Extend Your Computer’s Longevity To Save More

I can vividly recall when my MacBook’s motherboard crashed. It was just like yesterday. I have to admit that it was entirely my fault as I spilled a decent amount of hot beverage on it. The situation is bad as the motherboard holds many crucial components together such as the CPU and the memory.

To my horror, the damage took me back by S$500. This amount is almost half the price of a brand new iPhone 7. It was too much! This faux pas was a buzzing reality check for me. I needed to take care of my devices for many years to come.

Keeping your laptop or computer working is vital for your sanity, productivity, and budget. So, consider these tips:

BLOCK THE NASTY BUGS

Upon opening the fresh boxes of your laptop or computer, one of your top priorities is to install an anti-virus application. An adequately protected device will prevent the corruption of personal data and other important files. Furthermore, it will give you a smooth functioning operating system. Worry not about shelling tons of cash as you can download free applications such as Avast and AVG 2017.

DECLUTTER YOUR SPACE

Aside from the viruses and malware attacks, too much clutter can slow down the operation system. A quick way to clean your space is to transfer your bulky files into an external hard-drive or hard disk. A 1 TB portable disk can cost you about S$80 at Lazada Singapore and S$89 at Courts Singapore.

The more space you have, the better your device will run.

CLEANSE YOUR KEYS

A filthy keyboard is not only a health hazard, but it can also damage your keyboard completely. Make it a habit to sanitize your keyboard and track pad.

Cleanse your keys by turning it upside down to release any loose materials. Then, blow into it to remove any debris between the keys. The last step is to dip a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol and wipe your keys and track pad gently.

STRENGTHEN THE BATTERY

The battery is an essential part of any device. Take care of your computer or laptop’s battery by draining it at least once a month. Afterwards, you must allow it to have a full cycle before you use it again. For laptop users, unplug it and rely on the “stored battery life” to keep it working.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The act of draining and recharging helps to maximize its performance. When battery replacement is necessary, look for lithium ion (Li-Ion) batteries as they have the greatest longevity.

Sources: 1 & 2

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6 Awesome Storage Hacks To Extend Your Food’s Lives

You walk inside the grocery with your list at hand but after being tempted with the fragrant herbs, fresh bread, tantalizing sweets, and healthy greens…you walked out with more food than you expected!

To get most of your money and avoid wastage, how can you finish all these food before it spoils?

Not everyone found the answer to this question. In fact, each person in Singapore was responsible for about 130 kg of food wastage last 2011.

But the good news is that, this awesome list will bring you 6 storage hacks to increase the longevity of some of your beloved food.

1. CEREAL, OATS, AND PASTA

Keep your dry foods hard by not letting air to seep inside its containers. Use air locked containers to store dry food such as cereal, oats, and pasta instead of keeping them in their original packaging (boxes or plastic bags). Decorate and label the containers as you wish.

2. PEANUT BUTTER

The sweetened goodness of a peanut butter used for sesame balls, spring rolls, or plain bread can make the meal delicious. The trick to make your jar of peanut butter last longer is to flip it upside down with the cap sealed tight. This will allow the oil near the lid to move through the rest of your jar evenly. Also, it will make your peanut butter creamier.

3. SOY SAUCE

Soy sauce is a commonly used in Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Philippines, and Taiwan. Generally, soy sauce does not need to be kept chilled but putting it inside the refrigerator will help the flavor to remain at its prime quality longer.

4. AVOCADO

Instead of storing your avocado in a basket, store it inside your fridge to avoid over-ripening. And as the day of consumption draws near, pull the avocado outside the fridge. Then, let it finish its ripening process inside a paper bag.

5. ASPARAGUS AND SCALLIONS

Treat your asparagus and scallions like how you would treat your freshly cut flowers. Fill up a vase or a jar with about two inches of water and regularly trim these vegetables. Keep these veggies there until you are ready to cook them.

6. HONEY

I for one love the taste of the honey lemon drink. But I noticed something, leaving it in the fridge leads it to crystallize. This is unnecessary because enzymes in the bees’ stomach create by-products that fight bacteria, honey can be preserved for a lifetime.

So revive your honey by placing the contents in a frying pan with simmering water. Stir it until the crystals dissolve.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

May these 6 tricks come in handy soon! 🙂

Sources: 1,2,3,& 4

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