HAREWARE TIPS FOR ALL KIND OF USERS

HAREWARE TIPS FOR ALL KIND OF USERS

This week I have more of my special tips and tricks, this time concentrating on hardware tips for all computer users.

1. Get rid of bad vibes. Put your computer where it won't be subject to vibration, shaking or accidental kicks. They can mess up your hard drive. If it's on top of your desk, make sure your desk can't rock (even slightly) from side to side or front to back; prop up any short legs if you need to. If it's on the floor, make a solid platform out of concrete blocks covered by a velvet cloth or an old sheet, whichever looks better.

2. Keep it cool. Don't cut off the flow of air to your computer. Depending on the design, your computer draws air in through vents in the front, sides or bottom. Keep everything at least an inch away from obvious vents. (Bonus tip: If your computer starts running hot, don't take off the case in an attempt to give it more airflow. That usually diffuses the air too much. Instead, find out why it's running hot and get it fixed.)

3. Save electricity. Modern computers are able to hibernate (go into deep sleep) after a period of inactivity. Look for a setting (in the Control Panel or in the computer's System Preferences) for power-saving adjustments. Hibernation is a good idea for families who use an always-on Internet connection, too, because it takes computers offline and thereby shields them from intruders.

4. Kill the old mouse. The best kind of mouse uses a red light beam and has no moving parts. Optical mice, as these designs are called, can't get messed up by dirt and cat fur. Do yourself a favor and replace the old gummy-ball critter with one that can't get cruddy. (Bonus tip: Just plug the new mouse in and forget the installation software that comes with it. You don't need it.)

5. Take the bus. If your computer uses more than two USB devices, buy a powered USB bus to take the load off your computer. Plug the first device into your computer and the others into the bus. Be sure it's a powered bus; non-powered ones simply add more of a drain.