具有讽刺意味的是，我们购买并发现有价值的任何东西的情况是，我们大多数人甚至懒得阅读手册，直到出现问题。如果我们能找到它，我们通常会求助于手册来纠正或修复出错的地方。手册通常会给出使物品使用寿命更长的注意事项和方法。(ts and ways)计算机也是如此。当有损坏时，我们查找手册。有些事情可能会损坏计算机并缩短其使用寿命 -(life –)如果您采取预防措施，则可以防止损坏硬件。
不阅读制造商的用户手册
制造商比您更了解您的计算机，因此用户手册(user manual)很重要。从打开电脑的简单程序到保持电脑清洁的最佳物品都包含在用户手册(user manual)中。在使用计算机之前，应阅读计算机的用户手册。(user manual)不应理所当然地认为所有关于计算机的知识都是众所周知的，因此手册并不重要。计算机总是在进步，所以可能会有一些新的东西需要特别注意。PC 可能看起来很相似，但它们可能具有不同的规格、功能和需求。您可能拥有外观相似的计算机，但其中一台可能只是稍作升级，因此可能略有不同。
可能损坏您的计算机(Computer)的常见事物
计算机确实有生命周期(life span)，最终会死亡。但是，如果对计算机进行某些操作会缩短其寿命。有些事情可能看起来简单无害，有些事情可能很明显。计算机是一项昂贵的投资，应尽一切努力确保它尽可能长时间地使用。
让我们看看一些可能会损坏您的计算机并缩短其寿命的事情：
- 拿起笔记本电脑的盖子
- 让计算机暴露在恶劣环境中
- 安装未经验证的软件
- 无需或低维护
- 在插入和伸出的东西的情况下移动计算机
- 未成年或未经培训的用户使用的计算机
- 使用廉价制造的配件和外围设备
- 通风受阻
- 俯瞰警告标志
- 围着电脑吃饭
- 用有害物质清洁电脑
- 在多尘的地方或清洁时使用计算机。
1] 提起笔记本电脑的盖子
笔记本电脑的盖子不是把手，因此不应该用来提起笔记本电脑。笔记本电脑的下半部分通常较重，因为它包含所有内部组件。这会使它变得非常重，如果被盖子抬起会损坏铰链。通过盖子提起笔记本电脑也可能损坏连接在盖子上的精致电缆。视频电缆(video cable)将VGA 卡(VGA card)连接到显示器。在某些笔记本电脑中，无线网卡(wireless card)从笔记本电脑的底部延伸到笔记本电脑的盖子。提起笔记本电脑的盖子可能会损坏连接。网络摄像头和麦克风(webcam and microphone)位于笔记本电脑的盖子中，它们连接到笔记本电脑的下部。提起笔记本电脑的盖子会损坏网络摄像头和麦克风(webcam and microphone)。笔记本电脑的铰链可能会拉紧，并且随着时间的推移，笔记本电脑的侧面可能会被迫打开。笔记本电脑在被盖子提起时也可能滑倒。
2]让计算机暴露在元素中
像其他电子产品一样，计算机容易受到极热和液体(heat and liquids)的影响。大多数计算机都不能承受这些元素和水，否则太阳会损坏它们。将计算机放在窗户附近或阳光或水(sun or water)可以照射到的室外会导致计算机发生故障或严重损坏。未着色的玻璃窗会让阳光进入，如果长时间暴露在阳光下，直射的阳光会损坏计算机。
3]安装未经验证的软件
盗版或未经验证的软件可能会对您的计算机健康构成威胁。该软件可用于隐藏恶意软件，安装后可能会损坏您的计算机。恶意软件可能会导致您的计算机出现故障甚至崩溃。崩溃可能会导致有价值的数据丢失。
阅读(Read)：使用盗版和仿冒软件(Pirated & Counterfeit Software)的后果和风险(Risks)。
4] 无需维护或维护成本低
计算机需要维护以保持其正常运行并延长其使用寿命。维护包括硬件和软件(hardware and software)，应定期进行。不进行维护可能会导致计算机损坏和数据丢失(computer and loss)。软件维护(Software maintenance)包括软件更新、恶意软件扫描、磁盘碎片整理。硬件维护(Hardware maintenance)包括清理电脑外部、清理电脑内部灰尘。灰尘和棉绒(dust and lint)堆积会导致通风受阻和过热。其中大部分是预防性维护，应在问题出现之前完成。用户还应该熟悉他们计算机的声音和动作，任何听起来不合适的东西或任何看起来不正常的行为都应该立即解决。计算机运行缓慢可能是过热、旧文件堆积的迹象，也可能是恶意软件在运行的信号。
阅读(Read)：保持Windows 10处于良好运行状态(running condition)的提示。
5]移动电脑，插入和伸出的东西
移动带有插入和伸出的东西的计算机可能会损坏计算机以及伸出的东西。您或某人可能会踩到可能损坏其插入的端口或折断电源线的电源线。在移动计算机时插入闪存(Flash)驱动器可能会撞到物体并损坏USB 端口(USB port)或闪存驱动器或两者兼而有之。每当要移动计算机时，最好拔下所有电源线和设备。
6] 未成年或未经培训的用户使用的计算机
电脑可能很先进，但相当精致，使用时要注意防范。为尽量减少对硬件和软件(hardware and software)的损坏，用户应该了解计算机的使用和保养(computer use and care)。未成年人或未经培训的人可能会严重损坏计算机及其内容。笔记本电脑的所有组件都位于键盘下方，因此大量使用或液体(use or liquids)可能会毁掉一切。未成年人或未经培训的人可能会意外安装恶意软件。他们还可能访问不安全或恶意网站。受过训练的用户会知道要注意什么并在出现警告信号时中止。未成年人或未经培训的人员在使用计算机时应受到监督。孩子们(Children)可以教您使用计算机，但您可以安装外接鼠标和键盘(mouse and keyboard)以最大程度地减少物理损坏。
阅读(Read)：如何保持主板清洁和保护？
7]使用廉价(Using cheaply)制造的配件和外围设备
廉价(Cheaply)制造的计算机配件和外围设备可能不会花费很多钱来购买，但它们可能会在计算机损坏方面花费很多。便宜(Cheap)的充电器、USB 数据线(USB Cables)、键盘、鼠标和其他产品并非根据严格的安全准则创建，这意味着它们的创建不是为了确保用户或计算机的安全。廉价(Cheaply)制造的电缆和其他外围设备可能会过热并损坏计算机。廉价制造的充电器可能不适用于计算机，因此它可能会向计算机发送过多或过少的电量并损坏计算机。
8] 阻塞通风
通风受阻会严重损坏或缩短计算机的使用寿命。阻塞的通风可能是由于灰尘和碎屑(dust and debris)的堆积或由于放置计算机而导致通风孔堵塞。笔记本电脑(Laptops)的底部通常有通风孔，因此将它们放在某些表面上可以堵塞这些孔。通风受阻会导致计算机过热并损坏组件或速度变慢。现在，如果计算机过热到一定程度，计算机就会兑现，当它们崩溃时，可能会丢失有价值的信息。
