16 things that can damage your computer

A computer is quite sensitive and there are some things that should be avoided at all costs.

In the last 20 years, computers have become an integral part of our lives. Many of us may spend several hours in front of one while working, only to return home and continue in front of another. Unfortunately, many times we follow certain practices that can only do harm. And because it's good to "be careful what we have," we've compiled here 16 of the most common mistakes made that can be fatal to a computer.

See also: 9 simple steps to secure your computer

1. Blocking of ventilation passages

In an attempt to save space, we may place our computer in such a way that we block its ventilation as we block its vents. Placing them too close or stuck to walls blocking ventilation grilles, laptops running for hours on a table without a cooling fan stand, curtains falling over the back without us noticing are common examples. High temperatures that are not dissipated will sooner or later do damage, and a lot of it (I saw a power supply catch fire), so, it is advisable to take great care to make sure that your computer is well ventilated and stays cool.

2. Delete system files

It is common over time to accumulate all kinds of files on our computer. Photos, music, movies, etc., and suddenly the hard drive fills up. And when it fills up, then the computer "resents", the operation slows down and generally the disk is inconvenienced and its lifespan decreases. So the logical thing to do is to want to delete useless files. And the damage is done when, users with inexperience delete files that seem useless to them, but unfortunately are files useful for the proper functioning of the computer. Then, we go to reopen it at some point, but it won't open. So, beware of files like .SYS, .DLL, or .EXE, and don't mess with files in the Program Files, System32, Windows, Users (Windows) folders. If you want to uninstall a program, use Control Panel (Programs and Features) and don't delete programs manually. As for Mac users, don't mess with the Library folder (although it is usually hidden).

3. Screen cleaning with glass liquids etc.

When you want to clean your computer screen, AZAX is not the best solution. The chemicals present in cleaning fluids can damage the special coating on the computer screen. If you get (which is easy) the liquid inside the screen, it can also create rust, short circuits and more. The best way is to use a special wipe like the ones for glasses or special cleaners sold in computer stores specifically for this purpose.

4. Closing the CD/DVD by ... pushing

It's something we do often unfortunately because it's easier than pressing the relevant button. We may think it's the same, but when we force the CD/DVD "tray", we may eventually break the mechanism which is very sensitive. At best, we might slightly warp it - without showing it - and then it won't read the CD/DVDs because the laser beam won't center properly. So, it's best to use the key. This is one reason why "slot-in" devices (trayless, the ones that "suck" the disc) are much more sensitive and break more easily.

5. Using the same cue everywhere

Yes, it may be easy to remember, but a hacker or criminal who finds the password has automatically unlocked everything. Just like you don't use the same key for your house, car, motorbike or bank deposit box, you shouldn't use a common password for everything. If you can't remember passwords, just use some apps that will do it for you like 1Password, LastPass or LogMeOnce.

See also: The disclosure of the password

6. Not restarting when installing a program that asks for it

When we install new programs, we will see some of them ask us to restart our computer at the end of the installation. It may feel like a waste of time, but it's not. Some applications need to be started with our computer in order to work properly, so restarting them is necessary for them to work properly and not doing so leads to poor or no operation (or other problems). So, follow the rules to avoid surprises.

7. Web surfing without antivirus updated

This is one of the most dangerous. One of the most important things to have installed on your computer is an antivirus. Surfing the Internet exposes you to malware. Others try to collect your data, others want to take your money, others want to take over your computer and the list goes on. So, make sure you have a good antivirus installed and that it is updated frequently.

See also: Top 5 free antivirus for Windows

8. Letting your pets get too close to your computer

If you have a pet (especially a cat) you might find that it wants to use your laptop as a pillow. Or play with the mouse. Of course it's not their (the pets) fault. The heat emitted by your computer is an attraction for a pet (especially cat, repeat). You might find it very pretty, tasteful, picturesque like the photo above. But your computer doesn't have the same view. Hair from their fur can disable the keyboard, clog the ventilation outlets and other goodies. Then you'll cry on the computer. So, keep your furry friends away from it. Oh yeah... and small children too (under 5 years old).

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9. Automatic installation of programs

You may get bored reading the information in the various windows when you install a program. And some, if not most, will offer to "save you the trouble" through automatic installation. But some of them will install additional programs you may not want, change your browser home page, your search engine, various toolbars that will (at best) slow down your computer, and other miscellaneous things. Therefore, it's best to leave the "automations" and choose your customized installation step by step. Next time you install something, take a look at what it will do before you just hit "OK".

10. Opening the computer case while it is plugged in

We've said before that it's good to clean your computer from time to time. The dust that collects inside can do a lot of damage. But before you open (or unscrew) the lid, first check that you've unplugged it. It's not certain that damage will occur, but it's possible. Especially on some machines where there is no extra mechanical switch on the power supply (on the back) to isolate it from the power. The front "on-off" switch we use never completely shuts off and does not cut the power, so the computer is live. If you turn it on under these conditions, something bad can always happen (from short circuit to electrocution).

11. Do not leave the computer near heat sources

Exposing the computer to heat sources (such as sunlight or a nearby heater) will definitely damage it over time. As we said, the computer generates heat on its own, so an additional heat source near it will prevent it from dissipating the heat inside and cooling down sufficiently. Damage from power supply burnout, to motherboard, processor or other subsystems is very likely.

12. Bumps on the box

There's an idea in general - taken from the machines - and it says: "Stick one in him and he'll straighten up." And so, when we sometimes see the computer behaving strangely, like making noise or being slow, some people think of slapping the lid to "get it going". Well, really, this is a very bad practice. If you hear a lot of noise, maybe a fan is having trouble and - trust me - it doesn't turn on with a muffler. If it's still slow, it might be something else and it doesn't fix with flapping either. Whatever it is, you're better off going to an expert rather than making the situation worse with these kinds of practices.

13. Magnets near the computer

Avoid them at all costs. There are subsystems that are affected by magnetic fields, such as hard drives, various USB sticks, SD cards, and even the monitor, so keep magnets away from your computer. Although they are not easy to damage, "he who guards his clothes ..."

See also: Magnetic fields and smartphone-hard disks

14. Get out of an account if you don't use it

Especially in the office or generally in places where someone you don't want could have access to your email or Facebook etc. So when you finish your work on a service - such as email - always log out. Otherwise, you risk leaving access open to anyone and, at some point when you are not present, they may see your activity on that service or steal your data.

15. Do not forcefully extract a USB device

The usability of USB devices is definitely great. But while connecting them is simple, disconnecting them requires a little process (we call it eject). Most of us don't perform it though, we just unplug the device and all is well. Usually nothing is wrong, but once in a thousand you might damage the device or lose everything. So, it's good to get used to the unplugging process if you want to have peace of mind, especially if you have data you don't want to lose.

16. Don't open multiple web pages at the same time

Okay, this won't hurt your computer per se, but the delays you'll experience will definitely be very bad for your nerves. We usually forget and open one website after another, but we forget that each open website takes up resources from the machine, and as a result, after a while it starts crawling and you don't know why. Don't open more than 9 windows at once (and that's a lot) if you want your Internet surfing to be pleasant and not Chinese torture.

from Elichord