blower will help you clear dirt from keyboard gaps, cooling vents, and other areas.
Above are the ways to use laptops and notebooks to ensure your device maintains stable performance throughout its usage. If you encounter any issues that you cannot resolve on your own, take it to the manufacturer for warranty support and accurate repair advice. Additionally, explore essential software recommendations for your computer to make the best choices for your device.