Start here · Essential guide
How to Make Your Devices Last Longer
Practical habits for extending the useful life of phones, laptops and other gadgets: battery care, heat, cleaning, updates, backups and knowing when to let go.
Owning Tech Well
Keeping devices working longer and letting go of them responsibly.
Start here · Essential guide
Practical habits for extending the useful life of phones, laptops and other gadgets: battery care, heat, cleaning, updates, backups and knowing when to let go.
General guidance on charging habits, heat and recognizing a worn laptop battery, so you can get more useful life from the battery you already have.
Safe, cautious ways to clean screens, keyboards, ports and vents, plus what to avoid so routine cleaning does not damage your devices.
Why old electronics need special disposal, what can go wrong when they are thrown away, and how to find proper recycling and take-back options near you.
A neutral look at the right to repair debate: what supporters and manufacturers argue, how laws vary, and what it can mean for people who own devices.
Steps for backing up, signing out and erasing a phone, tablet or laptop before it leaves your hands, so your personal data does not go with it.
Common warning signs that a phone, laptop or gadget may be failing, such as heat, noise and slowdowns, with a sensible first response to each one.
Why software updates matter for security and stability, what can go wrong, and calm ways to schedule, test and manage them on phones and computers.
Common warranty terms, how they differ from return policies, and what to check before you buy a phone, laptop or other gadget, with general cautions.
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