Tech Tip Tuesday — Cleaning Your Computer

May 19, 2009 by
Filed under: Tech Tip 

computer cat Tech Tip Tuesday Cleaning Your ComputerI have just one cat in my home. She’s not even long haired. That one cat though, sheds a lot. She also happens to have her needy moments, which means she’s there at the computer with me. That’s okay; she’s good company.

Computers take a beating even if you don’t have a pet in the house. Regardless of your pet situation, regular maintenance of the inside of your computer is a must. To keep your computer running in tip-top shape, you need a can of compressed air and a hand vacuum. Ill discuss how to clean your desktop computer.

First, turn off your computer and unplug all devices connected to it. If static electricity is an issue where you’re at, static guard bracelets that ground you and prevent shocks are available at your office supply store or computer store. In any case, discharge your static electricity by touching something metal before opening up your computer. You will probably find it helpful to work on a table. Depending on the state of your computer, there could be a lot of dust flying, so choose your workplace with care.

Second, take off the cover of your computer. Most newer models make this very easy, with tabs or screws that easily come off. If in doubt, google your computer for its user manual. When you remove the cover, be very careful. Edges on the inside can be very sharp. I’m not sure why that aspect of design is ignored with some manufacturers. Now the fun begins.

Third, not it’s time to clean. You can do a quick sweep with your hand vacuum. You don’t want to touch anything inside. Hair and dust are all that you’re after. Go around the outside of the machine as well, taking extra care around vented openings. Don’t forget unused ports. These can often be dust magnets themselves. Now it’s time for the compressed air.

Most cans of air come with a straw attachment for getting in the nooks and crannies of computers. You want to direct the spray out of the computer and not force debris inside of it. Check the fan and make sure it spins properly. Continue until things seem clean inside. Before putting the cover back on, give it a good wipe. Dust will often coat the inside of it. Once your cover is in place, wipe the outside too, making sure vents are clear and clean. After that, connect your peripherals and you’re back in business.

Regular maintenance will keep your computer running well and extend its life. Based on what you find when you open your computer, you’ll have an idea how often to clean it. If hair was caked over everything, plan on every two-three months. If it was fairly clean, once a year should be fine. Your computer is your best friend. Show it a little love every now and then.
Photo by dougwoods

Related Posts

Tags: ,

Comments

If you found this page useful, consider linking to it.
Simply copy and paste the code below into your web site (Ctrl+C to copy)
It will look like this: Tech Tip Tuesday — Cleaning Your Computer

Comments are closed.

Bad Behavior has blocked 313 access attempts in the last 7 days.

ss_blog_claim=b574bc13e92f4e5033673da9646122c5