Computer/Battery Basics to Know

The Tech Department has put together this list of basic computer and battery care to help you extend and enhance the performance of your computer device:

• BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP! Your hard drive (SSD) cannot be backed up if it fails…DON’T FORGET!
• What is the proper way of holding a laptop? Do not twist, torque, or otherwise bend your laptop in any way.
• What are some things to avoid having around a laptop or desktop computer or keyboard? (anything liquid, food, especially anything greasy, sticky, or crumbly)
• What can happen if you spill anything on the keyboard or anything that can absorb through the bottom of the laptop? It will trip the liquid sensors inside and require an expensive repair.
• What is the best way to clean a computer screen or keyboard? If using Clorox wipes on the computer (NOT the display) squeeze them out before they are used to prevent leaking through the keyboard. Always use a soft, lint free cloth to dry or wipe off your keyboard and display. Using paper towels, Kleenex, or other paper products can scratch the letters off over time and leave marks on the display.
• Never use third party cables or adapters that you purchase on your own. They may be of inferior quality and pose a shocking or overheating hazard.
• Why is it not a good idea to leave a computer turned on and stored in a computer bag? (No ventilation causing the computer to overheat and tax the battery on the computer)
• Avoid heat to keep the battery lasting longer (see above). By the same token, avoid prolonged cold as the computer will be slow to respond until it warms up. Avoid storing a laptop in temperatures over 95 degrees or below 41 degrees. A computer battery can deplete rapidly under the above circumstances. New laptop batteries cannot be depleted completely or else the computer may not restart, will drastically shorten the life of the battery, or ruin it completely requiring a replacement.
• Never stack anything on top of your laptop, i.e., books, other computers, anything of substantial weight. Also don’t stuff your backpack with objects that will damage your laptop. Do not store anything inside your laptop when you close the lid. Fans are very fragile and can be bent easily causing it to make a loud clicking sound.
• Always transport your laptop in a durable computer bag no matter how short the trip may seem.
• Do not drop, jar, or bump your computer unnecessarily. If you do drop it, it needs to be inspected by a technician for damage to the battery.
• Do not use your laptop on carpet or any soft surface to prevent overheating and loss of ventilation. Use a lapboard if you are using your laptop at home.
• If you are storing your computer over the summer, be sure to deplete the battery to half charge and store in a cool dry place. We have had to replace hundreds of batteries because laptops were stored in schools with no air conditioning. That destroys the batteries, causing them to swell and pose a fire hazard.