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PCMAG . COM {}

  1. Analyzed Page
  2. Matching Content Categories
  3. CMS
  4. Monthly Traffic Estimate
  5. How Does Pcmag.com Make Money
  6. How Much Does Pcmag.com Make
  7. Keywords
  8. Topics
  9. Questions
  10. Schema
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We are analyzing https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/bad-habits-that-are-destroying-your-pc.

Title:
I've Seen It All: These 7 Bad Habits Are Destroying Your PC | PCMag
Description:
As a computer expert, people come to me with their tech problems all the time. If you want your machine to last longer, stop doing these things immediately.
Website Age:
30 years and 2 months (reg. 1995-04-18).

Matching Content Categories {📚}

  • Technology & Computing
  • Automotive
  • Mobile Technology & AI

Content Management System {📝}

What CMS is pcmag.com built with?

Custom-built

No common CMS systems were detected on Pcmag.com, and no known web development framework was identified.

Traffic Estimate {📈}

What is the average monthly size of pcmag.com audience?

🌍 Impressive Traffic: 500k - 1M visitors per month


Based on our best estimate, this website will receive around 600,019 visitors per month in the current month.
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How Does Pcmag.com Make Money? {💸}


Display Ads {🎯}


The website utilizes display ads within its content to generate revenue. Check the next section for further revenue estimates.

There's no clear indication of an external ad management service being utilized, ads are probably managed internally. Particular relationships are as follows:

Direct Advertisers (48)
pubmatic.com, triplelift.com, rubiconproject.com, appnexus.com, google.com, openx.com, indexexchange.com, sharethrough.com, lijit.com, liveintent.com, yieldmo.com, onetag.com, media.net, xandr.com, video.unrulymedia.com, risecodes.com, yahoo.com, amxrtb.com, aps.amazon.com, themediagrid.com, playground.xyz, improvedigital.com, conversantmedia.com, gumgum.com, nativo.com, spotim.market, sovrn.com, adyoulike.com, gannett.com, kueez.com, kargo.com, copper6.com, criteo.com, harrenmedia.com, seedtag.com, teads.tv, wunderkind.co, infolinks.com, playbuzz.com, foxpush.com, ogury.com, upzyde.com, ziffdavis.com, blockthrough.com, aax.media, connatix.com, inskinmedia.com, adsparc.com

Reseller Advertisers (58)
pubmatic.com, triplelift.com, rubiconproject.com, appnexus.com, google.com, openx.com, indexexchange.com, sharethrough.com, lijit.com, smartadserver.com, yieldmo.com, onetag.com, media.net, xandr.com, video.unrulymedia.com, ​conversantmedia.com, risecodes.com, yahoo.com, amxrtb.com, freewheel.tv, loopme.com, aps.amazon.com, themediagrid.com, improvedigital.com, conversantmedia.com, 33across.com, contextweb.com, sonobi.com, gumgum.com, nativo.com, sovrn.com, smaato.com, gannett.com, kueez.com, copper6.com, adform.com, disqus.com, snigelweb.com, supply.colossusssp.com, resetdigital.co, imds.tv, telaria.com, tremorhub.com, tvp.tv, adwmg.com, admanmedia.com, revcontent.com, rhythmone.com, trustedstack.com, adipolosolutions.com, zeta.com, spotxchange.com, spotx.tv, zetaglobal.com, condenast.com, ottadvisors.com, richaudience.com, zetaglobal.net

How Much Does Pcmag.com Make? {💰}


Display Ads {🎯}

$9,600 per month
Estimations show Pcmag.com's display ad online revenue falls between $8,864 and $15,196 per month.

