Top 5 Tips for Basic Computer Maintenance!

Summary

In this informative video, Bernardo from BTNHD shares five essential tips for basic computer maintenance while working from home. He advises organizing files, implementing a solid backup strategy using external drives or cloud solutions, setting up a password manager for security, and cleaning dust from PCs and laptops to prevent overheating and maintain performance. Additionally, he suggests updating antivirus software, keeping Windows and applications up to date, securing Wi-Fi, and considering hardware upgrades for improved efficiency.

Takeaways

• 🗂️ Organize your files by centralizing them in one location and categorizing them into folders like 'important', 'non-important', 'delete', and 'store somewhere else'.
• 💾 Implement a backup strategy for your files using external hard drives or cloud backup solutions to ensure data safety and recovery.
• 🔒 Set up a password manager to generate unique and complex passwords, improving security and simplifying login processes.
• 🧹 Regularly clean the inside of your PC or laptop, especially the vents, to prevent dust accumulation that can cause heating and performance issues.
• 🖥️ Use compressed air and a microfiber cloth to clean your keyboard and mouse, and consider cable management for a neat setup.
• 🛡️ Update your antivirus software and ensure all Windows updates and security patches are applied for a secure computing environment.
• 🔄 Keep your software up-to-date, including applications like Adobe Reader, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro, to benefit from the latest features and security improvements.
• 🔑 Secure your WiFi network with a strong password and regularly update your router's firmware to protect against vulnerabilities.
• 💻 Consider upgrading your PC hardware, such as increasing RAM or replacing the hard drive, to enhance performance and speed.
• 🔄 Enable File History in Windows 10 to take snapshots and retrieve previous versions of files if needed.
• 👋 Remember to regularly maintain your computer to show it some love and extend its lifespan.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to provide viewers with five basic computer maintenance tips to ensure their computers are well-maintained and functioning optimally.

What is the first tip given for organizing files on a computer?

The first tip is to centralize all documents such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, videos, and pictures into one location at home.

How does Bernardo suggest organizing files after centralizing them?

Bernardo suggests creating folders labeled 'important', 'non-important', 'delete', and 'store somewhere else' to categorize and manage files effectively.

What is the recommended backup strategy according to the video?

The recommended backup strategy includes using an external hard drive or a flash drive to store files, with the suggestion of having two backups — one local and one offsite.

What is the role of a password manager as mentioned in the video?

A password manager helps in generating unique and complex passwords, storing them securely, and automatically logging users into their accounts, thereby enhancing security and convenience.

Why is it important to clean the inside of a PC or laptop?

Cleaning the inside of a PC or laptop is important because dust accumulation can cause heating issues and degrade the computer's performance, potentially damaging the components.

What items are suggested for cleaning a laptop or PC?

The items suggested for cleaning include a can of compressed air, a microfiber cloth for the keyboard, and zip or twist ties for cable management.

What is the additional tip given for cleaning the keyboard and mouse?

The additional tip is to wipe down the keyboard and mouse with disinfecting wipes and to use a can of compressed air to blow out dust and crumbs from the keyboard.

What are some of the bonus tips provided in the video for further computer maintenance?

The bonus tips include updating antivirus software, pushing out Windows updates and security updates, updating software applications, securing the WiFi password, updating the router, and considering hardware upgrades such as increasing memory or replacing the hard drive.

What is the significance of implementing a backup solution as mentioned in the video?

Implementing a backup solution is crucial to prevent data loss in case of hardware failure, accidental deletion, or other unforeseen circumstances, ensuring that important files can be retrieved.

How does the video suggest using File History within Windows 10 for backup purposes?

The video suggests that enabling File History within Windows 10 will take snapshots of the system, allowing users to go back in time and retrieve previous versions of files if needed.

What is the reason for not opening up a laptop for cleaning if you're not sure what you're doing?

The reason is to avoid potential damage to the laptop's internal components or voiding the warranty, as cleaning the internal parts requires knowledge and expertise.

Outlines

00:00

🖥️ Basic Computer Maintenance Tips

Bernardo from BTNHD shares five essential tips for computer maintenance while working from home. The first tip is to organize files by creating a centralized location and categorizing them into important, non-important, and delete piles. The second tip emphasizes the importance of implementing a backup strategy using external hard drives or cloud services like Backblaze, and enabling File History in Windows 10 for version retrieval. The third tip is about setting up a password manager to create and store unique, complex passwords for enhanced security. The fourth tip involves cleaning the inside of your PC or laptop to prevent dust accumulation that can degrade performance and damage components, using tools like compressed air and microfiber cloths. The final main tip is to clean the keyboard and mouse regularly with disinfecting wipes and compressed air. Bernardo also provides bonus tips, including updating antivirus software, Windows updates, software applications, securing Wi-Fi passwords, updating routers, and considering hardware upgrades for better performance.

