PC survival skills: 5 things every PC user should know how to do

When will your computer die? Be assured, it’s a question of “when” and not “if.” Though I can’t give you a precise date, I can tell you the next best thing: all the skills you need to know to be prepared for it.

The most crucial part of your PC, assuming that you can’t guarantee the hardware will last forever, is the data. I’ll show you how to protect it.

I’d recommend treating this article like a checklist. How you accomplish each task isn’t really as important as knowing that you can do it… preferably with some practice.

How to replace a hard drive or SSD 

Chris Hoffman / Foundry

The storage drive is where your data lives on your computer. And, if you want more of it — or your current drive fails — then you might need to replace it. It’s one of the most basic parts of computer maintenance.

Fortunately, it’s also a pretty easy one. All you need to replace a storage drive on most desktops and laptops is a screwdriver (and a replacement drive, of course). The newest computers use M.2 drives that can be swapped out like an old-fashioned game cartridge. Older drives using SATA connections need to be screwed into place onto frames or sleds, but again, the physical part of the process is pretty easy, just plug them into power and data cables.

Here’s the bad news. Some of the newest and sleekest laptops aren’t willing to let you into their guts, so you’re stuck with whatever storage came from the factory, just like a phone or a tablet. To avoid that, look for models that allow easy upgrades. For maximum repairability and upgrade options, check out Framework’s modular laptop designs.

How to back up and restore a partition 

partition manager

Here’s the more tricky part of data retention. While you can set up a backup system to create copies of your files and programs on a secondary drive, or use a cloud backup system to create a physically distinct security, the only way to really “preserve” your computer is to back up the primary partition of your storage drive. That preserves everything on it — the operating system, programs, files, and settings.

Backing up a partition to another drive creates a near-perfect copy of your computer’s data, as it is when the backup is made. It’s the easiest way to preserve absolutely everything on your PC, and restore it without any interruption. It might take several hours to perform, depending on how much data you have, but there’s nothing like a full partition backup for peace of mind.

Partition backups are big, slow, and complicated — it’s not like just moving a bunch of files to a flash drive. But they’re the ultimate in local backups, and a great skill to know if you’re worried about potentially catastrophic data loss.

How to set up an uninterrupted power supply 

APC

Of course the easiest way to protect the data is to never lose it in the first place. You probably already have your PC plugged into a surge protector, but the ultimate in defense from electrical issues is an uninterrupted power supply, a UPS. This is essentially a massive battery that’s constantly recharging and powering your desktop PC directly.

With your PC getting power from the battery instead of the electrical system in your house, there’s no way for a momentary outage or a power surge to damage it. As a nice bonus, you get a short amount of time — typically under 30 minutes — to save your work and shut down your computer safely.

Best of all, it’s super easy, barely an inconvenience to set up. Plus the UPS into power, plug your PC into the UPS, and you’re done.

How to set up encryption 

Chris Hoffman / IDG

What if what you’re concerned about isn’t the physical safety of your computer, but just keeping any prying eyes off of your files? Then you want to encrypt them. While encrypted data doesn’t make it completely impenetrable, it’s generally safe enough to trust unless you’re dealing with files that would make James Bond sweat.

Windows has a built-in encryption system called BitLocker, and it’s generally the easiest way to use encryption on a PC. There are other options if you want more serious protection, or something a little faster or more portable.

How to use a VPN

ExpressVPN

Of course, there’s only so much you can do in terms of security while you’re connected to the internet. What if your local nation or state is either restricting the places on the web you can visit or monitoring your every move? What if you don’t trust that the network you’re using is actually secure? Then what you need is a VPN.

A Virtual Private Network is a system that routes your web traffic through a remote server, locking anyone on the local network out of any monitoring activities. It also lets you effectively browse from that remote location — if you connect to a VPN server in California, it looks like you’re browsing in California, wherever you’re physically located.

There are a lot of VPN services to choose from, and they specialize in different things, like extra privacy or more speed. But all of them require a degree of trust on your end, and a bit of technical setup for a PC (or a home network). Check out this guide to learn everything you need to know.