Category: Mac & PC repair

While the price of desktop computers has gone down in the last 10 years, a high-quality desktop PC can still be pricey investments. Most consumers attempt to keep their desktop PC computers for at least five years before purchasing a new computer. Many programs can not run on desktop computers that are six years old or older. Now that many users store data in clouds and not on their desktop’s hard drive, desktops computers can last even longer than ever. Taking the time to take care of your desktop PC computer can extend its life significantly. 

The five tips listed below will help you extend the life of your desktop and ultimately save you money. Nonetheless, even the most cautious computer users may need to seek repairs for their broken desktop PC computers. At UR Gadget Doctors, our skilled employees will repair your computers within 24 hours. We also offer potential customers a free diagnostic and quote now. If your desktop PC computer needs repairs, an expert technician can fix anything wrong with your desktop for a reasonable price. Contact our Mount Laurel, New Jersey, desktop repair shop today to learn how we can repair your desktop computer quickly and efficiently. 

Make Sure Your Desktop is Well-Ventilated

One key to extending the life of your desktop computer is to make sure that the computer does not overheat. Almost all PC computers have fans and heatsinks that cool off the liver. Nonetheless, desktops can struggle to stay cool when their ventilation systems are blocked or covered. Desktop owners should keep the desktop tower in an open area, not in a closed desk, near a space heater, heater vent, or enclosed in a cabinet. 

 

 

Protect Your Desktop Against Power Surges

 

Desktop computers have sensitive components and circuits. Any fluctuation in power caused by a power outage can damage the desktop computer. Power surges, even moderate ones, can damage the power supply and other necessary components of the desktop computer. Many people assume that using a surge protector will protect their desktop computers. 

However, surge protectors sometimes lose their protective mechanism with only one spike or power surge. Power surge protectors can continue to supply power even if they are damaged. It is wise to take the time to check the status of the surge protector regularly. Newer surge protectors have a status light on them, making it easy to check. Using a properly working surge protector may save the longevity of your desktop computer.

 

Keep Your Computer Clean 

This suggestion may seem obvious, but dust and dirt can damage a desktop computer. Many people use their desktops for eight or more hours a day. It is easy to transfer dirt, grime, and other substances from our hands into our keyboard. Additionally, many people eat and drink while working on their computers. It is easy to forget to wipe your hands while eating and add to the grime on your computer. At UR Gadget doctors, our skilled desktop repair associates fix many computers that have been damaged by food or liquid. 

Desktop computer owners should take the time to thoroughly clean their entire computer system at least once every 6 to 12 months. Office supply stores have the necessary tools to clean desktops, monitors, and desktop towers. It is easy to remember to conduct routine cleaning by setting the alarm on your calendar or phone to remind you. Taking some extra time to keep your laptop clean can save you time and money. A clean laptop typically lasts longer than those that are not kept clean.

 

Take Care of Your Desktop’s Hard Drives 

When file system errors and bad sectors become corrupt, computer damage can quickly occur.  File system errors, bad sectors caused by improper shutdowns, computer crashes, and other issues can happen as a result of infected hard drives. Corrupted hard drives can cause blue screens, system instability, and damaged files. Desktop owners can use Check Disk tools that come with their Windows computer. By running the disc, desktop owners can determine whether any corruption exists on their harddrive. 

Owners can conduct full or partial scans every few months to check for viruses or any other potentially damaging issues. Total hard drive scans can take several hours to complete. If you do not have the time or availability to run full scans, you can run Check Disk without selecting the automatic repair option. Running a quick check every month can help catch issues quickly without taking too much of your time. If the quick scan reveals any errors or problematic issues, you can follow up on any errors.

 

Keep Your Desktop’s Hard Drive Defragmented and Protecting Against Malware

Modern versions of Windows desktop computers now can defragment hard drives automatically. However, those who are running Windows XP and earlier may need to run a defragmentation operation manually. Traditional and older hard drives are often fragmented. In fragmented hard drives, data is spread out in different spots throughout the hard drive. Using a desktop PC with a fragmented hard drive can cause a hard drive to work overtime and will slow down the hard drive significantly. Taking the time to defragment your hard drive could extend the life of your hard drive significantly. 

Protecting your computer from malware is also essential when trying to extend the life of your desktop. Desktop owners can install software-based malware antivirus software. Malware can destroy your computer system and all of your files. Repairing malware breaches can take extensive time and money. If you use your computer for work purposes, losing all of your data could significantly negatively affect you. Running a useful security suite software can help you combat malware, viruses, and intrusions. 

 

We can Help

At UR Gadget Doctors, we understand how challenging it is when your desktop PC is out of commission and needs repairs. That is why we offer customers a free diagnostic and repair quote. Our skilled Gadget Doctors repair desktops quickly, often within 24 hours. We also offer our customers reasonable prices. Contact us today to schedule your desktop repair. 

