Just bought new laptop. Essentials plus management advice needed

Hey guys, I just bought a new laptop. I've not kept my previous ones in great condition so wanted to know what I need/need to do to keep it in good con over a period of time.

What accessories are vital? Do I need a cooling pad? What's useful etc.
What should be I doing to keep it in good condition? E.g only using it so many hours per day, shutting it down properly etc
Finally, what security is required and best ? Can I use a free one or will I need to pay for good software.

Just a few questions I need answering

Cheers guys!

 

1) A decent bag is useful to protect the laptop. Personally, I prefer Targus laptop bags. Alternatively, you could also just buy a sleeve. This works better for smaller laptops (easy to slip in a normal backpack).
A cooling pad is nice, but isn't necessary unless your room is really hot or your laptop tends to overheat (bigger laptops are generally better at heat management). As for other accessories, I'd only recommend a wireless mouse, since they are so handy.

2) You can keep it in great condition simply by cleaning it every month or so. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the exterior (screen, keyboard, case), and use compressed air to blow out air from the vents and fans (especially if you notice the laptop is starting to overheat more often).
I don't see any reason you need to use the laptop only a certain number of hours per day. Modern electronics are built to last for at least a few years. Of course, you should turn off the computer whenever possible (e.g. overnight) or at least set Windows to turn off the display if you need the laptop to be on (e.g. for downloading).

3) If you have Windows 7 Ultimate / Windows 8 Pro and a TPM (check your laptop specs, it should mention), then BitLocker is great for encryption. If not, a free alternative is TrueCrypt.
If you want to track your laptop in case it's stolen, you can try LoJack (subscription, not too expensive) or Prey (free).

 

telling us what laptop and its spec would help. is it off the shelf shop lappy or a high end gaming lappy.

free antivirus is ok. search for avast or microsoft security essentials. with these you will also need windows firewall enabled as its only the paid versions that come with a firewall.

 

Acer aspire v3-571.

I'm more interested in how to keep it in good nick in terms of when I'm using it. Is there anything you do as a habit to keep it in good condition. In the past I think I've made mistake in simple things daily which has ultimately ruined the laptop long term. Simple things like shutting it down properly etc

 

HDD or SSD? If HDD, make sure to set up a regular defrag, if SSD do not defrag ever.

Get a cooling pad. Even a few degrees C colder over the life of the machine makes a difference.

Soft cloth to wipe down. Soft as in microfiber vince from shamwow soft. If you use a regular cloth or paper towel, you can scratch the case.

Making sure the bag you get fits snugly and tightly. Never store the power brick, mouse, etc in the same compartment as the computer.

There are screens and skins made for a lot of mass produced laptops, may be worth looking to find one.

 

What is vital: canned air to keep it free of dust and a bag to protect it in transport. Oh and be gentle with it, that helps a lot.

What I'd also recommend: flash drive because it's useful to have one of those around for transferring data and for emergencies, but who doesn't already have one these days. External hard drive of large capacity flash drive to backup your data regularly in case something goes south.

What I don't find necessary, but is nice to have: a mouse for gaming/work that requires more precision, SD card, it can be used as portable storage and it doesn't hangs out from a port, it sits flush with the laptop, nice replacement for a flash drive. I've never used a cooling pad ever and never had any problems, but it won't hurt to use one either. I always have a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner in my bag too to clean the laptop if it is ever dirty.

Some of your other questions are more software related, but here goes:

Security: if you're using windows 8, download and install the free version of malwarebytes anti-malware, keep it up to date and run a scan once in a while. If you're on windows 7, also download and install microsoft security essentials. Shut it down properly, not shutting it down properly won't hurt the hardware, but it can corrupt your OS and files. Make sure it is shut down before putting it in the bag, some laptops with a loose lid have a nasty habit of resuming from standby in a bag if the laptop doesn't fit too snugly and that can lead to overheating. That can be fixed in the power plan options in Windows though.

General stuff: when installing free software, make sure you don't install toolbars and such, the option to might be ticked by default: http://arstechnica.com/information-...mps-useless-add-ons-and-toolbars-on-pc-users/ This article talks about Java, but Flash and some other free software have a nasty tendency to want to Install the Google toolbar and Google Chrome for example. Chrome is a nice browser, but if you prefer using another browser, IE, firefox or Opera, why install it.

Some of what I'd consider common sense tips: http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/01/yes-that-pc-cleanup-app-you-saw-on-cable-tv-at-3am-is-a-scam/ and the article is a nice read.

 

Thanks for the advice!

2 questions though.

1.Are the air cannisters safe? I've heard they could be bad for the laptop. Also where is best to buy these from?

2.When I'm using my laptop but have to leave briefly for dinner or whatever is it ok to hibernate or is shutting it down better for the laptop?

Thanks.

 

1) Air cans are perfectly fine. Just use them as the directions say and you'll be good; e.g., don't hold the can upside-down when spraying, else you'll shoot out propellant instead of air.

2) It's fine to hibernate if you want.

 

More on aircans, coolers, etc.: http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...rket-upgrades/263039-nbr-cooling-central.html

 

Thanks, I'll look into that.

In terms of battery, what's the best way to utitlise the charger,

Charge when turned off until it's full then take it out and use it till to loses battery again or do you keep yours charged whilst turned on?