Keywords {🔍}

computer, power, laptop, battery, laptops, people, credit, ive, dont, protection, make, cable, bad, time, whitson, gordon, shutterstock, years, care, computers, screen, replace, buy, habits, problems, youre, heat, fans, good, keyboard, damage, drive, howto, home, tech, immediately, running, case, airflow, lot, surface, block, recommend, desk, dust, heres, side, leave, sign, wont,

Topics {✒️}

certified usb-pd charger running anti-exploit features home wi-fi secure whitson gordon table secure wi-fi staying secure online products comparisons reviews review products independently cool air moving rubber feet raise disregarding electrical safety spot phishing scams eats potato chips ps4 hard drive high-voltage spikes basic security practices low-quality batteries paid version includes faster load times windows defender feature windows defender miss control multiple computers unreliable power grid whitson gordon monitor cpu temperature liquids run wild high-power device basic power strip uninterruptible power supply battery health report people spilling coffee fans work harder disregarding overheating problems longer-lasting protection good password manager read whitson' constantly running pcmag / mcafee legitimate sites 7 bad habits bad habits iammotos / shutterstock high temperatures block airflow basic protections power supply power supply keys harder faster depending flash drive

Questions {❓}

  • Hosting This Summer?
  • How Do I Fix My Laptop Keyboard?
  • No PS5?
  • Want More Secure Wi-Fi?
  • What's the big deal?