05:05

🛠️ Additional Computer Care Tips

In addition to the main tips, Bernardo offers bonus advice for further computer care. He suggests updating antivirus software to protect against malware and viruses. Keeping Windows and all PC software up to date ensures optimal performance and security. Bernardo also advises securing your Wi-Fi with a strong password and updating your router to prevent unauthorized access. Lastly, he touches on the topic of upgrading PC hardware, such as increasing RAM for better performance, and mentions the process involved in upgrading hard drives, including reinstalling Windows 10 and software.

Keywords

💡Computer Maintenance

Computer maintenance refers to the various tasks performed to ensure that a computer system continues to function properly. In the video, this concept is central as the host provides tips to maintain a personal computer, emphasizing the importance of regular care to prevent issues and extend the life of the system.

💡File Organization

File organization is the process of arranging digital files in a systematic way for easy access and management. The video script suggests centralizing documents and creating folders for different categories of files, such as 'important' and 'delete', to streamline the user's workflow and prevent misplacement of essential documents.

💡Backup Strategy

A backup strategy is a plan for the periodic copying of digital files to a separate storage device to ensure their availability in the event of a failure with the original storage device. The script mentions using external hard drives and cloud solutions like Backblaze, as well as Windows 10's File History feature, to safeguard important files against loss.

💡Password Manager

A password manager is a tool designed to store and manage login credentials for various online accounts securely. The video emphasizes the importance of using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords, thereby enhancing account security and reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

💡Dust Cleaning

Dust cleaning involves the removal of dust and debris from electronic devices to prevent overheating and maintain optimal performance. The script provides advice on cleaning the vents and internal components of desktops and laptops, highlighting the negative impact of dust accumulation on device performance.

💡Cable Management

Cable management is the practice of organizing and securing cables in a way that reduces clutter and improves the appearance and functionality of an electronic setup. The video suggests using zip ties or twist ties to tidy up cables when the desktop case is open, contributing to a cleaner and more efficient workspace.

💡Keyboard and Mouse Cleaning

Cleaning the keyboard and mouse is essential for maintaining hygiene and ensuring the longevity of these input devices. The script describes techniques such as wiping down with disinfecting wipes and using compressed air to remove dust and debris from between the keys, illustrating the importance of regular cleaning for both health and functionality.

💡Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is a program designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software from a computer system. The video script includes a bonus tip to update antivirus software, underlining its role in protecting computers from viruses, worms, and other threats.

💡Windows Updates

Windows updates refer to the patches and improvements released by Microsoft for its Windows operating system to enhance security, fix bugs, and add new features. The video encourages viewers to keep their Windows software up to date, emphasizing the importance of security updates for protecting the computer from vulnerabilities.

💡Software Updates

Software updates are revisions to a computer program that may include fixes for security issues, improvements to functionality, or additional features. The script advises updating all software used on the PC, such as Adobe Reader or Photoshop, to ensure that the applications are fully up to date and secure.

💡PC Hardware Upgrade

A PC hardware upgrade involves replacing or adding components to a computer system to improve its performance or capabilities. The video mentions upgrading memory (RAM) as an example, explaining that increasing the RAM from 4GB to 8GB or 16GB can significantly boost the computer's speed and responsiveness, especially for resource-intensive tasks.

Highlights

Introduction to the video by Bernardo from BTNHD on basic computer maintenance.

Tip 1: Organize your files by centralizing documents and creating folders for different file priorities.

Suggestion to create folders labeled 'important', 'non-important', 'delete', and 'store somewhere else'.

Tip 2: Implement a backup strategy using external hard drives for local and offsite storage.

Recommendation to use cloud backup solutions like Backblaze or enable File History in Windows 10.

Tip 3: Set up a password manager to create and store unique, complex passwords.

Advice to change passwords that share a common theme or pattern for security.

Tip 4: Dust and clean the inside of your PC or laptop to prevent heating issues and maintain performance.

Instructions on cleaning vents and components with compressed air and a microfiber cloth.

Tip 5: Clean your keyboard and mouse with disinfecting wipes and compressed air.

Bonus Tip 1: Update your antivirus software to protect against malware and viruses.

Bonus Tip 2: Ensure all Windows updates and security updates are applied.

Bonus Tip 3: Keep all software up to date, including Adobe Reader, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

Bonus Tip 4: Secure your WiFi with a strong password and update your router firmware.

Bonus Tip 5: Consider upgrading PC hardware such as memory or hard drive for improved performance.

Closing remarks encouraging viewers to like, subscribe, and look forward to the next video.

Transcripts

What's up guys?

It is Bernardo from the BTNHD and yes, we are stuck home working from home with our

personal computers because we don't have a work computer right.

So here are five tips for basic computer maintenance because most likely your computer needs some

love.

And here we go.

