The age of consumerism teaches us many flawed lessons, such as everything being replaceable. For instance, you can switch your old goods with something better and improved even though your current set works just fine. New tech generations spring up like mushrooms, making current devices feel aged quicker.
With good maintenance and some upgrading, most PCs can fully function for eight years.
However, updating your PC device can seem urgent if newer models showcase better features and possibilities.
But you do not have to buy a new model if your current one works fine. And to guarantee that your PC works splendidly, here are several easy tips.
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Don’t Stop Postponing Automatic Updates
No operating system (OS) is a finished product; the latest versions come with bugs, too. With constant and continuous tracking, developers discover oversights all the time. Updates are how developers fix overlooked errors before they cause a domino effect or catch them.
Delaying updates is like postponing a doctor’s exam – it’s reckless and risky.
If you’re in the middle of something, reschedule the update for the earliest convenience.
Schedule Regular Antivirus and Malware Scans
Every virus attack compromises the speed and performance of your PC, no matter how small. Even if it doesn’t crash your system or allow the bad guys to access your data, a PC virus can still ruin your user experience. The damage doesn’t have to be beyond repair to be crippling. For instance, adware infections are not high on the risk scale. However, the repetitive display of ads can diminish your experience.
For regular use and browsing, experts recommend a weekly scan.
For higher traffic and download rates, it’s wise to schedule two weekly scans.
Revisit Your Password Management System
When it comes to passwords, there is a list of simple rules that are very easy to follow:
- A reliable password must be at least 12 characters long.
- Combine different characters – upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Whenever it’s convenient, use a randomly generated password.
- Never reuse the same password for multiple accounts.
- Don’t keep your passwords in an unprotected place.
That’s everything you need to know about password management.
If you want to add another layer of protection to your data, use multi-factor authentication.
Create a Daily Routine Around Online Safety
Unlike updates, scans, and passwords, which are all no-brainers, online safety requires practice. It also revolves around the idea that all of us, as internet users, rely on our logic and common sense while browsing the web. A healthy dose of paranoia is the best online protection.
Here’s what you need to build an easy routine around safety and privacy on the internet:
That includes no-tracking features and incognito mode, which are very helpful. However, you should also consider switching to a more privacy-preserving browser. There are many options available that can bring you closer to a more secure experience online. For instance, browsers like Mozilla Firefox include protection against browser fingerprinting.
A Virtual Private Network hides your IP address, making it impossible to track and locate you based on this identifier. Additionally, a VPN for PC can take things further. After all, a VPN encrypts internet traffic, meaning your activities are hidden from ISPs, advertisers, or other snoopy entities. Other solutions can also include features to defend against phishing or trackers.
Hastiness is exactly what phishing scammers count on, so don’t let the bad guys outsmart you. If you receive an email from an unknown sender, approach it with caution. The best option is to avoid downloading files included in the letter. Also, do not follow any links. You can check their true destination by hovering over the link.
Responsible browsing mainly implies data privacy. Nobody can protect your data if you don’t safeguard it first. That returns us to reliable password management, with another important lesson to learn – never share your private data and sensitive credentials if your network is not encrypted. Also, consider performing a PC backup if you lose important files or documents.
Keep Your OS Clean and Organize Your Data
It sounds convenient and tempting, but we don’t change our homes whenever it gets too cluttered. As multiple lockdowns have taught us, a good practice is to clean before everything goes to mess. The same is with PCs, though this lesson is easier to forget. So, let’s cover it again.
The way to do this deep cleaning is by using disk cleanup software. Depending on your OS, you should be able to schedule it and leave it on autopilot. As a daily practice, you should empty your recycle bin as soon as the icon changes and delete everything you’re no longer using.
That includes junk files, trialware, and cache, so don’t forget about them.
Protect Your PC From Physical Wear and Tear
Some of the PC parts that require frequent hardware cleaning are the keyboard and the case. Use a soft cloth and no liquids. If you own a laptop, make sure you tuck it in comfortably in transport. Use a protective case to prevent scratching – soft on the inside, sturdy on the outside.
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Conclusion
There will always be a newer, better, cooler machine on the market, but remember that your PC is your excellent friend. It is a keeper of your fond memories (don’t forget to back up your data, just in case). It takes so little of your time to keep it in excellent form.
