If you have a computer, you know that you need to take good care of it in order to make sure it stays running properly. If you’re careless with it, you could damage it and have to take it in to get it fixed – or you may find that it’s damaged so badly that you have to replace it. You can avoid much of that by being careful, though. Make sure that you don’t drop your computer. Always hold it firmly when you’re moving it, whether it’s a laptop or desktop model. A lot of people have to fix or replace computers each year because they got in a hurry and dropped one, and it’s one of the easiest things to avoid.

You should also keep your computer clean. If you don’t, dust and dirt can end up in the fans and internal parts, causing the computer to overheat. An overheating computer is a serious problem, and can damage delicate parts on the inside of it. If you have pets, or if you live in a dusty climate, you’ll need to be especially vigilant when it comes to keeping your computer clean. Dust, dirt, and pet hair clog up fans very easily, and they also coat internal computer parts, which can even short them out. Clean your computer frequently, and wipe it down on the outside with a damp (not wet) cloth when it’s turned off.

Canned air and special dry cloths can also be used to clean your computer. Often, the manufacturer doesn’t give instructions about how often it should be cleaned, so make sure you’re paying attention. If it looks like it’s getting dirty or dusty, take the time to clean it before it becomes a serious problem. You should also be careful not to use it around wet or damp areas where it may pick up too much moisture. That can corrode it and cause it to stop working. By using your computer carefully and thoughtfully, you’ll avoid a lot of serious problems that could end up costing you money.