Why would someone want to break their computer? Let’s be honest. That’s not something we try to do. But sometimes it’s so easy to break it that we do it by accident. These machines do amazing things and many newer builds are much stronger and more resilient to our mistakes. But there is only so much that these machines can handle. So today, we have a list of simple ways we break our computer and the repair steps to deal with it.
Spills
Food and drink is something we, literally, cannot live without. Conversely, we also don’t need it all the time. That being said, to avoid costly repairs, just don’t eat or drink by your computer….LOL! I know what you’re thinking. And even I eat and drink by my computer. So if you’re going to do it, you may as well use protection. Keep a screw-on, sealed lid on those watter bottles and sodas. No open cans or cups! And use a sealed mug for the coffee. Don’t trust in the flimsy Starbucks cups to save your keyboard and components. Get a decent one that seals to prevent spills. Here’s some options:
Impacts
Computers and electronics are delicate. They don’t like to be jostled, dropped, thrown, punched, stepped on, etc. Although, computer manufactures are improving on component durability, impacts and drops are still a huge cause of damage on our devices. So don’t drop them right?
Well, if you have a mobile device, the chances of dropping it is pretty high. So, while you’re out and about, keep your electronics in a shock resistant case and add handles to make it more secure when you’re holding it. Here are some good options:
HELO Tabletstrap 360 | Nylon Fully Rotating Security Hand Strap Holder for Android and iPad Full Sized Tablets | Bonus Loop Sets to Customize Grip with Cases or Alone
Websites
Bad websites can be associated with anything from a site with broken links, an out dated design, pornography, media pirating sites, etc., etc. When you get down to brass tax, it’s less about the content and more about the site’s security and intentions of the site owner. You can visit all kinds of sites and be perfectly safe. However, the less reputable the site, generally the higher likelihood you have of running into malware infections.
Most sites will drop a cookie or your browser will cache some or all of it in order to improve performance and add to your convenience. This is great, but it also gives an in for malcontents. Generally, you need to ask yourself,
When visiting a website, ask yourself if the site looks like it is constantly updated and keeping itself and users secure? Also ask what the intentions of the site owner are. Are they providing free content in exchange for Ad revenue from the banners they post? Are the ads meant to look like clickable content rather than identifying themselves an advertisement? If that is the case, their intentions are likely to make money and they aren’t screening their ads. This means malcontents can put ads on their site similar to this one. It is intended to scare you into calling them and giving them your money. Ie. a scam.
Emails
Believe it or not, when using the internet and browsing your emails, you are constantly downloading and uploading information. Some if intentional, and a lot of it unintentional. These data transfers are generally serving a purpose of improving your experience and making life easier. However, it can also give hackers the chance to spread their viruses.
There’s not much you’re going to do about the data transfers going on in the background without losing the ease and purpose of the internet. At the same time, you can vet the things you download intentionally. Is the attachment expected? If not, be very and try to contact the sender before opening. Is the file you’re downloading coming from a secure and recognized site? Can you trust the intentions of the site owner or the email sender? If in doubt, down download.
Suffocation
We all know how important it is to breath. Our bodies need oxygen in order to function. Well, your computer isn’t so specific, but it still needs to breath. It doesn’t care what it is breathing, as long as it’s fairly clean and can cool the components on the inside. Each computer has vents for fans to direct air flow across very hot components and will keep your computer running efficiently.
When you place your laptop on a blanket, or stick your computer in the corner under your desk, or you let dust and lint clog up these air vents, you are essentially suffocating your computer. This will eventually lead to computer failure.
All in all, we’ve recommended common sense. Keep your computer happy by taking care of it, thinking before you act, and paying attention to what’s going on around your computer. Good luck and be nice to your computers.
