Computer Cleaning
Taking care of your computer will help it last longer and work better.
To clean your mouse
The trackball can pick up dirt and dust from your desk and mouse pad. Also, the wheels that the trackball come in contact with get dirty and need to be cleaned. If you notice your mouse "doesn't work right", it may be time to clean it. First, turn your PC off. Turn your mouse over and you will see the ball sticking out of a cover. Look at the arrows on the cover and turn it in the indicated direction to open it up. Don't worry about anything falling out. The only thing that comes out is the ball, and maybe a little dust, and you want to take that out anyway. You can clean the ball with alcohol if it needs it, but usually just wiping it off will work. A cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol works well for cleaning the wheels. When you're done, drop the ball back in and put the cover back on. If cleaning it doesn't help, it may be time to replace it. PC mice are usually less than $10 and are sometime free if you watch for sales in the Sunday paper.
To clean your optical mouse
If you have an optical mouse, one with a red light under it, there is no ball and you can just wipe off the lenses with a cotton swab.
To clean your keyboard
Never spray anything into your keyboard, this includes coffee. You can use a vacuum cleaner to clean dust, dirt, staples and cookie crumbs from your keyboard, but make sure your computer is off before starting, and make sure you don't have any loose keys. Rubbing alcohol works well to clean the keys and surface of your keyboard, but use it sparingly. Using a cloth works well, as paper towels tend to leave little pieces behind. If you spill something sticky like your favorite soft drink on the keyboard, the keys will likely start to get sticky as it dries. It could be time to replace it. They too are cheap and can be free if you watch for a sale.
To clean the computer
You can use a vacuum to clean around the vents and anywhere else that looks dusty. Be careful in the back of the PC to not knock any plugs loose. It is a good idea to keep the vents clean and free of dust, pet hair or lint. How often you clean your computer depends more on the environment it's in than the manufacturer's recommendation. I have 2 dogs that shed so I clean my computer about every 2 months. A cloth and alcohol can be used on the outside of the PC if it's dirty but, again, turn it off first.
To clean your monitor
A vacuum can be used to remove dust from the vents. If you have fingerprints on the glass, you can use the same wipes that you would use on your glasses or use as soft cloth and warm water followed by a dry cloth. Think of your monitor glass the same way you think of glasses, if you wear them. They may have delicate coatings on them that can be scratched. Always avoid chemicals on displays.
To clean a laptop display or LCD
These displays are plastic and can also be scratched by paper products such as tissues or paper towels or damaged by chemicals. Use a cloth made for glasses or camera lenses or a soft cloth and warm water followed by a dry cloth.
About the Author
Scott Dary, aka Parker Computer Guy, runs a computer repair and consulting business based in Parker, Colorado. Additional articles by Scott can be found at http://www.ParkerComputerGuy.com
Computing eBooks
NAVIGATION
ABCs of Computer Memory
About Computer Beeps
About Computer Viruses
Adware and Spyware Protection
Adware in Business Computers
Affiliate Business - Peripherals, Software, Computers
Are Public Internet Computers Dangerous?
Aurora Computer Virus
Avoiding Internet Threats - Securing a Computer
Avoiding Spam, Scams and Viruses
Backup a Computer Advice
Backup Data on My Computer
Backups: Don't Play Russian Roulette
Barebones Computer Buying
Become a Computer Trainer
The Benefit Of Computer Certifications
Build a Computer
Build a Computer From Scratch
Build Computer or Buy?
Build Your Own Computer
Business Computer Geeks
Business Data - How Safe is It?
Buy a Cheap Computer Desk?