9]俯瞰警告标志
当它们出现时忽略警告标志可能会在以后进行更昂贵的修复或更换。电脑(Computer)过热、屏幕闪烁(screen flickering)、硬盘噪音、电脑变慢等警告信号不容忽视。如果警告标志没有被忽视，很多时候计算机可以被保存。过热会导致组件损坏和数据丢失。但是，如果对过热进行调查，则可以解决原因。
阅读(Read)：警告信号表明您的 PC 将崩溃或死亡。
10]围着(Eating)电脑吃喝
在电脑周围吃东西可能会造成严重损害。食物(Food)颗粒和液体可能会掉落在按键之间，也会吸引昆虫。笔记本电脑的主板位于键盘下方，水(keyboard and water)可能会进入按键之间并进入主板。油脂(Grease)和其他食物颗粒可能会沾到计算机的按键、触摸板、鼠标和计算机的其他部件上。液体意外(Accidental)溢出可能会严重损坏计算机。如果你需要吃喝，休息一下再去吃，这对眼睛休息也有好处。
阅读(Read)：如何保护您的计算机(Computer)免受断电和浪涌(Power Outages and Surges)的影响？
11]用有害物质清洁电脑
电脑(Computer)制造商会推荐最适合清洁电脑的物质。拒绝(Refusal)使用这些物品可能会对计算机造成永久性损坏。刺激性化学物质可能会损坏计算机的颜色甚至外壳材料(case material)。如果在内部进行清洁，该物质最终可能会损坏内部组件。
阅读：物理清洁(Read)Windows 计算机(Windows computer)的技巧。
12]在多尘的地方或清洁时使用计算机
计算机使用内部风扇来保持凉爽，这是通过吸入冷空气并释放热空气来完成的。计算机几乎会吸入周围任何小到可以进入的东西。在多尘的区域和正在清洁的区域使用计算机会引入更多的灰尘。这最终会堵塞风扇和通风口并导致过热(cause overheating)。在进行清洁时，计算机应关闭或进入睡眠状态，最好将其盖好或放置在其他位置。
结论
计算机会在某些时候出现故障，这不一定是由于用户错误。但是，有些事情可能会损坏您的计算机并缩短其使用寿命。购买计算机应被视为一项需要谨慎的投资。
阅读用户手册(user manual)很重要，因为它包含有用的安全、正确使用和保养信息(care information)。该手册甚至可能包含对可能出现的某些问题的基本故障排除。计算机寿命的长短和质量(length and quality)与您对待它的方式有很大关系。
Things that can damage your Computer and shorten its life
Not reading the manufacturer’s user manual
The manufacturer knows more about your computer than you do and so the user manual is important. From the simple procedure to turn on the computer to the best items to keep it clean are all included in the user manual. The computer’s user manual should be read before the computer is used. It should not be taken for granted that all is known about computers, so the manual isn’t important. There are always advances in computers so there might be something new that needs special attention. PCs may look alike but they may have different specifications and features and needs. You may have similar looking computers, but one might be a slight upgrade, so it might have something slightly different.
Common things that can damage your Computer
Computers do have a life span and will eventually die. However, there are things that if done to a computer will shorten its life. Some things might seem simple and harmless and some may be obvious. A computer is an expensive investment, and all should be done to make sure that it lasts as long as possible.
Let us look at some of the things that can damage your computer and shorten its life:
- Lifting a laptop by the cover
- Leaving the computer exposed to the elements
- Installing unverified software
- No or low maintenance
- Moving the computer with things plugged in and sticking out
- The computer used by underaged or untrained users
- Using cheaply manufactured accessories and peripherals
- Blocked ventilation
- Overlooking warning signs
- Eating around your computer
- Cleaning the computer with a harmful substance
- Using the computer in a dusty area or while cleaning.