All right, so five tips for basic computer maintenance to show some love to your computer.

Number one in my list is organize your files, centralize all your documents such as Word,

Excel, PowerPoint, video, pictures into one location at home.

Once you do that, once you have all your files into one centralized location, it is time

for you to sit down and start thinking how in the hell can I organize all these files?

Here are some ideas create a folder called important, non important, delete and store

somewhere else.

That's the way I like to break it down.

I like to create multiple folders and start dragging and dropping stuff.

Okay, this file is important.

dropping in this folder.

This file is not too important.

I really need it, I might have to archive it, drop it here.

This file I definitely don't need it.

Let's just put it inside a delete pile and then once everything is ready I just delete

everything in one shot tip number two super easy implemented backup strategy.

So all your files are organized.

You have that folder on your desktop called important, do not delete I need you for life.

So back it up, but back it up somewhere, right you got to back it up some way I recommend

an external hard drive, get get a flash drive or an external hard drive big enough to store

all your files into it.

You could do local and off site.

What do I mean?

I would say get two external hard drives, do two backups, right?

Keep one at home and then keep another one let's say at your friend's house, or your

parents house or your siblings house wherever keep it off site.

So if something happens to the local one, you still have a clean copy somewhere else,

cloud backup solutions.

You don't want to do the whole drag and drop or copy over to an external hard drive.

Hey, find a solution that you're able to install a client and we'll back it up for you manually

and save it up in the sky for you.

The one that I use and I'm comfortable using is backblaze.

Another feature is enable File History within Windows 10.

This will actually take snapshots of your windows 10 and give you previous versions.

So if you delete something, or you can't find something, you could actually go back in time

and retrieve it okay, but number one thing is just implement a backup solution on your

machine with all your files.

Tip number three is set up a password manager now sit down again and think write down right

write down all your passwords and look at them.

Do they all have a theme?

If you have password 123 and password 1234 password with symbols 123 you need to change

them ASAP.

It's time to change them.

Okay, so if all your password for your bank, your Google, your Hotmail, Yahoo, whatever

account that you're using your passwords with, if they all share a certain theme or they

all look the same and it's time for you to change them.

Best thing is you can look into a password manager because it generates a password for

you.

It creates a unique complex password it saves it for you so you don't have to drive yourself

crazy and also automatically logs you in.

If you have like the password manager like a plug in on the browser.

Number four on my list is a super easy one and as dust and clean inside your PC it could

also be a laptop.

Don't get me wrong, you don't have to open up your laptop to clean it up, you know clean

around the vents.

Super easy laptops and desktops accumulate a lot of dust inside them.

if the vents on the laptop and the desktop are dirty because of dust.

You know these machines rely on free flowing air cooled air needs to go in for the hot

air to go out.

Right.

So that will cause a lot of heating issues on your machine and performance.

A couple areas if you are dealing with a desktop would be the fan blades, cables and all that

components within the motherboard like the memory, the heat sink, having dust within

your computer can actually degrade the computer's performance and also damage the computer components

cleaning your laptop and PC is super easy.

These are the items that you actually need a can of compressed air, a screwdriver to

actually open up the case I don't recommend opening up your laptop, just make sure you

take the air can and just you know, spray around the vents don't open up the laptop

if you don't know what you're doing.

If you're an individual that does know what you're doing open up the laptop and then you

could spray it but if you don't just leave it alone, a microfiber cloth works well especially

for the keyboard another item to have a zip or twist ties for cable management take advantage

when your PC desktop is open up.

You could actually do a little bit of cable management and tie that stuff up to look nice

and clean.

And the last one in my list is clean your keyboard and mouse super easy wipe down your

keyboard and mouse with disinfecting wipes.

Take the keyboard you can actually take a keyboard which I got a keyboard right here

and just bang it, bang it to get all those crumbs out in between the keys.

You can also use a can of compressed air to blow out all the dust and crumbs inside the

keyboard.

Now these are only five basic tips you could do on your computer to show some love to it.

Now there's a lot more out there and I'm going to give you a couple more for bonus.

And these are some bonus tips.

One, update your antivirus software.

Two, make sure you push out all Windows updates and security updates.

Update your software that you use on your PC.

So if you're using Adobe Reader or if you're using Photoshop or premiere illustrator, make

sure that those applications are fully up to date.

Another one is secure your WiFi password and update your router.

And last but not least, upgrade your PC hardware.

If you have only like four gigs of memory and it's running a little slow.

Hey, it's time for you to bump up that memory to maybe 8 to 16 gigs of memory nowadays is

super cheap.

Hard Drive is kind of tricky because with the hard drive replacement you actually have

to reinstall Windows 10 and reinstall all your programs to upgrade your hard drive and

that's it guys hopefully you guys enjoyed this video make sure to hit that like button

also subscribe and I'll catch you guys on the next one.

Peace out.