Buy a Home Through a Computer
Buying a Computer? Ask These Questions
Buying a New Computer
Buying a Used Laptop
Buying Computer Parts
Buying DDR Memory
Buying Discount Computers
Buying Guide for Laptops
Buying the Perfect Computer
Check for Infections
Chinese Reading Online
Children - Computer Advantages
Choosing a Laptop Computer
Choosing an Oak Computer Desk
Choosing the Right Computer Case
Color Code Your Computer
Combat Spyware - AntiSpyware Isn't Enough
Combat Viruses
Computer Buying Advice For Novices
Computer Can't Keep Time
Computer Career Choices
Careers for Computer Geeks (11)
Computer Case Basics
Computer Case Modding
Computer Certification
Computer Certification Utility Player
Computer Classifications
Computer Classroom Rentals
Computer Cleaning
Computer Cleaning Business
Computer Clutter Clean Up
Computer Components for Idiots
Computer Consultant Hiring Tips
Computer Consulting Businesses
Computer Consulting Hiring Tips
Computer Consulting Profit Secrets
Computer Courtesy
Computer Data Backup Peace Of Mind
Computer Data Backup Tests
Computer Data Recovery Options
Computer Desks
Computer Desks for Children
Computer Disaster Preparation
Computer Disposal and Recycling
Computer Disposal Security
Computer Do's and Don'ts
A Computer For Entertainment Needs
Computer Forensics Basics
A Computer Friendly Resume
Computer Hygiene
Computer In The Shop?
Computer Insurance
Computer Literacy
Computer Loans - An Opportunity to Have a Computer
Computer Loans - Become Techno Savvy
Computer Maintenance and Performance
Computer Profits From Home
Computer Rental Advice
Computer Running Slow?
Computer Security from a Keen Non Techie
A Computer Security Policy
Computer Technology Advancements
Computer Thermodynamics
Computer Tips to Operate Profitably
Computer Traumas
Cost of Spyware on a Computer
Criminals Phishing Identities From Computers
Dead Computer - How to Revive It
Dell Recall of Laptop AC Adapters
Detecting and Eliminating Viruses
Disk Management Software - Secure Your Data
Do Computers Have to be Clinical and Boring?
Does the Media Spread Viruses?
Do You Need Computer Training?
Dusting Your Computer - Keeping it Cool
DVD Backup is an Attractive Alternative
Earning a Computer Degree Online
eBay Automobile and Computer Scams
eBay Computer Purchases
Ergonomic Computer Products
Fifth Generation Computers
Finding Great Deals On Computer Accessories and Supplies
Free Computer Space
The Future Of Computer Certification Exams
Game Creation - How to Get Started
Get a Computer Without Spending a Fortune
Get Rid Of Computer Viruses
Hacker Inside My Computer?
Hard Drive Data Loss Recovery
Hardware for Computer Desks
A Healthy Computer and a Happier You
Hidden Information on a Computer
Hide Files and Folders on a Computer
History of Computers - The Evolution of Technology
History Of Laptop Computers
Home Computer Desks: A Variety of Options
Home Office Health Hazards
How to Backup Computer Data
How to Backup Your Computer Files
How to Become a Computer Consultant
How To Buy The Right Computer
How to Choose a Computer
How to Choose a New Hard Drive
How to Deal With Computer Problems
How to Keep a Computer Virus Free
How to Organize Computer Files
How to Prevent Computer Security Risks
How to Prevent Spyware Attacks
How to Reduce Computer Problems
How to Revive a Dead Computer
How to Safeguard a Computer
How to Save on Software
How to Take Care of a Laptop
How Viruses and Spyware Get in a Computer
Hurricanes Force Businesses to Rethink Computer
Image Conversion In Computers
Increase Computer Speed
Infected With Spyware?
Information Technology Consulting - Getting Started
Introduction To Computers
Introverts and the Information Age
Is My Computer Strong Enough?
Is Spyware Slowing Your Computer Down To A Crawl?
Is Your PC Sick?
Jobs Online: Make a Computer Work For You
Keep A Computer Diary
Keep a Computer Running at Maximum Performance
Keeping My Computer Spyware Free
Land Computer Jobs
Laptop Choices - Finding the Right One For You
LCD Touch Screen Computer Monitors
Learning a New Computer Skill
Least Expensive Computer Upgrade
Make a Fortune in Computer Services
Make Computer Software Without Programming
Make Money Working From Home
Make Night and Weekend Computer Life Rich
Making Money With Computers
Master Any Software Program
Math and Dosage Calculations
MCSE? CCNA? How To Choose a Computer Certification
Memory CAS Latency
Memory for Computers
Misleading Computer Dealers
Mobile Laptop Extras
Monitor Buying Guide
Move Files to a New Computer
Network Design
Network Installation
Newbie Guide to Personal Computer Maintenance
No Computer Sound
Notebook or Desktop Computer - Which to Choose?
