If you are someone who is new to using a laptop, you should expect to run into some issues, or rather obstacles that might get in the way of you making the most out of the device.

Of course, for those who are tech-savvy, the problems will not take too long to figure out. On the other hand, less experienced users might need more help than they expect.

The purpose of this article is to provide you with a list of things that new laptop users should know. Treat it as a way to build your foundation and get better at using the device.

Managing Files

Let’s start with file management. Overall, doing this on a laptop is not different from managing data on a desktop computer.

One thing that could be a bit more problematic is the overall storage. Some laptop models are not particularly great when it comes to total available disk space, which leads users to struggle while trying to make sure that the drive has enough free space.

Of course, a lot also depends on the operating system. For example, if you switched from MS Windows to macOS, you might need some time learning about mac renaming files or how you need to use Time Machine and external hard drive to back up data.

Ultimately, it comes down to details, and for different tasks managing files, there should be an informative source you can find online or figure out the workaround yourself.

Maintaining the Laptop in Good Condition

Maintaining the laptop in good condition is another crucial thing that you need to consider because neglecting the device will lead to performance issues. And you do not want to rely on computer service shops on a regular basis, right? Not to mention that in some severe cases, you might be left with no option but to get rid of the current laptop and get a new one.

So, one of the first things about maintaining laptops is that you need to clean the dust inside the device. The tricky part is that you will have a hard time taking the laptop apart to clean it thoroughly.

Given how it is manufactured, it is difficult to take pieces one by one and not damage the internal and external hardware. Thus, if you decide to do the job yourself, be sure to be careful and follow instructions.

Cleaning the dust prevents overheating, but you can also do that by adding a cooling pad. But, as a rule of thumb, be sure to prioritize cleaning the dust.

Considering Available Accessories

We just mentioned a cooling pad, so it is also worth talking a bit about other available laptop accessories.

By themselves, laptops are pretty great, but not every user is happy with what they get. One of the first things that come to mind is replacing the trackpad with a computer mouse. Well, not really replacing it, but using a mouse instead because it feels much better.

A similar thing applies to a laptop’s keyboard. Typing on a flat keyboard can be a bit problematic, which leads people to invest in external keyboards.

Other worthwhile laptop accessories include laptop stands, messenger bags, cleaning tools, laptop sleeves, and the aforementioned cooling pads.

Installing Operating System Updates

Operating system updates offer more than just overall performance upgrades. As someone who uses a laptop, you also want to benefit from the latest features, particularly when it comes to some integrated tools that you rely on often.

For instance, if you like to use Siri while on a MacBook, you will be happy to know that most major macOS updates add new features to your favorite digital assistant.

It is true that some updates take a while to download and install, and it can be problematic for those with a slow internet connection. However, given how important OS updates are, it is necessary to prioritize them even if they can take a lot of time.

Countering Malware and Other Threats

We talked about how operating system updates are great for the overall performance and new features, but they also affect the laptop’s security. Missing the latest OS version could put your device in jeopardy, but the cybersecurity problem does not end there.

You need to take certain precautions to protect the laptop from malware and other cybersecurity issues.

For starters, make sure that you are using reliable antivirus software. And do not just leave it running in the background. No, you also have to enable custom disk scans on a regular basis.

If you spend a lot of time online surfing the web, using a virtual private network is a worthwhile consideration, given how much a VPN helps in terms of security and privacy.

Finally, you can enable the firewall and use an ad blocker extension on your internet browser to further prevent potential threats from attacking your laptop.

Taylor Gilbert is the admin and freelance writer at How About Tech since 2020. He primarily writes Tech articles, How-to guides and Entertainment as well.