What are some things that I can do to increase the lifespan of my laptop?
 

I always keep my laptop on standby mode when I’m not using it (i.e. instead of turning it off, I close the lid and put it on standby mode). I also bring it to school with me and put it in my backpack so that it is lying on its side (the laptop will still be on standby mode). Most of the time that I use it, I keep it plugged into the power adapter.

Do these things cause any problems for laptops? Is it bad to keep your laptop on standby mode all the time?

Do you have any general tips for how to increase the lifespan of a laptop?

Thanks.

Sometimes laptops overheat when powered on and sitting in a bag. Don't place laptop on pillows and soft surfaces, get one of those bean pads with the flat surface on top. Hard drives have a life span of some thousands of hours but every time you leave it running it diminishes a tad bit. NEVER USE HIBERNATION MODE! I worked as a IT assistant all last year and I dunno how many time we had to trouble shoot people's laptops because they let it go into hibernation mode (assuming you have windows). If you are always charging the battery the lifespan goes down. I'd suggest if you know your gonna be sitting in the same spot for a while either use it with the battery out or let it run down then charge it up. Also get a air compressor that can blow air at a high psi so you can clean the fans and keep it clean of dust.

Thermal paste.

I know windows has issues if you put the computer in hibernate mode with a USB drive attached, then remove the drive prior to starting it back up. Other than that, I'm not aware of any problems with hibernate (I've been doing it for years with my computer at home, laptop, and computer at work).

I've always used Hibernation on Windows XP laptops, and I haven't experienced anything untoward.

i use a laptop cooler

Apply some better thermal paste. I'd recommend Arctic Silver 5.

Also, what Ernge Juice was saying; don't be leaving your lappy on your bed, pillow, flat desk, etc. If you have your lappy on a desk or where ever put something underneath it like a book or a box of cards for more awesome airflow.