Where to keep laptop at home

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This article provides guidance and direction for proper bulk storage of portable computers.

How To Properly Store Portable Computer Systems Without Damaging Them

When storing multiple portable systems, it is a best practice not to stack them on top of each other. Other systems or heavy materials that are placed on top are likely to damage some of the systems at the bottom of the stack [Figure 1].

Figure 1 - How not to store your portable systems.

Rack Systems For Storage

 

Note: The pictures below are examples of storing portable laptops.

It is best practice when storing portable systems to put them in a rack. Systems are placed vertically next to each other and not on top of each other [Figure 2 and 3].

Figure 2 - Storing portable systems in a rack.

Figure 3 - Storing portable systems in a rack.

Another option is to use storage carts for the portable systems [Figure 3 and 4].

Figure 4 - Storage of portable systems in a Cart.

Figure 5 - Storage of portable systems in a Cart.

Sometimes when space is at a premium, there is no alternative to stacking due to space limitations. If you must stack systems, it is suggested that you stack them in stacks of five [5] systems or less. Stacking systems any higher can damage the systems on the bottom of the stack, due to the combined weight of the systems on top [Figure 6 and 7].

Figure 6 - Limited stacking of systems for space conservation.

Figure 7 - Limited stacking of systems for space conservation.

There are some simple do it yourself [DYI] affordable concepts that may help you organize and store your portable systems [Figure 8 - 10].

Figure 8 - Do it Yourself [DYI] Racking alternative options.

Figure 9 - Do it Yourself [DYI] Racking alternative options.

Figure 10 - Do it Yourself [DYI] Racking alternative options.

If you have further questions about this article, contact Dell Technical Support.

More Information:

The following links give information about best practices for battery life when storing portable notebooks:

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Co-authored by Jeremy Mercer and Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: January 1, 2022 Tested

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This article was co-authored by Jeremy Mercer and by wikiHow staff writer, Jack Lloyd. Jeremy Mercer is the Manager and Head Technician at MacPro-LA in Los Angeles, CA. He has over ten years of experience working in electronics repair, as well as retail stores that specialize in both Mac and PC.

The wikiHow Tech Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work.

This article has been viewed 889,684 times.

This wikiHow teaches you how to maintain your laptop computer in order to keep it running fast and error-free.

Steps

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Taking Care of Hardware

1. 1

   Prevent accidents before they happen. Protecting your laptop's hardware is usually a matter of caution. You can avoid the majority of common pitfalls by doing the following:

   • Keep food and drink away from the laptop.
   • Use your laptop in safe conditions [e.g., away from water, extreme temperatures, and so on].
   • Place your laptop out of reach of children and pets.

2. 2

   Buy a computer case. Especially if you're particularly accident-prone, having a hard-shell case for your laptop will prevent damage from minor falls or spills when your laptop is shut.

   • You might also want to invest in a specific laptop bag [or a backpack with a dedicated laptop compartment] if you travel often.

3. 3

   Know how to treat the battery. Unfortunately, factory laptop batteries tend to have reduced lifespans, so your laptop's battery life will usually not match the factory estimates. Battery life reduces each time you have to charge it, so consider keeping your laptop plugged into a power cable until you absolutely have to use the battery.

4. 4

   Use your laptop in ideal conditions. When using your laptop, try to recreate the best possible conditions by doing the following:

   • Make sure your hands are clean before using your laptop.
   • Place your laptop on a clean, dust-free surface.
   • Make sure the laptop is well-ventilated by ensuring that the vents are clear of obstructions.
   • Keep your environment at a neutral temperature.
   • Use a dehumidifier if your climate is exceptionally humid.

5. 5

   Clean your laptop often. Taking a few minutes to clean your computer of dust, grime, residue, and so on will make a huge difference in your laptop's lifespan. Focus on the following:

   • Keyboard
   • Vents
   • Screen

6. 6

   Be gentle when plugging in peripherals. Peripherals are items you plug into your laptop; these can include USB flash drives or accessories, headphone or speaker cables, adapters, and even the power cable. Many of these items have specific ports or locations into which they fit, so pay attention to the shape and size of an item's connector before plugging it into its respective port.

7. 7

   Don't leave your laptop in a car. Not only do the insides of cars experience large temperature swings that could damage a laptop, but a laptop [or laptop bag] is an inviting target for a thief.

8. 8

   Avoid placing things on top of your laptop. This can push the LCD screen into the keyboard, and may eventually damage your laptop's screen.

   • This includes anything from your phone to books, dishes, or clothes.