Schema {🗺️}

Article:
      context:https://schema.org
      articleBody:<p>Nothing lasts forever—especially tech—but your computer can last you quite a few years, if you treat it well. However, if your laptop tends to break down earlier than you feel it should, there's a chance you're the one that's helping it along to an early demise with some especially bad habits. It's ok; I've seen it all. Not everyone knows the best ways to take care of their tech. Here are some of the worst things I've seen people do to a computer without even realizing they're doing anything wrong.</p><hr><h2 id="1-disregarding-overheating-problems">1. Disregarding Overheating Problems</h2><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20768%20432'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E" class="" data-image-loader="https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/04KlR7XNnjVa96tQQ1r4E3l-2.jpg" data-lazy-sized alt="computer chip on fire" data-image-path="articles/04KlR7XNnjVa96tQQ1r4E3l-2.jpg"> <div style="line-height:1.25 !important" class="-mt-4 mb-8"> <small>(Credit: Iammotos / Shutterstock)</small> </div> <p>Heat is your computer's mortal enemy. If your computer gets too hot, the processor may slow down, throttling itself to keep temperatures reasonable, or even shutting down completely. What's the big deal? Well, if your computer is running at high temperatures for extended periods of time, it can reduce the lifespan of your processor, fans, and battery—not to mention <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/fix-a-noisy-computer-fan" target="_self">make your computer loud</a> and sizzling to the touch.</p><p>For <a href="/picks/the-best-desktop-computers" data-element="link-injector" x-track-ga-click>desktop computers</a>, the solution is pretty simple: Make sure <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-pc-tower-cases" target="_self">your case</a> has adequate airflow, with enough vents and fans to keep cool air moving through the components. A lot of people still do it, but I'd also keep it out of tight cabinets and other spaces that trap heat. If you’re overclocking, take extra care to watch those voltages and temps. It's also always a good idea to <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-monitor-your-cpu-temperature" target="_self">monitor CPU temperature</a> just in case.</p><div class="mb-0 rounded-md bg-gray-100 p-3 md:p-5" id="related-video"> <div class="flex items-center"> <div class="w-6 flex-none"> <img class="w-full" src="/images/pcmag-simplified.png" alt="PCMag logo"> </div> <div class="pl-2 text-base leading-normal md:pl-3"> <strong>You May Also Like</strong> </div> </div> <div class="mt-3"> <div id="video-container-68408b61a852ebf5b843845e"></div> <script> window.videoEmbeds = window.videoEmbeds || []; let data = {}; data.excoPlayListId = '68408b61a852ebf5b843845e'; data.excoPlayListVideos = {"05a3d962-7214-49b4-9adc-b9ea60349ea0":"05JR07ITo4SOZhLXINol2oD","3ecec3b7-ec51-41a7-b536-58f07ad1d5a0":"05VX6b65yLqohLLAZLm8Xcs","589c01c1-5ace-43f3-b8d8-cc8071ec2b9d":"04qaC7oRMcYT78mZL3cxRDI","78f2896b-6a29-4a8e-a4bb-cea0a413f9f7":"00K9u6b1AC01rXvw85qWRsM","7f6e4984-abe7-4b7f-b564-467a72be86de":"0035jyWkgC7bojitXoIeuys","8914ece6-db48-466b-996d-b5ac762d141c":"06XlGb1wTpAkYxoMmaIbjav","9fc7de37-c0a4-4e43-b7db-55d3ab0e0a5e":"02oeKNpLUacUIrG89VvLcfl","db202b6a-a56c-4269-ab1e-b1371108fa7d":"04u7z7oiu5mmXV4uEAO3KuE","ede91779-76fc-4958-b267-e50122eb38f4":"02JpXxgW9MomH6a6BD0oI5i","faf3681e-51b6-47a0-8e38-ca3da30d8c5e":"00EVaRKvPLs9xRWzrsExnE9"}; window.videoEmbeds.push({ elemId: 'video-container-68408b61a852ebf5b843845e', data: data, videoPlayerType: 'related-contextual', }); </script> </div> </div> <p>Laptops, on the other hand, require a bit more care. I've seen first-hand how their portability can lead to a lot of bad habits. I know people who have left their computer in a hot car or on top of a radiator. You might not expect it, but even putting a laptop on a plush surface (like a blanket) can block airflow and cause overheating. Instead, keep it out of the sun and away from heat sources. I also recommend only using it on a flat surface, where the rubber feet raise it off the the desk. If you use it on your lap, keep it free of anything that can block airflow or buy a <a href="https://zdcs.link/rPyOX" target="_blank" x-bind-one-true-click="" data-parent-group="affiliate-link" title="(Opens in a new tab)" rel="sponsored">lap desk</a>. </p><hr><h2 id="2-letting-dirt-dust-and-liquids-run-wild">2. Letting Dirt, Dust, and Liquids Run Wild</h2><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20768%20432'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E" class="" data-image-loader="https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/04KlR7XNnjVa96tQQ1r4E3l-7.jpg" data-lazy-sized alt="dirty keyboard" data-image-path="articles/04KlR7XNnjVa96tQQ1r4E3l-7.jpg"> <div