Mouse
Start with your mouse. You should clean your mouse every week. Simply remove the
bottom and the mouse ball will fall right out. Make sure you catch it or you may
be playing cat and mouse or chase the ball. Gently rub the rods and rollers
inside until all lint is removed and your mouse is clean.
CPU Fans
The fans inside your computer system are a mixed blessing: On the plus side,
they move air over heat-generating components, helping to keep your system cool.
But they also concentrate dust both on the fans and inside your CPU case, which
can cause heat buildup.
To get the maximum benefit from the fans, you need to clean out the dust at
least twice a year. Go to your local computer or office supply store and buy a
mini-vacuum cleaner and a can of compressed air. With these in hand, unplug your
computer and open its case. Once it's open, be sure to touch the power supply
periodically to discharge chip-frying static electricity.
CPU - [Mother Board, RAM and Other Chips]
Use the compressed air to clean dust from chips, circuit boards, and fan blades.
The compressed air helps to clump the dust particles together, making it easier
to pick them out or vacuum them up. With a clean system, your fans will do a
better job keeping things cool.
Computer Desk
If your PC is located near a window, use blinds or shades to keep direct
sunlight off the system. Leave space behind and above your system and monitor
for air to freely circulate. Don't stack papers, disks, or anything else on top
of any computer component.
Locate your PC where it is as free as possible from dust, dirt, pollen, and pet
hair. Such contaminants coat the components inside your PC, interfering with the
cooling action of your PC's fans
Get the supplies you need to organize your work area and keep your computer
clean. Floppy and CD-ROM cases or racks File racks with folders for each family
member's printouts.
Keyboard
Before you clean your keyboard, turn your computer off. Next, write down the
locations of the keys so you can put them back in the right places. Use a thin
screwdriver or a butter knife to gently pry up the rectangular keycaps.
Don't try to remove the Space Bar, Shift, Enter, or any other oversize keys --
it can be difficult to put them back in place. If liquid is present, sop it up
with a paper towel. Use compressed air to remove hair, dust, and other loose
materials.
If you find built-up gunk, use a mild household cleaner on a cotton swap to
clean it up. Gently but firmly press each keycap back in place, following the
layout in your diagram.
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