Many people often have problems with their laptop PCs simply because they do not take some of the most important issues into consideration. People open the pack, connect the laptop and start using it. They discard the study materials and operation manuals completely, thinking that they will find out about the machine as they go along. In this short article are a few DO’s and DON’Ts when it comes to caring for your laptop PC - points which, may not necessarily be discussed in any trouble shooting manual or booklet which accompanies a laptop PC.
DOs
1. Do leave the laptop PC to charge for at least 8 hours before the first use in order to ensure that the battery operates to its full capacity. When you open the pack for the first time, REMEMBER – the laptop has been in storage and the attached battery has become dormant.
2. Immediately create a Backup Recovery disk of the installed drivers & software on your laptop PC. Some laptop PCs will offer this option by saying something like ‘Create System Recovery Disk’ or ‘Maintain Recovery on Hard Disk’. In the unfortunate event of Hard Disk crash, you may not be able to access the System Recovery module. So you would be better off making at least 2 copies of the System Recovery on a CD. It is more appropriate to create the ‘System Recovery’ backup BEFORE you begin to fully use your laptop PC. Do not leave the ‘Create System Recovery Disk’ creation too late.
3. Do remember to configure the built-in device drivers and operational software before use in order to ensure proper output performance of your laptop PC. These built-in software and drivers on your new laptop PC have only been partially installed by the manufacturer, especially the component drivers of the modem, Video Graphics Adapter, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, LAN, Image Reader, Microphone and Sound Blaster.
4. Do run the System Critical Updates module. Many laptops will come with a System Critical Updates disk or something similar. It will protect the boot-sector from damage.
5. Do immediately install the latest version of a good Anti-Virus program. Don’t try to save money in getting a pirated copy from the market. If you have spent 700 USD or so for a good laptop PC, then why not purchase a genuine licensed Anti-Virus program for another 20-25 USD. It will save you hundreds of dollars in the future.
6. Do always run a Full System Virus Scan on your laptop PC as well as a Live Update when you finish the day’s work. This will ensure that you start a new day’s work with a virus-free laptop PC.
7. Do take your laptop PC for a thorough servicing/maintenance and performance check at least once every 6-9 months to the manufacturer company’s maintenance outlet only. Taking it to any regular unauthorized laptop PC maintenance outlet could be risky.
DON’Ts
1. Don’t directly shut down your laptop PC by pressing hold on the start switch. Only use this option in the unfortunate event of screen suspension or System Hang. Habitual persistent shutdown in this manner will eventually destroy the ignition/start switch and damage some of the dll [dynamic link library] files of your operating system.
2. Don’t always keep your laptop PC connected to the direct electric power supply. When in use, remember to disconnect the laptop from the electric power supply and use the battery power until it is used up. Once the battery power has been used completely, connect the laptop PC to the power supply to recharge the battery. Keeping the laptop PC connected to the electric power supply will eventually decrease the battery’s ability to perform at full capacity.
3. Don’t overuse the optical drive. The optical drive [CD/DVD Drive] is an electrical attachment with a limit of operational endurance. Upon long use it will heat up.
4. Don’t spray any cleaning solution on the keyboard area when cleaning your laptop PC. Use a nylon brush to dust off any particles from within the spaces in the keyboard. Then use a soft fabric [like the ones provided by opticians] and spray the cleaning solution on the fabric. Then wipe the keyboard surface with the fabric. Repeat the same when cleaning the LCD screen. Ensure that the laptop PC is turned off and disconnected from the electric power supply.
5. Many laptop PCs have more than one internet connection option [LAN/ Wi-Fi/ Phone-line Dial-up]. Don’t continue using just one option and permanently leave the others unused. Regularly develop the habit of using each, even if it means for a few moments [just to ensure that its connection points have not accumulated dust/rust due to lack of use].
6. Don’t use the laptop PC in direct sunlight, humidity above 30%, or in temperatures higher than 35 degrees Celsius. It requires a certain level of ventilation to avoid heating up.
7. If something you feel isn’t going right with any hardware of the laptop PC, never make the mistake of trying to solve it yourself. Unlike a desktop computer, the laptop PC has a compact integrated configuration which could be permanently damaged, thus leaving your laptop PC as a 700USD piece of electronic junk.
Ofcourse, there are many many more DOs and DONTs. These are the MOST IMPORTANT.