Maximise Your Laptops

A laptop is a high-cost investment and important tool which you would want to keep in tip-top condition always and maximise its lifespan so you do not have to purchase a new one every once in a while which would be very expensive. At the same time, you would not want to compromise your own well-being for convenience.

1.Take Breaks

1. Take a break every 30 minutes to 1 hour and allow your body to relax.
2. You can do simple stretching exercises to reduce strain and change positions frequently.
3. The finger fan is a good exercise for the fingers and wrist whereby you spread your fingers of both hands apart while keeping your wrist straight. Hold for 3 seconds, then repeat.

2. Use Laptops Ergonomically

1. Use an external mouse and ergonomicErgonomics is the science of designing equipment in such a way that it fits the operator's body and reduces chances of fatigue, discomfort and injury. keyboard instead of the touchpad or inbuilt keyboard, if possible.
2. Purchase lighter laptops so that less pressure is exerted on your laps.
3. Place the laptop on a table 27 to 28.5 inches high whenever possible for maximum ergonomic comfort.
4. Avoid using a 30-inch or higher table.

3. Take Care

1. Use a laptop bag or carrying case of the correct size which can provide adequate padding for your laptop.
2. Use a cooling fan to prevent overheating.
3. Close the idle programs to reduce the stress on batteries
4. Always ensure your hands are clean and do not consume food or liquids near your laptop in case of short circuits or stains.
5. Do not expose your laptop to fluctuating temperatures especially those exceptionally high or low.
6. Avoid touching your LCD screen and always close it lightly while keeping a constant lookout for sharp objects (eg. pencils) that could scratch or cut your screen.
7. Never pick your laptop by its screen because you will risk dropping it or damaging the hinges.
8. Use an anti-virus program to protect your laptop from strange email attachments and popups.

4. Keep In View

1. Always keep your laptop with you and do not leave it unattended anywhere, unless in your own home.
2. In school or at office, you should keep your laptop in a secure place and lock it up at the end of the day.

5. Protect Your Data

1. Password all your sensitive data so that only you have access to reproduce and modify the information.
2. Always back up your data in external disks or thumbdrives to offer yourself a lifeline should you lose your laptop and records.
3. Limit the data kept on your laptop to only necessary recent information and store the rest in your back up drive in case it gets stolen.
4. At the same time, protect your external drive by keeping it at home if you do not require it otherwise.

Acknowledgements:

1. Various Authors for their input on "How to take good care of your laptop". (16th March 2009)
2. Nicholas Deleon on using laptops ergonomically. (16th March 2009)