Is your computer pulling double-duty as your professional workhorse and a personal device? After more than a year of work-from-home conditions, it might be crumbling under the pressure. Keep reading to learn the signs of a dying computer and how to avoid it from happening.
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Signs That Your Computer Might Be Dying
Maybe you’ve heard of someone dropping their laptop or spilling a cup of coffee on their hard drive, instantly killing their computers.
These devastating scenarios happen in a blink of an eye, but unless you’re particularly clumsy, your tech probably won’t meet its end this way.
You’re far more likely to watch your tech slowly decline until you have to replace it.
Here are some signs there’s something wrong:
- Booting up and shutting down take a long time
- Apps frequently glitch or freeze
- Blue screen errors
- It’s always hot
- Hard drive and fan are noisy
- Corrupted files or programs
- Damaged pixels
- Hardware (like webcam, mic, speakers) no longer works
Do these issues sound familiar? Your computer might be on its way out. But it’s not dead yet! There’s still time to repair it and avoid a full replacement.
How Can You Handle the Cost of Repairs?
Repairs can still be costly, although not as expensive as a brand-new laptop or desktop. So how can you get back to work without throwing your budget out of whack?
Firstly, you’ll want to see if your device is still under its warranty. All major manufacturers provide a one-year warranty that covers the cost of repairs for defective or damaged parts. You may have also purchased an additional or extended warranty through your retailer.
You’ll also want to set aside some cash into an emergency fund every month, too. Financial rule of thumb is to keep as much as six months of living expenses in this account so that you’re prepared for anything.
But when it comes to computer repairs, even having $500 set aside can come in handy. You can have that saved up in a year by squirrelling away $40 every month.
If your computer needs attention before you can set aside enough, you can check out an online installment loan or cash advance to fill in the blanks.
These options are available even if bad credit has complicated borrowing for you in the past. Take a look at these online loans for people with bad credit to learn more about how they work. Keep in mind that you should only consider applying for one of these loans if your computer is essential to your ability to work.
All your research comparing cash advances, installment loans, and lines of credit can help you if an expert says you need a new computer.
Tech Maintenance: How to Put off Repairs and Replacements
Repairs or replacements. No matter how you slice it, paying to upgrade your work tech can be a bitter pill to swallow. You’ll want to do everything you can to ensure your fixed or new computer lasts as long as possible without any more investments.
Here are some simple maintenance chores you can do to keep your computer in its best shape for longer.
- Transport it in a special case to avoid physical damages
- Install an anti-virus and run it regularly
- Keep on top of operating system updates
- Run the disk defragmentation regularly
- Delete temporary or unused files, apps, and other software
- Empty your Internet browsing history, cookies, and cache
- Protect your battery by never letting it empty completely
A dying computer can be costly, but you can get back to work without breaking the bank.
About Carson Derrow
