Laptop Care Instructions

1. Power down your device (not put in sleep mode) when you are finished using it for the day. This will allow your computer to close out of all open processes so it will run as fast as possible the next time you use it.
2. Install system updates when prompted and actively check for updates at least once a month. Out-of-date programs can slow down your computer and cause errors, so update your programs whenever you see the "Update available" window pop up.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.
3. Keep liquids and food away from your laptop. If you keep a drink on the same desk as your computer, use a cup or bottle with a lid that will not come off if it falls over.
4. Keep the laptop lid closed as often as you can. This helps to limit the amount of dust that can settle on the keyboard, saves battery life, and provides some protection from an accidental drink spill—a leading cause of laptop damage.
5. Try to keep the laptop on a flat, clean surface. Repeated use of a laptop on a cloth surface (like a bed or sofa) will cause the fans to suck up the dust and debris, blocking the fan.
6. Use a properly sized, cushioned laptop case. Whatever you use to carry your laptop (be it a case, a bag, or something you made yourself), ensure it holds the laptop snugly and provides some cushion. This way, if you drop the case, your laptop is protected.
7. Avoid leaving the laptop close to the edge of a desk, table, other furniture, or on the floor.
8. Avoid placing heavy materials, such as books, on your laptop. This can push the LCD screen into the keyboard and may damage it. 
9. Wash your hands before using your laptop. 
10. Protect the display. When you shut your laptop, make sure there are no small items, such as a pencil or small earphones, on the keyboard. These can damage the display if the laptop is shut on them. Avoid touching the screen with pens or other objects that can scratch the surface.
11. Hold and lift the computer by its base, not by its display.
12. Avoid exposing the laptop to extreme temperatures. Don’t leave your laptop in the car, and avoid indoor locations in direct sunlight. When bringing your laptop indoors during winter, don't turn it on immediately. Instead, let it warm to room temperature first. This will avoid the potential for damage to the electronics from condensation forming inside the machine. 
13. Use and store your laptop in well-ventilated areas. Laptops used in enclosed areas with no airflow are subject to overheating.
14. Avoid pulling on the power cord. Tugging your power cord from the power socket rather than pulling directly on the plug can cause the cord to break off from the plug or damage the power socket. 
15. Be sure to plug accessory devices into their proper slots. Always look at the symbols on the laptop carefully before inserting devices. Plugging a USB into an HDMI port or vice versa could damage the sockets, making it impossible to use them again.