Over 80% of US, households have at least one laptop or desktop computer. With more and more of us using computers for work and leisure purposes, and kids growing up in a world where tech is omnipresent, it has never been more important to stay connected.

Talk to your kids about using the computer properly, offer advice and guidance and take a few moments to clean the monitor and keyboard at the end of the day.

Many parents are familiar with the scenario of children fighting to use the family computer, or having to step in and try and save the day when an error message pops up or the screen goes blank. If you’re keen to keep your home computer firing for as long as possible, here are some top tips to take on board.

Guidance and basic training

If you were using a computer at work, you’d probably receive some kind of training to ensure you know how to use the different software programs and what to do to protect the device from security threats and general maintenance issues.

You don’t have to be an IT maestro to provide some useful tips and tricks and guidance for your kids when it comes to introducing them to the family computer. If you have young children, it’s worth spending a bit of time showing them how to turn the computer on and off properly, how to find the apps and programs they want or need and how to take good care of the laptop or desktop.

Talk to your kids about using the computer properly, offer advice and guidance and take a few moments to clean the monitor and keyboard at the end of the day.

Security

Cybersecurity has become an increasingly important topic of discussion. Most of us tend to think of high-profile breaches affecting multinational corporations when we hear the word cybercrime, but in truth, everyone is vulnerable. Systems can be hacked and sensitive data obtained.

To keep your computer safe, make sure you utilize a secure network, choose passwords that are difficult to guess, and enable your firewall. Always ensure any security software you use is up to date, and talk to your kids about the importance of steering clear of unsafe sites. Run scans frequently and change your passwords on a regular basis.

Storage

Most family computers don’t have an infinite amount of storage available. If you like to download movies and music or play games online, you might find that it’s beneficial to clear system storage periodically to free up space. We store all kinds of things we don’t need, often without even realizing, and employing a tool to clear junk is an excellent idea. You can find information related to your specific device online.

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Cleaning

Have you ever noticed that your keyboard is full of dirt or fluff, or that your screen seems to be covered in a film of dust? Research suggests that your computer keyboard is up to 20,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat.

Apart from the fact that this statistic is enough to make the stomach churn, the presence of debris and dust can also hamper the performance and lifespan of your devices. It’s a good idea to make sure you keep your computer as clean as possible.

Get into the habit of wiping the keyboard and mouse on a regular basis and use a tool, for example, a small compressed air cleaning device, to remove dust from between the keys.

Or why not build your own PC

family computer, Top Tips For Keeping The Family Computer Firing, Days of a Domestic Dad

Program audit

Over the course of time, we download and add programs that we then forget about days or weeks later.If you don’t already review your programs and apps on a regular basis, it’s wise to start doing this, as if you have a load of programs installed that you don’t use, they can slow your systems down and take up valuable space.

Carry out a virtual audit from time to time, uninstalling anything you don’t use. It’s important to note that recycling or sending a program to the trash won’t uninstall it.

Neither will deleting a shortcut. To get rid of the program completely, you’ll need to manage your programs and go through the necessary steps, according to the type of computer and the operating system you have.

If you have a computer at home, it’s natural to want it to last for as long as possible. Updating tech can get expensive, and these simple tips could save you a lot of money in the long-run. Basic maintenance, teamed with awareness of the importance of security, can make all the difference. Keep an eye on what you’re downloading, get rid of any apps or programs you don’t use and make use of tools to clean your systems and free up storage.

Talk to your kids about using the computer properly, offer advice and guidance and take a few moments to clean the monitor and keyboard at the end of the day.