Computer Care

Computers are like air conditioners, they stop working properly if you open Windows.

  Man is still the most extraordinary computer of all. (John F. Kennedy)

» Give your Computer a Spring Cleaning

» How to clean computer?

» How to clean LCD Monitor?

» How to Repair Scratched CDs?

» How to Clean CDs?

Give your Computer a Spring Cleaning

Here is how you can give your computer an old-fashioned “spring cleaning”

You should clean the inside of your PC at least once a year to prevent dust from clogging your computer's internal fan (which cools the processor) and potentially causing a computer fire.

You’ll need a small handheld vacuum, a can of compressed air (available at any office supply store), and your computer manual (if you’ve never opened your computer case). Back up your data before you power down your PC. Disconnect the power cord, mouse, speakers, and other peripherals. If possible, take your computer outside or at least to a well-ventilated area.

Open your computer case according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Important: Before you touch any internal PC components, first touch the metal chassis to discharge any static electricity.

Gently run the handheld vacuum along your PC’s internal surfaces without actually touching them. Vacuuming prevents loose dust from settling deeper in your PC. When dusting fan blades with a vacuum or compressed air, hold the fan still so that it doesn’t spin faster than it’s designed to. Use compressed air to blow the remaining dust clear of your PC. Also be sure to dust the grill at the rear of your PC.

Close the computer case and enjoy your clean, cool-running PC!

How to clean computer?

Baby Wipes
Periodically shaking out your PC's keyboard is a good way to get rid of the dust and debris that gathers underneath and in between the keys. But that's just half the job. Use a baby wipes to remove the dirt, dried spills, and unspecified gunk that build up on the keys themselves. Make sure to turn off the computer or unplug the keyboard before you wipe the keys.

Nail Polish Remover
You can keep computer keyboards clean with nail polish remover and an old toothbrush. Simply moisten the brush with remover and lightly rub the keys.

Mouthwash
A strong, alcohol-based mouthwash will work as well as, or better than, glass cleaner on your computer monitor or TV screen. Apply with a damp, soft cloth and buff dry. Remember to use only on glass screens, not liquid crystal displays (LCD)! The alcohol can damage the material used in LCDs. (to clean LCD, scroll below...)

Plastic Wrap
Hooray! You are off on vacation and won't be tapping that computer keyboard for a couple of weeks. Cover your computer keyboard with plastic wrap during long periods of inactivity to keep out dust and grime.

Vinegar
Your computer, printer, fax machine, and other home office gear will work better if you keep them clean and dust-free. Before you start cleaning, make sure that all your equipment is shut off. Now mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bucket. Dampen a clean cloth in the solution -- never use a spray bottle; you don't want to get liquid on the circuits inside -- then squeeze it out as hard as you can, and start wiping. Keep a few cotton swabs on hand for getting to the buildups in tight spaces (like around the keys of your PC keyboard).
 

How to clean LCD Monitor?

Flat screen monitors, also known as LCD monitors, are a little different than their CRT cousins when it comes to cleaning. Your standard CRT monitor has a glass screen and be cleaned in pretty much the same way as you would any other glass in your home or office. Flat screen monitors, however, require a bit of special care when cleaning. Their displays are much more sensitive and are easily scratched and damaged.

Follow the easy steps below to safely clean your flat screen monitor in just a few minutes. It usually takes less than 5 minutes to finish.

Turn off the monitor. If the screen is dark, it will be easier to see the areas that are dirty or oily. Use a dry, soft cloth and very gently wipe the screen. A great choice would be the microfiber type of cloth used to clean eyeglasses. If the dry cloth did not completely remove the dirt or oil, do not press harder in an attempt to scrub it off. Pushing directly on the LCD screen can often cause pixels to burn out. If necessary, dampen the cloth with distilled water or with an equal ratio of distilled water to white vinegar.

Many companies also sell small spray bottles of special cleaner for flat screen monitors but the vinegar mixture is usually just as effective.

The plastic edge that surrounds the screen can be cleaned with any multipurpose cleaner but take care to avoid contact with the screen itself.

Tips:Avoid using paper towels, toilet paper, tissue paper, or something like your shirt to wipe the LCD screen. These non-ultrasoft materials can easily scratch the screen.

Avoid cleaning products that contain ammonia, ethyl alcohol, acetone, toluene, ethyl acid, or methyl chloride. These chemicals can react with the materials that the LCD screen is made of which could yellow the screen or cause other kinds of damage.

Never spray liquid directly on the LCD screen or it could run inside the monitor and cause damage.

How to Repair Scratched CDs?

1. Put a thin layer of vaseline or petroleum jelly on your whole CD and then pour alcohol all over it.

2. Wipe it off and put it in the freezer for 1 whole hour (yeah, this takes patience).

3. Take it out and play it.

How to Clean CDs?

1. Always clean your CDs with a soft cloth from inside out.

2. If CD is not yet responding, its tracks are too dirty to play and you need it to wash.

3. Take a bowl (little bigger than the CD size) and half-fill it with water.

4. Pour a pinch of washing powder (i.e surf or alike), make some surf and dip the CD into it. Don't rub.

5. Wait for 30 minutes to wash out dust particles completely.

6. Dry the CD (even in the sunlight but not in the microwave oven)

7. Play the CD and enjoy.