LESSON 5: KEEPING SAFE AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE Back to COMPUTER BASICS HOME

KEEPING SAFE AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Computers are expensive, and with all big purchases, you probably want to protect your investment. Luckily, it is not difficult to keep your computer healthy and in good working order. Maintaining a computer involves three things: keeping it physically clean, protecting it from malware, and backing up your important files.

Keep Your Computer Physically Clean

When dealing with computers, dust isn't just unattractive, it can potentially destroy parts of your computer. By cleaning your computer regularly, you can help to keep it working properly and avoid expensive repairs. Cleaning the Keyboard: A dirty keyboard doesn't look nice, and can cause your keyboard to not work properly. Dust, food, liquid, or other particles can get stuck underneath the keys, which can cause them not to work. Check your owner's manual to see if the manufacturer has provided you with instructions for your specific keyboard. If so, you should follow them. If not, the following steps are basic cleaning tips that will help you keep your keyboard clean: Unplug the keyboard from the USB or PS/2 port. If the keyboard is plugged into the PS/2 port, you will need to shut down the computer before unplugging it. Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it to remove dirt and dust. Use a can of compressed air to clean between the keys. Moisten a cotton cloth or paper towel with rubbing alcohol, and use it to clean the tops of the keys. Do not pour alcohol (or any other liquid) directly onto the keys. Reconnect the keyboard to the computer once it is dry. If you are connecting it to a PS/2 port, you will need to connect it before turning the computer on.

Cleaning the Mouse

There are two main types of mice: optical and mechanical. Each is cleaned in basically the same way, although the mechanical mouse requires a bit more work. Optical mice require no internal cleaning since there aren't any rotating parts; however, they can get sticky over time as dust collects near the light emitter. This can cause erratic cursor movement or prevent the mouse from working. Mechanical mice are especially susceptible to dust and particles that can accumulate inside the mouse, which can make it difficult to track, or move, properly. If the mouse pointer does not move smoothly, the mouse may need to be cleaned. Before you clean your mouse, check your owner's manual to see if the manufacturer has provided you with instructions for your specific mouse. If so, you should follow those instructions. If not, the following steps are basic cleaning tips that will help you keep your mouse clean. 1. Unplug the mouse from the USB or PS/2 port. If the mouse is plugged into the PS/2 port, you will need to shut down the computer before unplugging it. 2. Moisten a cotton cloth with rubbing alcohol, and use it to clean the top and bottom of the mouse. 3. If you have a mechanical mouse, remove the tracking ball by turning the ball-cover ring counterclockwise. Then, clean the tracking ball and the inside of the mouse with a cotton cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol. 4. Let all of the parts dry before reassembling and reconnecting the mouse. If you are connecting it to a PS/2 port, you will need to connect it before turning the computer on.

Cleaning the Monitor

Dirt, finger prints, and dust can make your computer screen difficult to read; however, it's easy to clean your screen when needed. Although there are monitor cleaning kits that you can buy, they may damage your monitor if they are designed for a different type of monitor. For example, a monitor cleaner that is designed for glass screens may not work with some non-glass LCD screens. The safest method is simply to use a soft, clean cloth moistened with water. Do not use glass cleaner to clean a monitor. Many screens have anti-glare coatings that can be damaged by glass cleaner. 1. Turn off the computer. 2. Unplug the monitor from the power. If you are using a laptop, unplug the laptop. 3. Use a soft, clean cloth moistened with water to wipe the screen clean. Do not spray any liquids directly onto the screen. The liquid could leak into the monitor and damage the internal components.

Other Tips

From time to time, you should clean your computer case and the sides and back of the monitor, to avoid buildup of dust and dirt. Here are a few tips you can use when cleaning these surfaces: Cleaning the computer caseCleaning the computer case Dust is your computer's main enemy. Use an anti-static wipe to lightly dust your computer casing. Don't use furniture cleaners or strong solvents. Use a can of compressed air with a narrow nozzle to blow out debris from the air intake slots. Spray cleaning solution (diluted ammonia cleaner or glass cleaner) on a paper towel or anti-static wipe. Clean the monitor housing and case (not the monitor screen) by wiping in a downward motion. A safe cleaning solution for computer surfaces (not computer screens) is ammonia diluted with water, or glass cleaner comprised mostly of ammonia and water (check the label). Remember, the milder the solution, the better. - Keep it Cool - Don't restrict the airflow around your computer. A computer can generate a lot of heat, so the casing has fans that keep it from overheating. Avoid stacking papers, books, or other items around your computer. Many computer desks have an enclosed compartment for the computer case. If you have this type of desk, you may want to position the case so it is not against the back side of the desk. If the compartment has a door, you may want to leave it open to improve the airflow.

Protecting your PC - Virus and Malware

Malware is any type of software that is designed to damage your computer or gain unauthorized access to your personal information. It includes viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, and other types. Most malware is distributed over the internet, often bundled with other software. The best way to guard against malware is to install antivirus software such as AVG, Norton, or Kaspersky. Antivirus software helps to prevent malware from being installed, and it can also remove malware from your computer. New malware is being created all the time, so it's important to update your antivirus software frequently. Most antivirus programs can do this automatically, but you'll need to make sure that this feature is enabled. It's also important to stay smart when you're browsing the web or using email. If a website or email attachment looks suspicious, trust your instincts. Keep in mind that your antivirus program may not catch everything, so it's best to avoid downloading anything that might contain malware. For more tips on how to keep your PC runnign smoothly go to our article http://www.hussmir.com/web/articles/archive/How%20To%20Speed%20Up%20My%20Computer.html

END - Still Stuck?

If you want other solutions to common tech problems ask us at hussmir.com/techhelp