Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
ZDNET's key takeaways
Frequent computer maintenance is key to keeping your desktop performing at its best for years after purchase.
It's an important habit to build early on, and most tools you'll need are either cheap or completely free.
This guide spans from cleaning out piles of dust to managing startup programs.
Like many people, my entire life revolves around my computer. I use my desktop for work, paying bills, gaming, and just about everything else. That's why it's so important for me to perform regular maintenance. It keeps my system running smoothly and prevents problems before they happen.
Also: Finally, a Windows desktop I can confidently put away my iMac for
However, let's be honest, though: most people don't bother with PC maintenance. It's easy to forget, put off, or avoid out of sheer laziness. I know this because I used to be no different. For the longest time, I never cleaned my computer. I let the dust bunnies populate my tower like a burrow. But over the past few years, I've made it a habit to clean every six months or so. It's well worth the effort because it keeps internal temperatures cool. Heat is the computer killer. Keeping your hardware cool extends its lifespan.
State of my PC prior to its cleaning Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
... continue reading