What are the risks of buying a used computer or laptop and how can you avoid them?

When considering purchasing a new computer or laptop, many users turn to used devices in order to save some money. However, used computers come with many risks that need to be taken into account in order to avoid the damages and negative effects that may result from them.

While there are risks related to hardware, most risks of used computers are in the software, especially since detecting them is much harder than physical problems in the computer. So, if you are considering buying a used computer, in this article we provide you with the most important tips to consider in order to get a successful and safe deal.

Risks of used devices arise from how the previous owner handled them. For example, an untrustworthy seller may install harmful software on your computer in order to access your data, including Keyloggers that track everything you type on the computer, especially during internet browsing, such as usernames and passwords, and more. The worst part is that these programs are difficult to detect on the computer while in use as they operate in the background without leaving any traces.

The danger can also go further, for example, tracking programs can be installed on the computer to monitor more of your activities while using the computer. These programs may, for instance, access the webcam or microphone, take regular screen captures, and send them to intruders. Of course, no one wants to be monitored in this way at all.

Other times, the seller may not have any intention of harming you but may not be well-informed on how to deal with computers and protect them from viruses. This may lead to the computer getting filled with viruses and malicious software due to downloading random files from the internet or connecting infected devices like flash drives and external hard drives, etc. The risks are not limited to that, and can extend even further. So how can you avoid them? This is what we will learn in the following lines.

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While the aforementioned risks may seem very concerning, luckily you can easily eliminate them by following several important steps before or after purchasing the computer. And of course, these steps start with choosing a reliable and known seller to buy the computer from, or alternatively, you can seek the help of an expert to examine the computer’s condition before proceeding with the purchase, as this will save you many problems that you may face later.

One of the most important steps to take after buying a used computer is to completely clean the hard drive and format it. This process can offer you great benefits beyond what you might think, as it will not only delete all the data on the hard drive but also completely eliminate any viruses present in the computer. This is in addition to getting rid of previous files completely and allowing for safe downloads of new files. You can do this manually, but it is preferable to use disk cleaning programs that do this very effectively.

Another thing to pay close attention to is to check the battery of the used laptop before finalizing the deal. While all computer components are prone to damage, the laptop battery is one of the parts that deteriorate quickly, especially when mishandled by the previous owner. Therefore, it is crucial to test and calibrate the battery first to know how long the computer can operate without needing to be recharged. If you discover any issues with the battery, you can negotiate a price reduction or not buy the laptop at all.

In order to get a successful deal as well, you should avoid computers that are over five years old. Or if you want better performance, focus on computers released within the last three years. Computers’ performance decreases over time, and technology evolves rapidly. When getting an old computer, it will become less valuable after two or three years, which may prompt you to replace it again.

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