01 November 2007

[Tips] 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!

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