By Michael Tan

A laptop computer is not cheap. So if you own a laptop, you should do everything you can to keep it in the best condition.

Besides dusting the keyboard and keeping your laptop screen clean, here are some guidance to keep your laptop in good condition:

1. Keep temperature low - Every laptop comes with a fan grill that's used to disperse heat from the machine. This is because laptop will generate high volume of heats, especially when running high-powered software, which will possibly damage the internal circuit of the laptop if not handled properly. So when using your laptop, make sure that the fan grill is not blocked. Using a laptop cooler is also advisable to ensure your laptop don't get overheated.

2. Handle the screen carefully - Avoid touching or playing with your LCD screen. Yes, it might be fun to watch the waves generated by your finger against the screen, but LCD displays are fragile devices that must be cared for. Take care when cleaning the screen too, and use only approved cleaning materials. You won't want to pay the money for screen repairs or, even worse - a new machine entirely.

3. Avoid dropping your laptop - A laptop computer is designed for portability. But this also means that there will be higher chances of dropping it when carrying it around. One ill fated drop to the floor can immediately kill a laptop. So always be extra careful when carrying a laptop around. For extra protection, put it in a laptop case when it's not in use.

4. Be careful with those drinks - If you need to have a drink while working or playing, be careful not to spill it. Your laptop computer could suffer the consequences from just a few drops of liquid poured in the right places. While you probably do eat and drink around it regardless, you will want to occasionally wipe down the edges, the keyboard, the touchpad, and maybe even wipe down the screen to keep any dirt from accumulating.

5. Keep it away from viruses - Nowadays, new computer viruses are detected almost everyday. You need to protect your laptop from them with a proper anti-virus program. If you cannot afford to pay for one, get a free version. You can easily download a free Anti-virus program such as AVG from the Internet. And don't forget to turn on the auto-update feature of the anti-virus program to let it update the virus definition daily.

And that's the few basic guidelines that every laptop owners should pay attention to. Following these tips will ensure your laptop to always stay in good condition.

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