When will your computer die? Be assured, it’s a question of “when” and not “if.” Though I can’t give you a precise date, I can tell you the next best thing: all the skills you need to know to be prepared for it.
The most crucial part of your PC, assuming that you can’t guarantee the hardware will last forever, is the data. I’ll show you how to protect it.
I’d recommend treating this article like a checklist. How you accomplish each task isn’t really as important as knowing that you can do it… preferably with some practice.
How to Replace a Hard Drive or Solid State Drive
Chris Hoffman / Foundry
The storage drive is where all your information resides on your computer. If you require additional space or if your present drive malfunctions, replacing it may be necessary. This task forms one of the fundamental aspects of maintaining your computer.
Luckily, this is quite a simple task. All you need to do is replace a storage drive on most desktops and laptops It’s a screwdriver (along with a spare drive, naturally). Modern machines utilize M.2 drives which you can replace as easily as swapping out an vintage game cartridge. In contrast, older models equipped with SATA interfaces require securing the drives onto trays or cages using screws; however, installing these still involves simply connecting them to power and data cables, making the procedure quite straightforward.
The unfortunate part is that some of the latest and most stylish laptops do not permit access to their internal components. This means you're limited to the storage capacity they initially shipped with, similar to smartphones or tablets. To sidestep this issue, seek devices designed for straightforward upgrades. If your priority lies in ease of repairs and numerous upgrade possibilities, consider looking at those models which emphasize user serviceability. Framework’s modular laptop designs .
How to backup and recover a partition
partition manager
The challenging aspect of data retention comes into play here. Even though you have the option to establish a backup system for generating duplicates of your files and applications onto a secondary drive, or opt for a cloud-based backup solution to ensure physical separation and enhanced security, the sole method to genuinely "safeguard" your computer involves backup the main section of your storage drive . That preserves everything on it — the operating system, programs, files, and settings.
Backing up a partition to another drive creates a near-perfect copy of your computer’s data, as it is when the backup is made. It’s the easiest way to preserve absolutely everything on your PC, and restore it without any interruption. It might take several hours to perform, depending on how much data you have, but there’s nothing like a full partition backup for peace of mind.
Partition backups are big, slow, and complicated — it’s not like just moving a bunch of files to a flash drive. But they’re the ultimate in local backups, and a great skill to know if you’re worried about potentially catastrophic data loss.
How to establish a continuous power source
APC
Certainly, the simplest method to safeguard your information is to prevent losing it initially. It’s likely that you’ve already connected your computer to a surge protector; however, the gold standard for defending against power-related problems is using a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). continuous power supply, also known as a UPS This is basically a large battery that continually replenishes itself and provides power directly to your desktop computer.
When your PC draws power directly from the battery rather than from household electricity, it becomes immune to brief outages or power surges that could otherwise cause damage. Additionally, this setup provides you with a limited window—usually less than 30 minutes—to securely save your progress and properly shut down your computer.
The best part is that it’s incredibly simple and hardly causes any hassle to get started. Just connect the UPS to a power source, then plug your PC into the UPS, and you're all set.
How to configure encryption
Chris Hoffman / IDG
If your main concern is preventing unauthorized access to your files rather than protecting the physical security of your computer, then encryption is what you should focus on. Although encrypted data can still be breached under certain circumstances, it usually offers sufficient protection for most situations—unless you're handling information that could rival something even 007 might find challenging.
Windows has a built-in encryption system called BitLocker , and it’s generally the easiest way to use encryption on a PC. There are other options if you want more serious protection, or something a little faster or more portable.
How to Utilize a Virtual Private Network
ExpressVPN
Certainly, when online, there are limits to how much protection you can have. But imagine this: your national or regional government restricts where you can go on the web or constantly watches over your activities. Or perhaps you doubt whether the current network is truly safe. In such cases, what you require is a virtual private network (VPN).
A Virtual Private Network is a setup that directs your internet traffic via a distant server, preventing others on the same local network from conducting surveillance. Additionally, it enables you to essentially surf as though you were at this remote site—should you link to a VPN server based in California, it appears as if you're browsing from California, regardless of where you actually are.
Many VPN services are available, each excelling in various aspects such as enhanced privacy or greater speed. However, using any of these requires you to place some trust in the service provider, along with a certain level of technical configuration when setting up on a computer (or within a home network). Check out this guide to acquire all the knowledge required.
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