style="line-height:1.25 !important" class="-mt-4 mb-8"> <small>(Credit: Zlata Ivelva)</small> </div> <p>Speaking of heat, all computers accumulate some dust over time, heating up the components and making those fans work harder. While <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-spring-clean-your-electronics" target="_self">cleaning regularly</a> can help, you also want to prevent stuff from getting into your computer in the first place. For example, cigarette smoke and pet fur will exacerbate those problems. Putting your desktop on the floor will also ensure more dust, hair, and debris gets sucked inside. If you have carpet, you could even be blocking the power supply’s intake fan. Keep your computer on a desk or other riser, if at all possible, and make sure there are <a href="https://zdcs.link/ZebDM" target="_blank" x-bind-one-true-click="" data-parent-group="affiliate-link" title="(Opens in a new tab)" rel="sponsored">filters</a> on your intake fans.</p><p>I also need to stress that you should avoid eating and drinking near your PC, or at least take some care when you do. Getting <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/disinfect-clean-computer-keyboard" target="_self">crumbs in your keyboard</a> is not only disgusting, but it can damage the switches or make certain keys harder to press. And I’m sure you've heard enough horror stories about people spilling coffee on their laptops, which can straight up destroy it. I've seen substances of all kinds ruin a computer—it's not worth the risk.</p><p>Even well-intentioned moves, like cleaning your screen with Windex, can introduce liquid where it shouldn’t be (also, Windex is too harsh for your monitor). Here's the <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-clean-your-laptop-the-right-way" target="_self">proper way to clean your laptop</a>; I tell people to spray gentle screen cleaner onto a microfiber cloth, instead of directly on the screen. And don’t go crazy here—a little goes a long way.</p><hr><h2 id="3-handling-your-laptop-carelessly">3. Handling Your Laptop Carelessly</h2><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20768%20432'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E" class="" data-image-loader="https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/04KlR7XNnjVa96tQQ1r4E3l-9.jpg" data-lazy-sized alt="broken computer" data-image-path="articles/04KlR7XNnjVa96tQQ1r4E3l-9.jpg"> <div style="line-height:1.25 !important" class="-mt-4 mb-8"> <small>(Credit: Ivan Michailovich / Shutterstock)</small> </div> <p>While desktops have the luxury of sitting comfortably in your office, laptops are subject to all sorts of abuse. And the more you abuse it, the more likely you are to damage something. I've seen people pick up laptops by the display, open the hinge from one side with way too much force, and toss their PC onto the couch from the other side of the room. I have even seen people use closed laptops as a coaster for their drink! </p><p>This kind of treatment could leave you with a worn-out laptop hinge, a busted screen, or a crack in the casing. If your laptop has a traditional spinning hard drive instead of an SSD, tossing or shaking the computer—especially if the drive is active at the time—can cause its head to dislocate or touch the surface of the disk. It isn't common, but if that happens, you are going to have a bad day, especially if you haven't <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/news/the-beginners-guide-to-pc-backup" target="_self">backed up your data</a>. Your laptop is an expensive piece of property, so it's important that you treat it as such. </p><hr><h2 id="4-mismanaging-your-old-battery">4. Mismanaging Your Old Battery</h2><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20768%20432'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E" class="" data-image-loader="https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/04KlR7XNnjVa96tQQ1r4E3l-11.jpg" data-lazy-sized alt="damaged battery" data-image-path="articles/04KlR7XNnjVa96tQQ1r4E3l-11.jpg"> <div style="line-height:1.25 !important" class="-mt-4 mb-8"> <small>(Credit: Tony Hoffman)</small> </div> <p>Just because your laptop's battery starts with eight hours of battery life doesn't mean it will stay that way forever. Batteries degrade over time; you may get eight hours on a full charge when you first buy it, but after a few years, that may degrade to six or seven. There's no escaping this decline, but you may be degrading it faster depending on how you're managing the computer's battery.