With proper maintenance, gentle use, and regular care, your equipment will last for years. Ignoring important factors like cleaning and manufacturer updates can result in a bogged-down machine that is frustrating to work with. Below are a few pointers to keep your device healthy.

Tidy up your hard drive by deleting old files: Your laptop probably has a number of files floating around you aren’t using anymore. Cleaning up these files will free up memory so your computer can run faster. Before going on a mass purge of your system, take care to make sure you avoid any “critical” folders that contain files your computer needs to run.

Clear your browser’s cache and cookies: This is an essential part of keeping your laptop speedy and safe. Even browsing the internet normally will result in a large number of cookies occupying your browser files, so taking the time to remove them can work wonders.

Clean your screen and keyboard: For your screen, the best option would be pre-moistened screen wipes. These items contain a safe amount of moisture that won’t damage your screen and can help increase the clarity of your display. As for your keyboard, you’ll want to tread cautiously. Needlessly jamming something like a paperclip in the space between keys can break the sensitive mechanisms that make the thing work.

Clean your camera and microphone: Gently wipe the camera and microphone with a soft, dry cloth. Do not blow to clean the microphone, as it can loosen or dislodge the components inside that allow it to pick up sound.