PC SURVIVAL SKILLS: 5 THINGS EVERY PC USER SHOULD KNOW HOW TO DO

ARE YOU READY FOR A COMPUTER DISASTER? YOU WILL BE WITH JUST A LITTLE PREPARATION.

- MICHAEL CRIDER

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.

1. HOW TO REPLACE A HARD DRIVE OR SSD

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 pretty easy. All you need to replace a storage drive on most desktops and laptops (fave.co/3pUO3RG) 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 (fave.co/43HiKM6).