</p><div class="ziff-component relative m-auto my-12 border-b border-t border-black bg-white py-4 md:my-16 md:p-6 md:px-4" role="region" aria-label="Newsletter Sign-Up" x-data="window.newsletters()" x-init="initNewsletter({"id":4,"list_id":20200977,"status":"Published","title":"Tips, Tricks & How-To","deck":"Get the most out of your technology with useful product advice and expert tips from PCMag's editors","slug":"tips-tricks-how-to","courier_list":"PCMag On-Site - Tips Tricks & How-To","image":{"path":"newsletters\/20200977.jpg","metadata":{"altText":"tips & tricks","attribution":"unknown"}},"preview_link":"https:\/\/secure.campaigner.com\/csb\/Public\/show\/g6xi-2w6f4m--191gu2-ky07csq1","contextual_title":"Get the Most Out of Your Technology","contextual_tagline":null,"contextual_image":{"path":"newsletters\/20200977-contextual.png","metadata":{"altText":"Tips, Tricks, and How-To Newsletter Image","attribution":"Credit: PCMag"}},"contextual_deck":"Sign up for the Tips, Tricks, and How-To newsletter for all of our best expert advice.","contextual_body":[],"first_published_at":"2021-09-30T21:23:24.000000Z","published_at":"2025-06-23T20:52:15.000000Z","last_published_at":"2025-06-23T20:52:11.000000Z","created_at":null,"updated_at":"2025-06-23T20:52:15.000000Z"})" x-show="showEmailSignUp()" x-intersect.once='window.trackGAImpressionEvents("pcmag-on-site-newsletter-block", "Tips, Tricks & How-To", $el)'> <!-- Envelope image absolute top right for desktop --> <img class="opacity-20 absolute right-0 top-0 z-0 hidden md:block" src="https://www.pcmag.com/images/newsletter-envelope.svg" alt="Newsletter Icon" style="max-width:220px; max-height:140px; pointer-events:none;"> <!-- Envelope image absolute top right for mobile --> <div class="absolute right-0 top-0 h-[134px] w-[134px] overflow-hidden md:hidden"> <img class="opacity-20 h-full w-full" src="https://www.pcmag.com/images/newsletter-envelope.svg" alt="Newsletter Icon"> </div> <!-- Tagline --> <div class="absolute -top-4 left-0 bg-white px-1 md:left-4"> <span class="roboto-flex font-stretch-condensed text-[16px] font-bold text-black">Get Our Best Stories!</span> </div> <div x-show="!isSuccess"> <!-- Title text --> <h3 class="relative z-10 mb-5 font-barlow-condensed text-3xl font-medium leading-[36px] text-red-400 md:text-4xl md:text-[36px] md:leading-compact"> Get the Most Out of Your Technology </h3> <!-- Main content --> <div class="md:flex md:flex-row md:gap-6"> <!-- Top section with image and context - 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Keep an eye on your inbox!</p> </div> </div> <p>Instead of always running your laptop down to 0%, I recommend performing shallow discharges and frequently recharging whenever possible. But don't over-stress about this—an occasional discharge won't kill your battery—but over time, it's best to err on the side of charging regularly than constantly running it down to empty. An easy way to keep track of your battery's capacity is to generate a <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-check-your-laptops-battery-health-in-windows-10" target="_self">battery health report</a> in Windows. </p><p>You should, however, stress out if your <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/help-my-laptop-battery-is-swollen-now-what" target="_self">battery is swollen</a>. When this happens, you need to stop using it immediately and (safely) replace the battery, lest you encounter an explosive failure. When you replace the battery, don’t buy a cheap knockoff; get it from the manufacturer or a respected third-party store. Low-quality batteries will, at best, not hold a charge very well. At worst, they can be dangerous. The same goes for third-party chargers—just stick to the manufacturer’s official offering or, in the case of <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/what-is-usb-c-an-explainer" target="_self">USB-C</a> charging, a <a href="https://www.usb.org/products" target="_blank" title="(Opens in a new tab)">certified USB-PD charger</a>. I promise it's not worth the savings.</p><hr><h2 id="5-disregarding-electrical-safety">5. Disregarding Electrical Safety</h2><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20768%20432'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E" class="" data-image-loader="https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/04KlR7XNnjVa96tQQ1r4E3l-10.jpg" data-lazy-sized alt="power surge" data-image-path="articles/04KlR7XNnjVa96tQQ1r4E3l-10.jpg"> <div style="line-height:1.25 !important" class="-mt-4 mb-8"> <small>(Credit: jakkrit pimpru / Shutterstock)</small> </div> <p>Your PC draws a <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-much-electricity-does-your-pc-consume" target="_self">sizable amount of power</a>, and it's susceptible to damage from power surges, which can happen from power outages, turning on another high-power device in your home, or an unreliable power grid in your city. Your PC's power supply should include some basic protections, but I recommend buying a <a href="https://zdcs.link/82Gpd" target="_blank" x-bind-one-true-click="" data-parent-group="affiliate-link" title="(Opens in a new tab)" rel="sponsored">surge protector</a> for longer-lasting protection. (This is different from a basic <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-smart-plugs-and-power-strips" target="_self">power strip</a>.)