Computers are essential tools in our lives, as they help us to stay connected, productive, and entertained. This is why you want to ensure your computer is in good working order and lasts as long as possible. As it turns out, many of the issues you experience with your computer are caused by your actions.

That said, you might want to hit the escape key on these bad computer habits that could lead to poor performance and data breaches.

1. Using the Same Password Across Multiple Accounts

A password illustration

Imagine having just one key to unlock your car, house, office, or gym locker—you get the idea. You would lose everything if that key fell into the wrong hands. The same goes for your passwords.

You wouldn’t want to use the same password across all your accounts, even though it’s easier to remember, as you would be handing your data to cyber criminals on a silver platter if they manage to get their hands on the password.

Ideally, you’d want to create a secure and memorable password for each account. This way, if one of your passwords got compromised, you wouldn’t lose sensitive information from other accounts. However, you would probably struggle to remember a dozen complicated passwords, so you should consider using a password manager.

2. Always Keeping Multiple Tabs Open

Browser tab clutter is a significant productivity killer and exerts unnecessary strain on your RAM. All those opened tabs can slow down your computer, drain your battery faster, and distract you from focusing on your work. So, consider quitting this bad computer habit to get better performance from your device and boost your productivity.

You can manually close the tabs you’re not using or use these Chrome tab managers to organize and declutter open tabs. Like keeping numerous tabs open, you also want to avoid running too many applications simultaneously, as it can take up too much of your computer’s memory resources.

Sometimes, clicking on that X might not suffice, as the applications may still be running in the background, so you should use the Task Manager to end those processes.

3. Putting Things on Your Computer

A cup of coffee on a computer

Putting things on your keyboard is a common mistake that can cause laptop damage. Small items like paper clips can easily get stuck in the keyboard and prevent key presses. Food particles on your laptop can create a breeding ground for microbes, while spilling drinks on it can cause permanent damage.

Ideally, you’d want to keep your workspace clean and free of any food or drinks, especially if you’re working from a laptop. If you must eat or drink at your desk, keep the items away from your computer and its peripherals. You should also avoid putting pens or notebooks on your keyboard, as you may forget them when closing the lid and damage the screen.

4. Skipping Updates

Your computer’s operating system is the program that allows you to run applications, access files, and browse the internet. Software updates are essential to ensure your computer runs optimally and securely, as they come with bug fixes, security patches, and other new features.

Although update notifications typically come at inconvenient times, installing them promptly or scheduling the installation for a more appropriate time is essential. This way, you’ll ensure your system is up-to-date, protected from security vulnerabilities, and runs like a well-oiled machine.

5. Never Shutting Down Your Computer

Image showing a laptop's power button

Chances are, you always put your computer to sleep instead of shutting it down. Sure, this might save you a few minutes every day, as it allows you to resume where you left off faster than booting up the machine. However, it doesn’t give your computer a break to cool down or clear out its memory, which can decrease its performance and lifespan.

There are several reasons you should shut down your computer every night, such as installing pending updates, troubleshooting errors, stopping background processes, and allowing the system to cool down. All these contribute to improving performance and increasing your laptop’s lifespan.

6. Downloading Files From Unknown Sources

Downloading files or programs from unknown sources is a bad computer habit that can expose your system to malicious software. These malicious programs can slow your laptop, steal sensitive information, or render it completely unusable. So, you should be cautious each time you click on a link or download something from the web; make sure you trust the source.

There are several things you can check before downloading files online, including searching for official sources, looking for reviews, and checking the site’s SSL certificate. In addition, you should ensure you have updated the antivirus software installed on your computer. This will provide an extra layer of protection and help detect malicious programs lurking around.

7. Placing Your Laptop on Unventilated Surfaces

A woman using her laptop on her bed

Raise your hand if you often place your laptop on your bed, couch, or pillow. If you are guilty of this, you should know that it can cause severe damage to your machine. That’s because your laptop generates heat while in use, and it’s designed to dissipate it through its vents. These vents are typically located on the side or under the laptop.

When you place your laptop on a surface that blocks the vents or prevents air circulation, it won’t be able to dissipate heat properly, which can lead to overheating and cause permanent damage to internal components. Instead, place your laptop on a flat, hard surface such as a desk or table and make sure all vents remain unobstructed.

You can take it up a notch by investing in a laptop stand to improve air circulation. That way, you’ll be sure your laptop keeps running smoothly for years to come.

8. Filling Up Your Hard Drive

All laptops come with limited storage space, so you can easily run out of room if you keep adding files and programs. When this happens, your laptop’s performance will take a hit, as it will take longer to run applications and open files.

To ensure this doesn’t happen, delete unnecessary or unused programs and files from your computer. You can also move files you don’t regularly use to an external drive or cloud storage. Additionally, it’s a good idea to back up important files to avoid data loss in case something happens to your computer.

9. Always Rushing Through the Installation Process

Screenshot showing software installation process

We bet you’re guilty of clicking the “Next” button and rushing through the installation process without actually reading what you agree to. These prompts often contain information about the permissions you grant to programs. Agreeing to everything and clicking “Next” without reading could lead to security vulnerabilities and performance issues.

For instance, you may install an additional program without realizing it, grant access to sensitive information, or allow the program to change some default settings. To avoid this, read every prompt and uncheck any boxes that don’t seem right.

Hit Esc on These Bad Computer Habits

It’s time to hit the Escape key on these bad habits that are putting your computer at risk. Implementing good computer habits ensures your laptop remains healthy and runs smoothly.

Following the tips above can improve your computer’s performance, extend its lifespan, and protect it from malicious programs.