 

More Americans than ever own and regularly use laptop computers. Many Americans are quite dependent on their laptop computers for school, work, and the management of their personal lives. According to the Pew Research Center, as of 2015, 68% of Americans own smartphones, and 45% of them own laptop computers. Many Americans who do not own a personal laptop computer use an employer’s laptop computer for work. The percentage of Americans aged 18-29 who own a laptop computer rose from 5% in 2015 to 50% in 2019. 

As more schools and jobs require students and employees to use a laptop computer, the percentage of laptop ownership will increase. Laptop computers can be subjected to all kinds of abuse. Common laptop accidents involve food spills, dropping, or crushing. The ease of transporting laptops exposes them to more potential accidents. 

There are a few key ways to care for your laptop to avoid the necessity of laptop repair. Accidents are not always preventable, however. If your laptop computer requires a repair, UR Gadget Doctors, located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, can help. We repair all PC and MAC laptops within 24-48 hours and offer our customers a fast, free diagnostic and quote. 

 

Laptop Computer Travel Tips

One of the best aspects of owning a laptop computer is its portability. Laptop computer owners can increase their productivity by working on their computers during a business flight. Before traveling, remove all DVDs, thumb drives, and CDs that are inside of your laptop. Put your laptop on standby or sleep mode. Do not turn it off. If you are traveling, it is wise to put your laptop computer in a safe carry-on bag to protect it from cold temperatures and physical damage.

 

Extreme Temperatures Can Damage Your Laptop

Many laptop owners do not realize that extreme temperatures can damage their laptops. When laptops overheat or freeze, damage can occur. The best practice for laptop owners is to avoid exposing your laptop to extremely hot or cold temperatures. If your laptop has been sitting in your car in freezing temperatures, it is wise to let it naturally warm up inside your house before turning it on. Laptops are more prone to overheating than desktop computers. Avoid placing your laptop on pillows or blankets that could cause overheating.

 

Use a High-Quality Laptop Bag to Transport Your Laptop

Grabbing your laptop and heading out can be tempting when you are in a hurry. Taking the few extra moments to place your laptop in a protective zippered pouch can protect it from damage. Laptops can range in cost, but many are quite expensive, especially Apple laptops. It is worth spending some extra money on a protective case. Laptops in protective cases are less likely to receive physical damage or damage from spills than those that are not protected. 

 

Do Not Set Heavy Objects on Your Laptop

This tip probably seems obvious, but in a pinch, it is easy to set heavy books or other objects on top of a laptop. Heavy objects could crush the delicate laptop screen. Additionally, objects on top of the laptop could cause it to overheat. 

Similarly, do not place other electronic devices on top of your laptop when both devices are turned on. Some devices such as televisions, high-tech refrigerators, and large speakers generate a strong magnetic field that may interfere with your laptop.

 

Only Set Your Laptop on Clean, Dry Surfaces

In the hustle of our busy lives, it is easy to place a laptop on a kitchen counter quickly. One of the most prevalent causes of laptop damage is water. If you accidentally put your laptop on a wet counter, the liquid can seep into the keyboard and damage your laptop. Check the surface for fluid before setting your laptop down. 

Additionally, it is wise to avoid setting your laptop down near food, drinks in open cups, or sandy areas. If you take your laptop to the beach, it is wise to zip it up in a protective case and put it inside a bag, away from sand when you are done using it.

 

Keep the Lid Closed

Laptop screens are particularly vulnerable to damage. When you are not actively working on your laptop, be sure to close the screen. When the screen is open, more dust can settle on your keyboard, potentially causing build-up and damage. Your battery life will also not be as effective when you leave your laptop open. One of the most common types of laptop computer damage comes from liquid spills. It is easy to knock over a coffee cup onto your open laptop accidentally. If the laptop lid is closed, there is usually a lower risk of laptop damage from a liquid spill. 

 

 Keep Your Laptop Screen Clean

Laptop screens are particularly easy to damage. The screen is the most at-risk and fragile component of a laptop. You should only use approved monitor wipes and solutions to clean the screen of your laptop. Do not touch the laptop screen with your fingers or any other object as it could scratch or damage the screen. 

 

If Your Laptop Computer is Damaged, UR Gadget Doctors can Help

We repair all laptop computers within 24-48 hours at our Mount Laurel, New Jersey retail store. Our skilled laptop technicians can fix any laptop problem at a reasonable price. Our customers are so pleased with our service that we have earned a five-star rating on help. When a laptop stops working or needs repair, many people assume that they will need a new laptop. We find that our clients are often happily surprised by the relatively low cost of repair at UR Gadget Doctors. 

Our tech crew is efficient and professional. We understand how essential laptops are to our client’s professional and personal lives. That is why we work hard to complete all repairs within 48 hours. If your laptop needs repair, contact us to get a free diagnostic and laptop repair quote today.