1] Lifting a laptop by the cover
A laptop’s lid is not a handle and so it should not be used to lift the laptop. A laptop’s lower half is usually heavier since it holds all the internal components. This will make it very heavy and will damage the hinges if lifted by the cover. Lifting the laptop by the cover could also damage the delicate cables that are attached to the lid. The video cable connects the VGA card to the monitor. In some laptops, the wireless card runs from the bottom of the laptop to the lid of the laptop. Lifting the laptop by the lid could damage the connection. The webcam and microphone are found in the lid of the laptop and these are connected to the lower section of the laptop. Lifting the laptop by the lid will damage the webcam and microphone. The hinges of the laptop could be strained, and the sides of the laptop could be forced open over time. The laptop could also slip and fall when it is lifted by the lid.
2] Leaving the computer exposed to the elements
Computers like other electronics are susceptible to extreme heat and liquids. Most computers are not built to withstand the elements and water, or the sun will damage them. Leaving a computer near a window or outside where the sun or water can catch it will cause it to a malfunction or be severely damaged. Un-tinted glass windows will allow sunlight to enter, and direct sunlight will damage a computer if it is left exposed for long periods.
3] Installing unverified software
Pirated or Unverified software can pose a threat to your computer’s health. The software can be used to hide malicious software and when installed, they could damage your computer. Malicious software can cause your computer to malfunction and even crash. The crash can cause loss of valuable data.
Read: Consequences & Risks of using Pirated & Counterfeit Software.
4] No or low maintenance
Computers require maintenance to keep them running properly and to extend their life. Maintenance is both for hardware and software and should be done regularly. Failure to do maintenance could result in damage to the computer and loss of data. Software maintenance includes updates to software, scanning for malicious software, defragmenting drives. Hardware maintenance includes cleaning the outside of the computer, cleaning dust from the inside of the computer. A buildup of dust and lint can cause blocked ventilation and overheating. Most of these are preventative maintenance, they should be done before problems develop. Users should also get familiar with the sounds and actions of their computer, anything that sounds out of place or any behavior that does not seem normal should be addressed immediately. A computer moving slowly could be a sign of overheating, a buildup of old files or, it could signal the working of malicious software.