9. 9

   Shut down your laptop once every few days. You may notice that your laptop begins to run sluggishly after a few days of being constantly on. You can remedy this problem by turning off your laptop all the way and leaving it alone for 15 minutes; this will allow your computer's hardware to rest and reset. To turn off your computer all the way, do the following:

   • Windows — Click the Start
     icon, click the Power
     icon, and click Shut down.
   • Mac — Click the Apple menu
     , click Shut Down..., and click Shut Down when prompted.

10. 10

    Hold and lift the computer by its base. If you lift your laptop by the screen alone, you could damage the display or the hinges attaching the display to the base. The display is also easily scratched or damaged by direct pressure, so take care not to place pressure on it.

11. 11

    Protect the screen. One of the reasons your computer's screen will always end up smudged regardless of how careful you are is because the laptop's screen touches the keyboard keys, which have oil, grit, and dust on them, whenever you close the lid. You can cut down on this problem by placing a thin piece of foam or plastic on your keyboard before closing the lid.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Taking Care of Software on Windows

1. 1

   Keep your computer's programs up to date. Out-of-date programs can slow down your computer and cause errors, so make sure you're updating your programs whenever you see the "Update available" window pop up.

   • You can also check for updates manually by opening your program's Settings or Help menu and looking for a Check for Updates button.
   • Downloading the latest version of a program's installer file and running it will also replace the older version of the program with an updated version.

2. 2

   Install a faster browser. If you're still using Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer on your PC, consider switching over to something like Google Chrome or Firefox.

3. 3

   Close programs you aren't using. Each running program takes up a certain amount of memory [known as RAM] and processing power, so make sure you're closing the ones you don't want to use. You can force stubborn or unresponsive programs to close by doing the following:

   • Press Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Esc to bring up the Task Manager.
   • Select a program that's listed in the "Apps" section.
   • Click End task in the bottom-right corner of the window.
   • Repeat with other programs you want to close.

4. 4

   Remove unwanted programs. Having programs and apps installed on your computer's hard drive takes up space, thus creating strain on the hard drive itself. You can remove programs you neither need nor want by doing the following:

   • Open Start
     .
   • Open Settings
     .
   • Click Apps.
   • Find the program you want to install.
   • Click the program's name, then click Uninstall.
   • Click Uninstall again when prompted.
   • Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation.

5. 5

   Update Windows whenever possible. When your computer's operating system has an update available, it's best to update right away. Not only will doing so give you access to the latest features and support, it will also ensure that your computer is protected from the most recent threats:

   • Open Start
     .
   • Open Settings
     .
   • Click
     Update & Security.
   • Click Check for updates, then allow any available updates to install.
   • Restart Windows to allow operating system updates to install.

6. 6

   Clear out temporary files. Temporary files, such as the ones left over from Internet browsing, can clutter your hard drive. You can easily remove them by doing the following:

   • Open Start
     .
   • Type in disk cleanup.
   • Click Disk Cleanup.
   • Check any box on the main window, including the "Temporary Internet Files" one. You can also click the Clean up system files button in the lower-left corner to see additional options.
   • Click OK, then click Delete Files when prompted.

7. 7

   Turn off as many startup programs as possible. Startup programs—i.e., programs which begin running as soon as you start your computer—are notorious for making the process of starting your computer incredibly slow. Preventing all but the most necessary of startup programs from beginning automatically will ensure that your computer loads significantly faster, thus reducing the strain on your processor and lengthening your computer's lifespan:

   • Press Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Esc to bring up the Task Manager.
   • Click the Startup tab.
   • Select a program that you want to disable.
   • Click Disable in the lower-right corner of the window.
   • Repeat with other programs.

8. 8

   Clear out old files. Manually deleting files, photos, videos, and other items that you no longer need is essential if you want to maintain your hard drive.

   • You can delete a file by right-clicking it and then clicking Delete.

9. 9

   Defragment your computer's hard drive. Due to Windows' file system, files and other data can become "fragmented" across your hard drive over time. This makes it harder for your hard drive to find the files. Defragmenting your hard drive will reassemble most of these files in their original locations, making your computer run much smoother.

   • Do not defragment your computer if you have a Solid State Drive [SSD] instead of a traditional hard drive. It isn't necessary, and can actually ruin your drive in the process.

10. 10

    Empty the Recycle Bin. It's easy to forget that files you've moved to the Recycle Bin by way of deleting them aren't automatically removed from your hard drive. To empty the Recycle Bin, right-click it, click Empty Recycle Bin in the drop-down menu, and click Yes when prompted.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Taking Care of Software on a Mac

1. 1

   Keep your computer's programs up to date. Running outdated programs on your Mac can be a security risk. While updating third-party programs must be done from within the programs' Help or Settings menus, you can update your Mac's App Store programs by doing the following:

   • Click the Apple menu
     .
   • Click App Store... in the drop-down menu.
   • Click the Updates tab.
   • Click UPDATE ALL at the top of the page.