</p><div class="py-4" data-parent-group="related-stories"> <div class="mx-0 border border-b border-l-0 border-r-0 border-t border-gray-300 py-4 md:ml-8 md:mr-24"> <h3 class="font-stretch-ultra-condensed mb-2 text-lg font-semibold uppercase">Recommended by Our Editors</h3> <div class="flex flex-wrap"> <div class="my-4 inline-flex w-full md:my-2"> <a class="mr-4 inline min-w-24 max-w-24 no-underline md:min-w-28 md:max-w-28" data-module="related-recirc" data-item="related-recirc-list" data-element="related-recirc-image" data-position="1" data-title="woman holding up broken phone" href="/how-to/bad-habits-destroying-your-smartphone" x-track-ga-click> <div class="relative aspect-video overflow-hidden"> <img class="absolute inset-1/2 h-auto w-auto translate-center" data-image-loader="https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/04h8Hx3CdeWPmHj7DEvugMg-7.fit_lpad.size_400x225.v1644255202.jpg" data-lazy-sized src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20400%20225'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="woman holding up broken phone"> </div> </a> <div class="flex w-auto flex-col justify-center md:mr-20"> <a class="inline-block align-middle leading-tight no-underline" data-module="related-recirc" data-item="related-recirc-list" data-element="related-recirc-link" data-position="1" href="/how-to/bad-habits-destroying-your-smartphone" x-track-ga-click>5 Bad Habits Destroying Your Phone</a> </div> </div> <div class="my-4 inline-flex w-full md:my-2"> <a class="mr-4 inline min-w-24 max-w-24 no-underline md:min-w-28 md:max-w-28" data-module="related-recirc" data-item="related-recirc-list" data-element="related-recirc-image" data-position="2" data-title="women confused in front of her laptop" href="/how-to/what-to-do-when-computer-wont-start" x-track-ga-click> <div class="relative aspect-video overflow-hidden"> <img class="absolute inset-1/2 h-auto w-auto translate-center" data-image-loader="https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/04zusPsxx2E4ScUmtbsoWLQ-19.fit_lpad.size_400x225.v1676482157.jpg" data-lazy-sized src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20400%20225'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="women confused in front of her laptop"> </div> </a> <div class="flex w-auto flex-col justify-center md:mr-20"> <a class="inline-block align-middle leading-tight no-underline" data-module="related-recirc" data-item="related-recirc-list" data-element="related-recirc-link" data-position="2" href="/how-to/what-to-do-when-computer-wont-start" x-track-ga-click>What to Do When Your Computer Won't Start</a> </div> </div> <div class="my-4 inline-flex w-full md:my-2"> <a class="mr-4 inline min-w-24 max-w-24 no-underline md:min-w-28 md:max-w-28" data-module="related-recirc" data-item="related-recirc-list" data-element="related-recirc-image" data-position="3" data-title="key caps spell out the word help" href="/how-to/how-do-i-fix-my-laptop-keyboard" x-track-ga-click> <div class="relative aspect-video overflow-hidden"> <img class="absolute inset-1/2 h-auto w-auto translate-center" data-image-loader="https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/00Hrq18wPbCxUaSjSHe8s7d-16.fit_lpad.size_400x225.v1589824134.jpg" data-lazy-sized src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20400%20225'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="key caps spell out the word help"> </div> </a> <div class="flex w-auto flex-col justify-center md:mr-20"> <a class="inline-block align-middle leading-tight no-underline" data-module="related-recirc" data-item="related-recirc-list" data-element="related-recirc-link" data-position="3" href="/how-to/how-do-i-fix-my-laptop-keyboard" x-track-ga-click>How Do I Fix My Laptop Keyboard?</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>Be sure to replace your surge protector every three to five years, since that protection wears out over time—any older than that, and it likely offers zero protection. Keep in mind that these will not protect against high-voltage spikes (like lightning), but can protect from smaller surges and extend the life of your PC. If you have the money, you might even want an <a href="https://zdcs.link/GomrE" target="_blank" x-bind-one-true-click="" data-parent-group="affiliate-link" title="(Opens in a new tab)" rel="sponsored">uninterruptible power supply</a> (UPS), which contains a battery backup that prevents your PC from losing power during a power outage.