Computer Screens
Computer screens will get dirty over time from a build of general dirt in the air. Also, every time you sneeze, take care not to aim at your screen. Computer screens also show up fingerprints as well so take care not to put your fingers on the screen. Whether you have an old-school CRT or an LCD screen the way to clean it is the same. You want to wipe the screen with a soft cloth. If you need to, dampen the cloth slightly but not too much. Make sure no excess liquid leaks down the screen as this can damage its functioning if it leaks into electronics. Electronics + water = computer repair here we come.
Keyboard: First, disconnect your keyboard from your computer. Turn it over and you will be amazed by how many crumbs will fall out of it. If you are one to eat at your computer, your keyboard will likely be quite feral if you do not regularly clean it. Once you have shaken out your keyboard, you should vacuum it with a small nozzle vacumn or use compressed air to blast out resistant debris. As we have previously mentioned compressed air is a key tool in a computer repair technician's toolkit. You can also use a small brush to try to get out debris from between keys.
Mouse: If you are still using a ball mouse, we won’t bother to give you advice on cleaning it. GO AND GET A NEW MOUSE. It’s 2012. If you can afford the internet to read this article you can afford a decent optical mouse. With optical mice, use compreseed air to blow lint and dust off the sensor. You can also try to use a cotton bud to force out any crumbs. You might also want to brush off the non-stick mouse feet on the bottom of the mouse as they can accumulate grime which hinders the movement of the mouse.
That’s all for cleaning the external of your computer and here are some more handy hints.
1. Always let your computer cool down before cleaning it.
2. Never spray or squirt liquid at your computer. Liquid should be used in moderation when cleaning computers and should be applied to a cloth.
3. Never use liquid near any component inside a computer
4. Be gentle in your cleaning. You don’t want to damage any computer comonents.
5. Don’t smoke near your computer. Smoke particules can build up and lead to damage to your computer.
6. Always allow proper airflow around your computer and try to avoid food and drink around your computer.
7. If your computer needs a repair, do that first. Then clean the computer. Cleaning may result in dislodging computer components and thus confounded symptoms.
That’s all for now. Next time we are going to talk about cleaning the inside of computer and the differences between PCs and laptops when it comes to cleaning.
Computer Nerd signing off from Sydney. OUT.