2. 2

   Use Safari to browse. Contrary to Windows computers, your Mac's Safari browser is the fastest option available to you. This doesn't mean you can't use other browsers like Chrome or Firefox, but if you're looking for the fastest browser available, Safari is your best bet.

3. 3

   Close programs you aren't using. Each running program takes up a certain amount of memory [known as RAM] and processing power, so make sure you're closing the ones you don't want to use. You can close programs from the Dock by clicking and holding an app and then clicking Quit in the pop-up menu, and you can force stubborn or unresponsive programs to close by doing the following:

   • Click Spotlight
     .
   • Type in activity monitor.
   • Double-click Activity Monitor.
   • Select a program you want to quit, then click the X icon in the top-left corner of the window.
   • Click Force Quit when prompted.

4. 4

   Remove unwanted programs. Uninstalling apps on a Mac is relatively simple: drag the app's icon from the Applications folder into the Trash, then enter your Mac's password if prompted. This will help clear up hard drive space, which is especially important given that many Macs don't have huge hard drives.

5. 5

   Update macOS whenever possible. Your Mac's operating system will occasionally receive a free update that includes new features, protection against new threats, and error fixes. It's incredibly important to update your Mac when these fixes become available.

6. 6

   Protect your Mac with an antivirus program. Unlike Windows computers, your Mac doesn't come equipped with a built-in, dedicated antivirus program. You can use the free Malwarebytes program to protect your Mac from viruses, malware, and other malicious software.

7. 7

   Turn off as many startup programs as possible. While startup programs may not impact your Mac's startup time to the same extent that they impact a PC, you can still shave a few seconds off of your Mac's startup time and prevent unnecessary strain on your computer's components by preventing programs from starting when you turn on your Mac.

8. 8

   Clear out old files. Manually deleting files, photos, videos, and other items that you no longer need is essential if you want to maintain your hard drive.

   • You can delete a file by clicking it to select it, clicking File, and clicking Move to Trash.

9. 9

   Empty the Trash. Your Mac's Trash doesn't empty by itself, so any files you've deleted will technically remain on your hard drive until you clear out the Trash. You can do this by clicking and holding the Trash icon in your Mac's Dock and then clicking Empty Trash in the pop-up window.

Community Q&A

• Question

  What are the signs of a bad laptop battery?

  Jeremy Mercer

  Computer Repair Technician

  Expert Answer

  Look for these common signs of battery trouble. If you see the body starting to warp on your laptop, it could mean that your battery is expanding, and it should be replaced as soon as possible. You might also hear whirring coming from the computer or feel it heating up, and both are signs of battery trouble.

• Question

  How do I know when I need a new hard drive?

  Jeremy Mercer

  Computer Repair Technician

  Expert Answer

  Most computers need their hard drives replaced after about 5 to 7 years, when the mechanical devices that keep the motor inside the hard drive running wear down. If your laptop is getting close to this age, pay close attention because it may be time to replace the hard drive!

• Question

  How do I get rid of malware for free?

  Jeremy Mercer

  Computer Repair Technician

  Expert Answer

  Try programs like Malware Bytes and CC Cleaner to clear out malware and old files. Both have free versions with all the features you need.

• Question

  Can I damage the motherboard if I don't use the laptop on a regular basis?

  Community Answer

  No. Just make sure you don't leave your laptop in extremely hot or cold environments.

• Question

  Can l browse internet while my lappie is charging?

  Community Answer

  Of course! It is fine and safe to browse the Internet while it is charging. Try not to let the battery get lower than about 40%, so as to get full use of the battery.

• Question

  Is it bad to use my laptop while it is charging?

  Community Answer

  No, it shouldn't be a problem.

• Question

  What are the proper cleaning tools for laptop hardware?

  Community Answer

  You usually get cleaning supplies with your laptop. In case you don't, or you have misplaced them, you can easily find them online and they are not expensive [you might even get them at a local store.] Or, as mentioned, use an old toothbrush for the keyboard.

• Question

  Is it good to use a laptop with a plugged in charger left in all the time?

  Community Answer

  It depends upon how long do you use your laptop. If you use your laptop constantly for five to ten hours a day, then it would probably be helpful to unplug the switch of your laptop so as to enhance the duration of the battery's life. However, it's also good to not drain it entirely each day, so don't let it go under 40 percent before charging it again.