Optimize Your Computer For Peak Performance
Organizing a Computer Desktop
Paper or Computer Files - What to Keep?
Performance Computer Chips For Cars and Trucks
Physical Topology of a Network
Prevent Computer Intruders
Preventing Malicious Spyware or Adware
Printer Life Extension
Problems with a Computer Virus
Programmer Career Track
Pros and Cons of Owning a Laptop
Protect Your Computer
Protect a Computer from Hurricanes
Protect a Computer From Viruses
Protect a Computer on the Internet for Free
Protect and Secure Computer Life
Protect Computer and Internet Privacy
Protect Your Computer and Personal Information From Spyware
Protect Your Computer and Business
Protect Yourself from Computer Viruses
Protecting a Computer on the Internet
Protocols - Communications Between Computers on a
Network
Quick Guide to Computer Training
Rackmount Computer Cases
Rackmount Computer Keyboards
Rackmount Computer Monitors Provide Dependability
Raster and Vector Computer Images
Recognize a Virus or Trojan
Refurbished Computers
Reinstall Windows XP on a Computer
Remove Spyware - How To Instructions
Removing Adware from a Computer
Reviving Old Computer Games
Roll Top Computer Desks
Save Big Bucks on a Laptop Computer
Save a Bunch of Money When Buying a New Computer
Save Computer Documents - How to Instructions
Save Email - How to Instructions
Save Internet Explorer Favorites
Save on Computer Buying Tips
Saving Money With a Computer Support Plan
Security Necessities to Prevent Spyware
Selecting Computer Cases
Simple Computer Training
Slow and Sluggish Computer? Take These Steps to Speed it Up
Small Business Virus Protection
Software Engineer Career Track
Software Layers of a Computer
Solve Computer Memory Problems
Speed up a Computer - Six Simple Steps
Speed Up a Computer Without Upgrading
Speeding Up a Computer
SpyProofing a Computer in Four Easy Steps
Spyware in My Computer
Spyware Programs That Slow System
Spyware Protection: A Must for any Computer
Spyware Solutions
Starting a Home Computer Business is Smart
Stop Computer Slow Downs and Crashes
Stop Computer Viruses
Stress Reducing Computer Tips
Student Computer Lessons
Summer Computer Tips
Survive a Computer Crash
Tips for Buying a First Computer
Tips for the Late Blooming Computer User
Tips for Presentations with Computer Projection
Transfer Digital Camera Images to a Computer
Trials and Tribulations of a Confused Computer
Twelve Threats No Computer User Should Ignore
Types of Computer Infections
Underutilized Computers
Uninstall Software Instructions
Unleash the Dragon Inside Your Computer
Do You Feel Used by Computers?
Heliodisplay - Computer Video With No Screen
Virus Protection Tips
Virus That Could Take Advantage of You
Virus That is Virtually Undetectable
Virus Writers
Viruses: Top 10 Things to Know
Viruses, Worms and Hoaxes
Watch Out for Spyware Programs That Slow Down Computer
Web Cam Advice
What are Rackmount Computers?
What Is Computer Programming Anyway?
What is Computer Security?
What is Spyware and How Do I Remove It?
What's in a Computer Name?
When to Rent a Laptop
Who's Peering Into My Computer?
Why Build a Gaming Computer?
Why Do I Need Anti Virus Software For My Computer?
Wireless Computer and Projector Rentals
Women Should Consider a Career in Computer Programming
Work at Home Computer Jobs Are Plentiful
Work At Home Computer Jobs Give Freedom
Work At Home Using a Computer, Even If You Can't Type
Work From Home Using Computer
World Of Podcasting
Worms and Virus Infection Repair
| 