Read: Tips to maintain Windows in good running condition.
5] Moving the computer with things plugged in and sticking out
Moving the computer with things plugged in and sticking out could damage the computer and as well as the thing sticking out. You or someone may step on a cord that could damage the port it is plugged into or break the cord. Flash drives left plugged in while the computer is being moved could hit an object and damage the USB port or the flash drive or both. Whenever a computer is to be moved, it is best to unplug all cords and devices.
Read: Is it OK or Bad to place desktop PC on the floor?
6] The computer used by underaged or untrained users
Computers may be very advanced, but they are quite delicate, and precautions should be taken when they are used. To minimize damage to hardware and software, users should be knowledgeable about computer use and care. Underage or untrained persons could severely damage a computer and its content. Laptops have all their components under the keyboard so heavy use or liquids could ruin everything. Underaged or untrained persons could install malicious software accidentally. They may also visit unsecured or malicious websites. A trained user would know what to look out for and abort at warning signs. Underaged or untrained persons should be supervised when using the computer. Children can be taught to use the computer, but you can install an external mouse and keyboard to minimize physical damages.
Read: How to keep your motherboard clean and protected?
7] Using cheaply manufactured accessories and peripherals
Cheaply manufactured computer accessories and peripherals may not cost a lot of money to buy, but they could cost a lot in computer damages. Cheap chargers, USB Cables, keyboards, mouse, and others were not created under strict safety guidelines, this means that they are not created to assure safety for users or computers. Cheaply manufactured cables and other peripherals can overheat and cause damage to the computer. The cheaply manufactured chargers may not be rated for the computer so it might send too much or too little power to the computer and will damage it.
Read: How long does the average Windows PC last?
8] Blocked Ventilation
Blocked ventilation can severely damage or shorten the life of a computer. Blocked ventilation can be caused by a buildup of dust and debris or because the ventilation holes are blocked up due to the placement of the computer. Laptops usually have vent holes at the bottom so putting them on certain surfaces can block these holes. Blocked ventilation will cause the computer to overheat and damage components or slow down. Computers are now made to cash if they overheat to a certain point and when they crash there may be a loss of valuable information.
9] Overlooking warning signs
Overlooking warning signs when they appear could make for more expensive fixes or replacements later. Computer overheating, screen flickering, hard drive noises, computer getting slow, and other warning signs should not be overlooked. A lot of times computers could have been saved if the warning signs were not overlooked. Overheating can cause damage to components and loss of data. However, if the overheating were investigated, the cause could have been addressed.
Read: Warning signs that your PC is going to crash or die.
10] Eating and drinking around the computer
Eating around the computer could cause severe damage. Food particles and liquids could drop between the keys and can also attract insects. The motherboard of a laptop is below the keyboard and water could get between the keys and get onto the motherboard. Grease and other food particles could get on the computer’s keys, touchpad, mouse, and other parts of the computer. Accidental spills of liquids could severely damage the computer. If you need to eat or drink, take a break and go eat, this will also be good for resting your eyes.
Read: How to protect your Computer from Power Outages and Surges?
11] Cleaning the computer with harmful substances
Computer manufacturers will recommend the substances that are best suited to clean the computer. Refusal to use these items could result in permanent damage to the computer. Harsh chemicals could damage the color and even the case material of the computer. If cleaning is done on the inside, the substance might eventually damage the internal components.
Read: Tips to physically clean your Windows computer.
12] Using the computer in a dusty area or while cleaning
Computers use internal fans to keep cool, this is done by sucking in cool air and releasing hot one. The computer will suck in just about anything around it that is small enough to go in. using the computer in dusty areas and areas that are being cleaned will introduce even more dust. This will eventually block fans and vents and cause overheating. Computers should be put to off or sleep while cleaning is being done and in the best case, they should be covered or placed in another location.
Conclusion
Computers will fail at some point and that does not have to be due to user error. However, there are things that can damage your computer & shorten its life. Buying a computer should be viewed as an investment that needs to be taken care of.
Reading the user manual is important because it contains useful safety, proper use, and care information. The manual may even contain basic troubleshoot for some problems that may develop. The length and quality of your computer’s life have a lot to do with how you treat it.
