I bought a laptop awhile back that I thought I’d use daily. Due to circumstances beyond my control it looks like I’ll only be using it once or twice a year. Should I turn it on between uses, maybe once a week or once a month? Or just not worry about it and update it just before I know I’m going to use it?
I would update it periodically, just because you might one day decide you want to use it right now and you don’t want to be stuck downloading six months worth of updates.
What is the OS? Windows ? Macintosh OS X? Linux? Other?
The lithium battery should hold a charge for a long time, like months. Still, I’d like to power it up on AC to charge the battery once a month. Of course that could be done without using the computer. Then again, I’d like to update the OS so it doesn’t get too far behind. XP is offering fewer updates these days while Win7 is pounding out changes regularly. It’s up to you, but I like a month.
Using it once or twice a year?
Wouldn’t you be better off selling it, and just renting one (or borrowing from friends) when you really need one?
I was thinking about it. Seems like a bit of a hassle. I’m using Windows Vista.
Remember that the laptop will ‘age out’ much faster then it will wear out. Updating windows may actually hurt it since you are not using it, and as the OS grows with each update your laptop will slow down considerably.
Also windows updates have a lot to do with security which really doesn’t apply much to you since your laptop is secure as it’s not powered on. I would consider turning off auto-updates altogether but install a firewall (or make sure you have one running) for the few times you use it.
I would recommend letting the battery discharge till about 40-50%, remove the battery and storing the battery in the refrigerator. This should keep the battery the longest. But adjust this to your needs, like if you need to be able to use it for long periods of time on battery and won’t have time to recharge it from 40% then store it with a higher level of charge.
When you want to use the laptop pop the battery in, or perhaps just use the AC cord.
Another thing is to make a restore DVD that will get your laptop back to todays setting if needed and things go wonky.
This depends on why you are using it for. If you plan on using the laptop as a front-end for the internet (meaning that you plan on firing up the browser and visiting websites) then you should keep at least one browser and the OS up-to-date. If you plan on using the laptop to use the applications on the laptop only, and not connect it to a network, then you would be fine never updating it.