How to Get the Very Most From Your Computer

We all want to maximize the value we get out of any kind of major purchase, and a computer is no exception. Not only do you want any computer device you purchase to last a long time, you want it to do so while completing all the various tasks and purposes you have for it at a high level - and there are some ways you can make this more likely.

At PC Laptops, we're proud to offer a wide range of both desktop and laptop computers to clients around Salt Lake City, Murray, Sandy, West Jordan and nearby parts of Utah - plus comprehensive computer repairs and expertise that help clients get the very most from any device. Here are some general tips from our computer professionals on how to maximize the long-term value you get out of your computer.

Performance Optimizations

In many cases, some of the simplest ways to get the very most from your computer are also some of the most effective. Here are just a few examples of simple performance optimizations that you should be looking for periodically:

Purging old files: From time to time, you should take a minute to sort through your files and delete anything that is no longer necessary. This can help free up valuable storage space without having to purchase an external hard drive or upgrade components.
Uninstalling unused programs: Over the course of time, many people will accumulate a number of applications that are no longer used. Uninstalling these can help free up resources and reduce clutter on your computer.
Updating drivers: Ensuring that you have the latest version of all drivers installed is one of the best steps you can take to ensure your computer's performance. It may not look like much, but running a quick driver update can often result in noticeable boosts in speed and stability.
Clearing browsing history/cookies: Another quick and easy optimization is to occasionally clear out your browsing history and cookies. This can help reduce clutter on the computer, as well as improve the speed of your web browser.

Hardware Upgrades

In some cases, you may find that a particular application or task simply requires more horsepower than what is available in your current machine. In this case, you might want to consider investing in some hardware upgrades. Here are some of the most commonly upgraded components:

RAM: Increasing the amount of RAM installed on your computer can help it handle more tasks at once and reduce the chances of slowdown due to congestion.
Storage drive: If you find that your existing storage drive is too small, or simply has inadequate speed, you can upgrade it to either a larger or faster hard drive.
Graphics card: If you're looking for increased performance when playing video games or using applications with high graphical requirements, then upgrading your graphics card is the way to go.

Importance of Security

When it comes to getting the most out of your computer, security is paramount. This means not only keeping your device protected from malicious viruses and malware, but also protecting it against theft or loss. Investing in a quality antivirus program can help safeguard your data from virus attacks, while regular backups are an important part of safeguarding against hardware malfunctions or stolen devices.

Keyboard Shortcuts

From a day-to-day productivity standpoint, one of the best ways to maximize the value of your computer is to become more efficient in how you use it. This means taking some time to learn and memorize various keyboard shortcuts that can help speed up common tasks.

For example, instead of using a mouse or trackpad to navigate through menus, if you know the shortcut for the task at hand it can save you significant amounts of time. Similarly, if there's an operation that you find yourself repeating frequently, chances are there is a shortcut key for it that can help reduce the number of steps required.

Learn About Software

Finally, taking some time to learn about various pieces of software and how they interact with one another can also help you become more efficient in your day-to-day computer work. This includes learning about the features of different applications, as well as how to automate various tasks with scripts or other programs.

These are just a few examples of how you can get the very most from your computer - and at PC Laptops, we're here to provide all the support and services that you need for any device. Contact us if you're a client in SLC, Murray, Sandy, West Jordan or other parts of Utah and need help getting the most from your computer today.