Summer is in full swing and that means being outdoors more often, traveling and if you are lucky, working poolside. All of these things are wonderful unless you are a laptop. Even though your business or personal laptops may seem pretty sturdy and tough, it is a fairly delicate piece of machinery that can be damaged by high heat, water, and viruses.
Many of us take our laptops for granted which can be dangerous if your personal and business data is on the device. (Hopefully you are backing up and have a plan to protect your information.) Here are some things to consider regarding safeguarding your laptop this summer.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures – Laptops can handle temps up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. After that temperature the device will shut down and damage can be caused to the drive and your data. Never leave your laptop in direct sunlight. This means do not leave your device in the car where temps can reach well over 100 degrees. In addition you may want to try using a cooling stand that can protect your device when you are in warm temperatures.
- Avoid Water – While it may seem relaxing to work on your laptop at the beach or by the pool be sure to keep the device away from water. It’s not uncommon for water splashes to get into the machinery and cause problems. Liquid-proof keyboard covers are a good idea to help avoid these problems.
- Avoid High Humidity– When the dew point reaches the high levels it is not just uncomfortable for humans but can be a problem for computers as well. Many laptops can experience electrical problems when the humidity is very high, such as 80 percent. Don’t work outside with a laptop on days like this, or you could fry your PC.
- Avoid Condensation – When items move from a cool air conditioned area to a hot, humid outdoor climate, condensation can occur in the device. Avoid this by allowing your laptop to acclimate to the weather. Shut off your laptop when moving from between temperature extremes.
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