Tip #4304 - Cleaning Your Computer: 12 Simple Tips
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Cleaning
Your Computer: 12 Simple Tips
A stitch in time
saves nine! Believe it or not, but this adage works brilliantly for
your computer too. Not only will keeping your computer clean help
you save on maintenance cost, but it will also keep you stress free
so that you can focus on your work and nothing else! So, why is cleaning
your computer so important? Well, basically because dust and debris
collect in your system, causing your computer to heat up, which can
eventually lead to hardware failure.
Here are a few
simple tips that will keep you in the clear. Read on!
1.) To clean your
computer case, first unplug your system power from the electrical
outlet. Remove all the cables and connectors from the back side of
your computer. The computer will require the fans to be blown out
as well. Some PCs have multiple fans: one on the processor and one
or two on the power supply. Make sure you clean them all. The best
thing to use is probably compressed air. Just blow that air all around
the hardware components, while keeping the nozzle at least four to
five inches away from the main board components.
2.) Another good
alternative to compressed air is to use a portable battery powered
vacuum that can effectively remove the dust, dirt and hair from the
motherboard and prevent it from getting trapped within the case. However,
do not use a standard electricity powered vacuum, as it can cause
a lot of static electricity that can damage your computer. When using
the vacuum, it is vital that you stay a couple inches away from the
motherboard and all the other components to help prevent contact,
as well as, to help prevent anything from being sucked into the vacuum.
Ensure that you do not remove any small components with the vacuum,
such as jumpers.
3.) To clean your
keyboard, pick up a can of compressed air at your local office supply
store. In case you're not sure, compressed air is a handy invention
that forces air from a can out through a long thin straw. You can
use it to clean out dust and debris on your keyboard, without having
to take the whole thing apart. Be careful not to blow dust into your
hard drive though, as that may cause damage to your machine. It's
a good idea to turn the keyboard upside down and give it a few good
shakes before you use it again. If you're brave, you can pop off the
keys and soak them in a solution of ammonia and water, but be careful,
because not all the keys come off easily. If you feel resistance,
stop!
4.) If you feel
the need to test fate, you can pull out the memory and other cards
from your computer and gently rub a pencil eraser on the contacts
before putting them back in. However, don't pull any cards out unless
you're having problems reaching certain areas.
5.) Remember,
never open a CRT monitor. Even when it's unplugged, they retain enough
current to seriously harm you.
6.) When cleaning
the inside of your computer (motherboard, etc.), make sure your computer
is off. Also, never place your computer on the ground. You should
always use a computer table or shelf while you're cleaning.
7.) Only use an
air duster/canned air to remove dust from your computer's components.
It's best to do it outside as well so that it doesn’t end up
all over your house!
8.) When cleaning
your monitor, make sure you do so with a clean rag and only use cleaning
agents designed for electronics.
9.) When you're
finished with the inside, use a lightly dampened cloth or paper towel
to wipe off the outside of your computer case. Gently wipe down the
casing using Q-Tips to clean small places like vent holes and disk
drive openings.
10.) Never clean
the inside computer components or other circuit boards with a damp
or wet cloth.
11.) Wipe down
the outside of your mouse with a slightly damp cloth. Next, unscrew
the ring from the bottom of your mouse and remove the ball. Dust off
the ball with a soft cloth and look inside the cavity of your mouse.
There will probably be some dust clinging to the rollers that move
the ball and you can just scrape that out with a Q-Tip. When you're
finished, replace the ball and ring. Optical mice will require little
maintenance, but ball mice can be disassembled. Clean the ball itself,
as well as, the X and Y axis rollers.
12.) To keep your
computer looking clean longer, purchase an inexpensive plastic covering
for your equipment!
If you follow
all of these guidelines, your computer and all of its equipment will
shine like new!
~ Zahid H. Javali
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