Computer Maintenance Guide

Most people service their cars regularly. Everyone knows that in order to keep the car running some regular maintenance is required. But ask these same people if they service their PCs and watch the funny expressions you get. Like a car, a computer requires some regular, routine maintenance if it is to perform optimally. The following is a basic guide on what needs to be done to keep your PC happy.

Case Cleaning
Dust and dirt cause overheating and excess heat leads to quicker deterioration of the PC. Cigarette smoke is particularly nasty. Also, ensure there is good ventilation around the PC. The sides and especially the rear, need good air flow to keep internal temperatures down.

 Always turn off your PC prior to cleaning and unplug it. Hold the power button in for a second or 2 to ensure all the power has left the circuits. An anti-static wrist strap is best to avoid accidentally zapping the computer. If you don't have one, regularly ground yourself by touching the outside of the PC case.

 When cleaning inside the case, pay particular attention to the vents and fans. Use compressed air to clear any dust. Use a lint-free anti-static cloth to wipe inside the case.

Warning
NEVER apply liquid directly, moisten the cloth and wring out excess water before cleaning.




Keyboard
Turn the keyboard upside down and shake vigorously. A few good blasts of compressed air will also remove crumbs etc from under and between the keys. The keys can be removed for a more thorough clean.

Mouse
For those still using a non-optical mouse, unscrew the ring on the bottom of the unit and remove the ball. Then scrape the accumulated gunk off the two plastic rollers that are set 90 degrees apart inside the ball's housing.

Monitor
Wipe the monitor case and clear its vents of obstructions, without pushing dust into the unit. Clean the screen with a standard glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth. If your monitor has a degauss button (look for a small magnet icon), push it to clear magnetic interference. Many LCDs can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol; check with your LCD manufacturer. Wipe your LCD lightly as the underlying glass is fragile.

 Tip
Don't leave your monitor running. The best way to extend your display's life is to shut it off when it's not in use.



 As mentioned earlier, cigarette smokes causes damage. Keep the PC in a smoke-free environment.

 Leave the PC running. Powering up and down constantly is one of the most stressful things you can do to your system's components. If you don't want to leave your PC running all the time, use Windows' Power Management settings to put your machine into hibernation or sleep rather than completely shutting down.