5 tips to make your old notebook look like new

Laptops are examples of durable electronics that can work for years and years on end. Despite this, the more time passes, the more the machine loses stability and its performance decreases. So, how do you revamp your laptop instead of throwing it away and buying another one?

To answer this question, we have put together five tips to teach you how to leave your old notebook as if it were new. Suggestions involve physically cleaning the device and replacing the hardware system, as this scheme can be cheaper than buying a new high-performance peripheral.

Do a general cleaning

Have you ever noticed that products fresh from the store look and smell impeccable? Well, this doesn't happen for nothing: electronics need to be clean to avoid malfunctions. So, it is obvious that you should give your machine a general cleaning before replacing any part of it. But be careful: if you don't know how to carry out proper maintenance, contact a technical professional who does.

To begin with, it is essential to clean the keyboard area: it is likely that there will be hair, dust, and other debris clinging to the keys below and around the keys. You can start by wiping the keyboard with a dry cloth and then open the notebook to carry out heavy cleaning in that area. If necessary, you can use a can of compressed air and even isopropyl alcohol with a microfiber cloth.

For the screen, microfiber cloth and isopropyl alcohol should work very well to remove dust and any stubborn stains. As for the connection ports region, you can use a can of compressed air and a special pen, made exclusively for cleaning these ports.

When opening the notebook chassis, you can clean it thoroughly with compressed air, gently using a microfiber cloth and, if necessary, a brush with soft bristles.

Install a good SSD

The SSD is a piece that is basically responsible for storing all your files, such as documents (Word, PDF, Excel, PowerPoint), images, videos, music and even the programs that were installed.

However, the SSD system has an absolute advantage over the old HD: it can turn the machine on and off extremely quickly, in addition to accessing and opening files more quickly.

To get the feel of a new notebook, it is essential that you have a good SSD installed in the hardware system. It is important to check what size and fitting characteristics your machine supports before purchasing the part. You can buy it in person at computer stores or online at retail sites like Amazon and Shopee.

Install a new battery

Batteries not only receive electrical energy from sockets, but also ensure that your notebook has a certain amount of autonomy; that is, that it stays on even when away from the socket. Depending on the conditions your old battery has been through, it is very likely that its autonomy has decreased a lot and it is getting too hot.

In this case, it is recommended to replace the hardware. Some older laptop models allow you to remove the battery without opening the chassis; The most modern ones generally require the notebook to be opened to make the change. And don't forget: when changing batteries, buy a new power supply; and both products must be compatible with the technical requirements of your computer and your power network (i.e., do not use a 110V source in a 220V outlet).

When opening the notebook, it is also important to check whether the thermal paste is still good and needs to be changed.

Read more:

Upgrade your processor and RAM

The processor (CPU) is like the computer's brain: it performs calculations, receives commands and then executes them, which makes the PC work the way it should, in addition to communicating with several other parts. RAM memory is the processor's “best friend” and works by storing temporary data that will be used to run applications efficiently.

Together, the CPU and RAM help keep the computer in a stable operating cycle, because they open and close programs, keep them open, help with processing images and videos, among many other things.

And it is because they are so important that they need to be updated in order to perform their tasks fluidly and quickly. Currently, 8 GB of RAM allows you to have a fluid PC for everyday tasks and reduces the chances of crashes. For the processor, an Intel i5 should help keep the machine at full speed.

Remember to check other important parts too, like the motherboard and video card.

Use a good antivirus

Antivirus is software that helps protect your computer from files contaminated by viruses. A good antivirus prevents you from accessing dangerous websites, downloading files with viruses, and can even help in the process of eliminating a virus if it has been detected on the machine.

The most modern software also helps with the protection of other data, such as protecting your IP address, combating other types of malware in addition to viruses, combating remote access to the computer and much more.