• Question

  Can you carry your laptop in your bag?

  Community Answer

  Yes. Just make sure you're using a bag that's has enough space for your device. For example, a bag with a 15.6 inch pocket for your laptop wont fit a 17.3 inch one. It's a really good idea to slip your laptop into a cover to protect if from rubbing against other items in the bag -- even a pillowcase will do.

• Question

  Can ants damage the keyboard or any other internal system?

  Community Answer

  Yes, they can crawl through the speakers, fan, and under the keyboard and potentially damage your system permanently.

See more answers

Tips

• Make sure you're taking good care of yourself while working on your laptop by reviewing proper computer posture.

• If you have a standard hard drive instead of a Solid State Drive [SSD], try to keep it below half-full. Any files stored in the bottom half of the hard drive often take significantly longer to retrieve than those stored in the top half. Keeping your hard drive below half-full will cut down on load times.

• You can reinstall your computer's operating system once every year or two by backing up your computer's data, resetting your computer, and then restoring your backed-up data. This will remove system-level items that contribute to slow-down and decay of your computer over time.

• Laptop insurance is a must if you plan on taking your computer more than a few feet from your office or general workspace.

• If you travel often, you should put a label with your name, e-mail, cell phone number, and other pertinent contact details on the laptop, the power cord, and any other removable parts.

Warnings

• Laptop batteries—particularly the ones which are included with laptops—tend not to have much longevity. You'll most likely need to replace your laptop's battery after a couple of years in order to avoid having to use the laptop while constantly plugged in.

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About This Article

Co-authored by:

Jeremy Mercer

Computer Repair Technician

This article was co-authored by Jeremy Mercer and by wikiHow staff writer, Jack Lloyd. Jeremy Mercer is the Manager and Head Technician at MacPro-LA in Los Angeles, CA. He has over ten years of experience working in electronics repair, as well as retail stores that specialize in both Mac and PC. This article has been viewed 889,684 times.

Co-authors: 89

Updated: January 1, 2022

Views:889,684

Categories: Laptop Maintenance and Repair

In other languages

Español:dar un buen cuidado a tu computadora portátil

Italiano:Prendersi Cura del Proprio Portatile

Русский:правильно обращаться с ноутбуком

Français:prendre soin de son ordinateur portable

Bahasa Indonesia:Merawat Laptop dengan Baik

العربية:الاعتناء بحاسوبك المحمول

Nederlands:Je laptop goed onderhouden

ไทย:ดูแลแล็ปท็อปของคุณให้สภาพดีอยู่เสมอ

Tiếng Việt:Chăm sóc laptop

한국어:노트북을 잘 관리하는 방법

中文:照顾好你的笔记本电脑

日本語:ノートパソコンを良好な状態に保つ

हिन्दी:अपने लैपटाप कंप्यूटर की अच्छी देखभाल करें [Take Good Care of Your Laptop Computer]

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Reader Success Stories

• Beth M.

  May 26, 2016

  "I just purchased a new laptop after my laptop of three years was damaged beyond repair in a fall. It was bloated with duplicate files and software, in addition to having crumbs down near some of the keys. I was reading online to find out how to take better care of my new computer, and found this article very helpful. "

• Pamalee Baker

  Jul 16, 2016

  "When I went to school, I used pencil and paper. Now in this age, I am trying to become a smarter individual and use a computer but I have absolutely no idea what to do. This has helped me to understand a lot that I didn't know about computers."

• Adhi Raj

  Jun 26, 2016

  "It really helped me to take care of my laptop, and everyone should see the warning to keep their laptop safe."

• Ashiq Kumar

  Aug 25, 2017

  "I learned from it, and these are very helpful tips for me to take care of my PC. Thank you for this article."

  Rated this article:

• Amirz Alinejad

  Jun 30, 2016

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  Jul 6, 2019

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  Oct 7, 2016

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  Jun 19, 2016

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  Aug 8, 2017

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• Erik Mujuru

  Aug 4, 2017

  "I've learned entirely new ways of taking care of my device."

  Rated this article:

• Lewis Pedzisai

  Jul 5, 2017

  "The need for proper shutdown so as to conserve the battery."

• Anonymous

  Mar 5, 2018

  "Helped me to know how to care for a computer."

  Rated this article:

• Shohan Bhattacharya

  Jun 23, 2016

  "Great advice. No explanation needed."

• Abdullah Abu Sakran

  Apr 2, 2017

  "Learned to care for my computer."

• Khairunnisaq Khairuddin

  Mar 16, 2016

  "Well-written. A perfect guide."

• Aaba Jadhav

  Jul 22, 2016

  "The best."

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