Keeping your computer in good shape is essential, whether you use it for work, gaming, or browsing the web. Here are the top five culprits that can Kill your computer and how to avoid them.

1. Overheating

Overheating is a silent computer killer. When your computer gets too hot, it can cause serious damage to internal components. Dust buildup, poor ventilation, and heavy usage without breaks are common causes.

How to Prevent It:

• Clean the dust out of your computer regularly.
• Ensure your computer is in a well-ventilated area.
• Use cooling pads or external fans if you’re using a laptop.

2. Power Surges

A sudden spike in electricity can fry your computer’s internal circuits. Power surges can come from lightning strikes, faulty wiring, or even the sudden turning on/off of high-power appliances.

How to Prevent It:

• Use a surge protector for all your electronics.
• Consider investing in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to safeguard against sudden power cuts.

3. Malware and Viruses

Malicious software can cause everything from minor annoyances to severe damage to your computer’s system files. Viruses, ransomware, and spyware are common threats.

How to Prevent It:

• Install reputable antivirus software and keep it updated.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
• Regularly back up your data.

4. Hard Drive Failures

Hard drives have moving parts that can wear out over time, leading to failures. Physical damage, power surges, and overheating can accelerate this process.

How to Prevent It:

• Regularly back up important data to external drives or cloud storage.
• Monitor your hard drive’s health with diagnostic tools.
• Replace old hard drives before they fail.

5. Neglecting Regular Maintenance

Just like a car, your computer needs regular maintenance. Ignoring software updates, not cleaning out old files, and skipping routine hardware checks can lead to system inefficiencies and failures.

How to Prevent It:

• Schedule regular software updates and scans.
• Clean up unnecessary files and programs periodically.
• Perform routine hardware inspections or get a professional check-up.

By staying vigilant and proactive, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your computer. If you’re in Lithgow or surrounding areas and need professional help, Lithgow Tech Services at 53 Main Street, Lithgow, NSW, is here for you.