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When your computer is just a few weeks old you will realize that electrical equipment is a dust and dirt magnet. When dust gets inside the case the computer's performance may suffer.
NEVER put your tower on the floor, it can create and build up static electricity from the carpet (even wood or tile flooring carries static electricity) Place your tower about 4-6 inches above the floor on a sturdy, level base. Read the manufacturer recommendations about cleaning. (Special anti-glare coatings on some monitors may require recommended procedures.) Using soap may leave a residue, so use a VERY small drop of dishwashing liquid at the most if the computer case really requires it. Turn off the power to your computer. Clean your monitor when it is cool, or let it cool off before cleaning. Use a damp------not wet------lint free cloth to clean the monitor case, making sure there is no moisture in the cloth to drip into any vents. (do not let moisture get in around any buttons/knobs.)
Do not spray directly, always spray the cloth instead. Do not over-wet the cloth. When cleaning the monitor screen, lightly spray the soft lint free cloth, do not spray the screen directly. Do not let any moisture get between the case and the screen. To clean the keyboard, turn it upside down and shake it. You can use a can of compressed air with a tiny extension nozzle, but be careful about condensation inside the can----use only short burst of the compressed air. Spray the compressed air in between the rows of keys, do not let moisture get in and around the keys. Wipe down the surfaces/keys with the damp cloth. Do not allow moisture to seep into any part of the keyboard.
You do not need to *open the case to clean inside often. (Opening the computer case will usually void your warranty)
The inside of your case seldom needs cleaning , depending on the atmosphere of your computer area. (dont fold clothes, not a lot of tobacco smoking , etc. around your computer) Usually cleaning when you do hardware upgrades will be sufficient. If you havent done upgrades, perhaps having it cleaned at a shop once a year would be a good idea.
Wipe down the exterior of the case with a damp cloth, allowing no moisture to get inside any openings or drives.
Do not use compressed air on the floppy disk drive or the cd- rom. (you don't want to blow dust inside of them) While your computer is turned off, open the cover on the underneath side of the mouse and remove the ball.....do not lose it. Wipe the ball with your damp cleaning cloth and dry it off. Inside the mouse there are three little rolling bars. Use a cotton swab (twisting the cotton end will help keep cotton from getting into the mouse), dampen the cotton tip (careful, not too much) and clean each roller. Tweezers may come in handy to clean out bits of accumulation. Replace the ball and close the mouse. (alcohol can also be used on the mouse and ball for a good cleaning, but will dry it out). Using a mousepad helps to keep your mouse a little cleaner. Wipe off your mousepad to keep it clean. Nothing should be wet. When everything is absolutely dry, re-assembled and connected............... power up.
*Opening the computer case will usually void your warranty.
Your owner's manual will tell you how to open your computer case. Make sure the computer is unplugged. Static can do damage to circuit boards. Ground yourself by touching a metal object before you start cleaning the inside of the computer. Try not to move around on a carpet. If there is carpet, ground yourself periodically.
Use compressed air with the tiny extension nozzle to blow out the dust. Do not touch the motherboard. Remove the extension nozzle, and use a few shots of air to blow out any loosened dust. Be sure you blow out the vents also before closing the case. (warning, be careful about those powerful bursts, the fan blades can be damaged)  ©makintraks Computing Solutions Center 2001, 2002, 2003 |
