1. Windows huh? Ok. I am quite well verse with windows.
3. 1.5 years is still very young. A good laptop can last for years (mine lasted 6 years+ only had one problem during it's time)
4. Ok. Will give you recommenedation

My recommendation
1. When you get a new laptop regardless of brand, first thing you need to do is format it. Yes format it. It can be done by yourself. No need send to shop. Shop will give you pirated OS (so many times). You can give yourself "genuine OS" (validated online with Microsoft).
When you format, you need to install drivers (programs to help connect the software and hardware)
-> eg. sound drivers to enable sound, wifi driver for wifi
-> if you have Unifi, shouldn't be a problem for you to download this
-> I recommend sam drivers. Is an all in one driver pack of every known hardware drivers on earth. Know what this meant? One program for any laptops/PC drivers in the world!!! It will auto update (if you launch it). I think 4GB in size. It will also auto detect what drivers you need
2. Reason for formatting:
- It get rid of all bloatwares/rubbish stuff which comes with the PC which uninstall will leave traces behind (cannot get rid completely). Only way is format and your computer will run like newer than new. Trust me on this.
- Being a minimalist person (on PC), I run my laptop with the least amount of stuff needed + portables where possible. This means, I only install what's needed. This is to ensure max speed and performance. I value speed and performance.
3. When you format do the following:
- choose either Windows 7 (my favourite is as stable and fast as XP)/choose Windows 8.1
- deselect optional updates. Only let windows install security updates.
4. After installing, get these program (terabyte/acronis home) You don't need to install them. Run them off USB drive (get their ISO file to burn into usb drive). Create something call image backup. Image backup will restore your computer back to the condition of the date the backup was made. Which means, say 2 years after you made your backup (after formatting and installing what's needed), you feel the computer is slow, simply pop in the backup and restore it via usb and your computer speed/condition will be back to today's date. Pristine new. I use to do that every few years rather than formatting again. Saves time and time is money.
5. Get a light and effective antivirus.
- Qihoo 360 + comodo firewall (cruelsister configuration). It's free and it's light. Stops anything from ransomware to unknown virus as long as follow cruelsister configuration.
- I give Kaspersky Internet Security to my family. Easier for them (this you need to set up for max protection and speed). Slower than option qihoo/eset
- Eset nod 32 + comodo firewall (again use cruelsister configuration) and you are good to go.
I use both eset and qihoo on different PC.
- Avoid mcafee/trend Micro/symantec which comes with your PC/laptop. Slow, ineffective protection.
6. If speed, SSD is the only option. But that will blow a hole in your pocket. For me, I stick with tradtional hard disk as I know how long they can last. I always recommend to switch a laptop hard disk to "Western digital scorpio black". This particular hard disk reliability have been proven. One of the only hard disk on the market with 5 years warranty. It's the only fastest traditional hardisk at 7200rpm. Factory hard disk will be at 5400rpm. That's why,
went my default factory laptop hard disk is dying. I always switch it out for this fella. Never look back.
7. Always maintian your laptop. Every 2 years like that, send your laptop to the shop for it be clean of dust. You can DIY if you know how. Dust accumulate and chokes up the exhaust fan, making the fan to work harder. If fan cannot work. the components heats up over time and starts slowing down and die eventually. Dust, heat and water are all computer worse enemy. Having them clean the laptop cost about RM70/clean.
8. Keep the laptop cool. Even if your daughter doesn't have a cooler, leaving a few cms of space between the bottom of the laptop helps to lower the temperature (use books)
9. If you are overseas, best to get a laptop with global warranty if you are buying from malaysia.

10. Lastly, learn to use Linux. In the event laptop really died, you have an OS which can run off a pendrive. which means if really urgent need to finish an assignment, still got option. Is call liveboot.
I recommend ubuntu.

These are the tools I always carry around with me in uni days. Never left malaysia without it
- pendrive fill with bootable windows 7/8.1 (to format and install windows if needed)
- pendrive with bootable Linuxs + acronis/terabyte
- hard disk with samdrivers, office, and all my other needed programs/diagnostics tools/portable prograns.

The 2 pendrives and my hard disk are my "mini shop"
I will PM you the links