Having a computer that just decided to stop working can be a living nightmare. New PCs are expensive and a lot of work to set up. That is why it is crucial to take care of the computer you currently have in use. Make your equipment long-lasting, save some money and keep your sanity intact.

Viruses? No, thank you.

The golden rule of computer care, have Virus removal software at the ready. The Internet is no safe place. You can download a virus without even noticing it. Be prepared for situations like this and don’t run to the electronics store every few months.

Basic maintenance

Also known as regular cleaning. Dirt and dust are your computer worst nightmares. Keep it clean and cover it when you don’t use it, and it will reward you with running long-term. The best thing to clean your computer with is canned air and a screen cleaner.

Use strong passwords

Identity thefts, data being stolen, and the most common tons of passwords that you can not remember. That is how you lose contact with your PC. To solve all that comes good old Google. Create an account and use suggested strong passwords for your accounts. And forget about remembering them all, the software will do it for you.

Regular updates

You get those update notifications all the time, but you pay no attention to them. Well, you should. If you want a fast working computer and a long-lasting one, you need to update your software regularly.

Surge protector

The power of electricity is necessary for your computer to work, but it can also be destructive. Prevent your harddrive from burning up. Invest in the safety of your equipment by buying a surge protector and a breaker lockout. And during storms, it is best to keep your computer unplugged.

These are five basic steps to keep your computer alive for longer. Use them all. If you want to know more about online threats and keep your computer even safer, check out the graphic below.