PC Cleaning

Computer Cleaning

Taking care of your computer will help it last longer and work better.

To clean your mouse – First, turn you PC off. A cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol works best. The trackball can pick up dirt and dust from your desk. 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. It snaps apart and together pretty easily. 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 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. 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. The same 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.

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Don’t Scratch the Top of a CD!
By: Adam Platzer

That’s right! Scratching the top of a CD (the screen printed side) can be damaging to the integrity of the CD. Most people try to avoid scratches and blemishes from occurring on the bottom side of the CD. But in reality, the top is the more vulnerable side.

Here’s how it works: When a CD is manufactured, plastic is formed through a injection molding process that creates tiny pits and lands which make up the data on the media.

Once the plastic CD has been molded a layer of metallic and lacquer is applied to the top side in order to protect the data which is imbedded close to the top of the CD. Scratches and blemishes can penetrate the thin metallic and lacquer coatings and potentially damage the media.
Play it safe! Always protect both sides of the media!

Tips for Protecting CD’s From Scratches:
- Keep CDs in a protective case such as a clamshell, jewel case, etc.
- Only use markers made for writing on CD’s. Do not use ball point pens, etc.

About The Author
Adam Platzer
Spinergy
CD/DVD Replication, Duplication, and Screen Printing
Phone: 800-333-1328
http://www.spinergymedia.com
adam.platzer@spinergymedia.com