Ensuring SLC Computers Are Ready for Back to School

Aug 31, 2022

Many students around the country have either already returned to school or are about to do so, and there are several areas to be thinking about if you're a student or parent in this position. One of the most important, especially for older students: Ensuring that any computer or laptop being utilized for school purposes is in good working order and ready to handle all required needs.

At FixIT Mobile, we're happy to offer the best laptop repair and computer repair services in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas, and our services extend to a number of themes -- including help with maintaining the quality of any device you own. What are some general tips we can offer when it comes to ensuring a computer is prepared for any return to school and school-based needs? Here are several.

Ensure Safety and Protection

First and foremost, you need to make sure that your computer is physically safe and secure -- both in terms of keeping it in a good physical state, as well as ensuring that it's protected against any outside threats like malware or viruses. A few tips:

  • Regularly check the condition of your device. If you notice any cracks, scratches, or other damages, bring it in for repair as soon as possible.

  • Ensure that you have some form of physical protection for your device, like a case or sleeve, to further reduce the risk of any physical damages.

  • Make sure you have a good antivirus program installed and running on your computer at all times, and perform regular scans to check for any malware or viruses.

  • Keep your computer updated with the latest security patches and software updates.

Backup Your Data

Another crucial step in preparing your computer for back to school is to make sure that all of your data is backed up regularly. This way, if anything ever happens to your device, you won't have to worry about losing any important files, photos, or other data. There are a number of ways to back up your data, including using an external hard drive or cloud storage service.

For most students, who may need to access their data in multiple locations, utilizing cloud storage is often the best option. That way, you can easily access your files from any internet-connected device.

Improving Speed

If your device has been slowing down lately, or even if you're just looking to give it a boost in speed, there are a few things you can do. One of the best is to regularly clean up your hard drive and get rid of any unnecessary files or programs. You can also try using a program like CCleaner to help with this.

Another way to improve speed is by adding more RAM to your computer. This is especially helpful if you're using programs that require a lot of memory, like video editing or graphic design programs.

Consider a VPN

If you're going to be using your computer for schoolwork, especially in any public area like a school library, it's important to make sure that you're doing so in a safe and secure manner. One way to do this is by using a VPN, or virtual private network. This will encrypt your internet connection and help to protect your data from any potential cyber threats.

There are a number of different VPNs available, so be sure to do your research to find the one that best suits your needs.

Freeing Up Space

Another common need within the school year is storage space, whether it's for storing files, photos, or even just installing new programs. If you're low on storage space, there are a few things you can do to free up some space.

One is to delete any unnecessary files or programs that you're no longer using. You can also try moving your data to an external hard drive or cloud storage service. And finally, if you have any large files that you don't need to keep on your device, you can archive them using a program like WinRAR.

Organizing Files

Down similar lines, it can also be helpful to get into the habit of organizing your files in a way that makes them easy to find and access. This is especially important if you have a lot of data that you need to keep track of.

One way to do this is by creating folders for different types of files, like school papers, photos, music, etc. You can also try using file naming conventions that make it easy to know what a file is just by looking at the name. For example, you could use abbreviations or date stamps in your file names.

For many students, this is actually one of the most important areas. A disorganized computer can often lead to lost or forgotten files, which can be a huge pain come school time.

Professional Assistance

If you're unsure of your ability to perform any of the above tasks, or if you're dealing with specific computer damage or issues, it's best to seek out professional assistance. There are a number of qualified computer repair technicians who can help you get your device back up and running in no time, including our team at FixIT Mobile.

We hope this guide has been helpful in getting your computer ready for the new school year. If you have any further questions or need assistance with any computer issue in SLC or surrounding areas, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're always happy to help!