PCs are hugely important parts of modern life for many people and also very expensive to purchase. This means that it is incredibly frustrating and disruptive once your computer starts to slow down, crash or become difficult to use. While PCs will inevitably start to slow down after a while, there are still steps that you can take to prolong the life of a computer, which can keep it performing to a high standard for much longer, in turn keeping you happy while helping you to avoid spending a fortune on a replacement. Here are a few of the best ways to prolong the life of a PC.

Keep It Clean and Cool

An often overlooked aspect of keeping a PC running smoothly is cleaning it. Dust, pet hair and other debris can affect the hardware inside the PC and strain the components, so you should remember to clean the PC on a regular basis. Additionally, you need to make sure that it has access to cool air so that it does not overheat.

Perform Regular Updates

It is easy to simply delay updates when they appear, but you should not keep doing this as they will perform important maintenance for the machine. If you are being notified of an available update, try to work out a practical time for this to take place (such as overnight) and get the update completed as soon as possible.

Shut Down Properly

You should always shut the PC down properly when you are not going to be using it for an extended period of time (it is also a good idea to have an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)). It is also important that you do not shut the machine down and start it up multiple times every day as this can put a strain on the components and shorten their lifespan.

Upgrade RAM and Hard Drive Space

One of the most common reasons that a computer starts to decline in performance is RAM and hard drive space. It is a good idea to keep on top of storage by deleting files that you do not need, but you can also upgrade your RAM and hard drive space, which can improve performance and longevity.

Invest in Cybersecurity

Another common reason that a PC declines and ultimately needs replacing is cybercrime, but this is not the only result of cybercrime, which is why it needs to be made a priority. You need to educate yourself on how you can stay safe and protect your PC, but you must also have protection in place. A UTM firewall like the WatchGuard M Series will provide you with a range of advanced security features all in one device, which will help to protect your PC from the latest threats and provide peace of mind.

As with any complex machine, it is important that you know how to look after and maintain your PC to prolong its life and to keep it running smoothly. The above are a few of the best ways that you can do this which could help your machine to last a lot longer.