</p><hr><h2 id="6-stressing-the-cables-and-ports">6. Stressing the Cables and Ports</h2><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20768%20432'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E" class="" data-image-loader="https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/04KlR7XNnjVa96tQQ1r4E3l-6.jpg" data-lazy-sized alt="broken cable" data-image-path="articles/04KlR7XNnjVa96tQQ1r4E3l-6.jpg"> <div style="line-height:1.25 !important" class="-mt-4 mb-8"> <small>(Credit: Aleksandrs Muiznieks / Shutterstock)</small> </div> <p>While <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/what-to-do-if-your-usb-port-stops-working" target="_self">damaging a USB port</a> or cable isn’t as dangerous as mishandling the power adapter, it can still cause avoidable damage to your computer. This may seem obvious, but don’t force cables into ports if they aren’t sliding in properly (I once knew someone who forced a USB cable into a FireWire port and broke both). If you leave something plugged in, such as a flash drive, take care not to bend it. With USB ports at such a premium on today’s laptops, you definitely don’t want to ruin one.</p><p>The same goes for your cables. If you constantly make sharp bends back and forth or yank the cable out of the wall plug, you're more likely to break the connection inside, which can render the cable finicky, useless, or even a fire hazard. Keep them away from hungry children and pets who might chew through the plastic. When you coil them up, avoid wrapping them too tightly. If you see the cable fraying or the inner wiring exposed, replace it immediately. Thankfully, a damaged cable is cheap to replace compared to your PC.</p><hr><h2 id="7-browsing-the-web-unprotected">7. Browsing the Web Unprotected</h2><img src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20768%20432'%3E%3Crect%20fill='%23f7f7f7'%20/%3E%3C/svg%3E" class="" data-image-loader="https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/04KlR7XNnjVa96tQQ1r4E3l-12.png" data-lazy-sized alt="mcafee total protection virus scan" data-image-path="articles/04KlR7XNnjVa96tQQ1r4E3l-12.png"> <div style="line-height:1.25 !important" class="-mt-4 mb-8"> <small>(Credit: PCMag / McAfee)</small> </div> <p>Contrary to popular belief, "common sense," while very valuable, should not be your only <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-malware-removal-and-protection-software" target="_self">malware protection</a>. Even legitimate sites can become infected with malware, passing those problems on to you, so browsing carefully won't always save you. Instead, you need to use antivirus on your computer. Thankfully, Microsoft's built-in <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/microsoft-windows-defender-security-center" target="_self">Windows Defender</a> feature has become quite good after years of sub-par ratings. Just leave it on and let it do its job.</p><p>If you want extra protection, something like <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/malwarebytes-free" target="_self">Malwarebytes</a> is a bit more aggressive with its protection, and I've found that it catches a lot of stuff that Chrome and Windows Defender miss. The free version is good if you just want to run an occasional scan, but the <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/malwarebytes-premium" target="_self">paid version</a> includes always-running anti-exploit features that block potentially harmful sites before they make it to your screen. When used in conjunction with a traditional <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-antivirus-protection" target="_self">antivirus</a>, you'll be pretty well set on protection.</p><p>On top of that, other basic security practices still apply: Keep your OS and apps up to date, use a good <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-password-managers" target="_self">password manager</a> (and don't use the same password on every site), and learn <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/explainers/how-to-spot-and-avoid-phishing-scams-5-tips-from-our-security-expert" target="_self">how to spot phishing scams</a>. Don’t pirate software (which often contains malware) and <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-set-up-and-optimize-your-wireless-router-for-the-best-wi-fi-performance" target="_self">keep your home Wi-Fi secure</a> with a WPA2 (or <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/explainers/what-is-wpa3-secure-wifi-how-to-set-it-up-on-your-router" target="_self">WPA3</a>) password. Check out our <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/12-simple-things-you-can-do-to-be-more-secure-online" target="_self">guide to staying secure online</a> for more tips.</p>
      headline:I've Seen It All: These 7 Bad Habits Are Destroying Your PC
      articleSection:Laptops
      datePublished:2025-06-17T15:32:45+00:00
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      description:As a computer expert, people come to me with their tech problems all the time. If you want your machine to last longer, stop doing these things immediately.
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