A clean computer can help avoid the need for repair
Your house isn’t the only thing that needs a spring cleaning. Your personal and business desktops and laptops also need regular cleaning both inside and out of your PC, which will prevent the need for repairs and keep you and your computer healthy.
Cleaning your system
If your PC is running a bit slow, you may need to clean it up. Start by getting rid of unnecessary startup programs. Some are easy to turn off, but some may require some help. CodeStuff Starter is a free program that allows you to easily disable any startup program of your choice. The next step is to uninstall programs that you no longer use. If you don’t see the Uninstall option in the program folder, you can uninstall it using Control Panel. It’s also a good idea to update your software. Check the programs you use frequently and see if there is an “update” feature that automatically checks for new patches. If none are available, check the software manufacturer’s website for new patches. Additionally, you’ll also want to update your drivers, which you can also do from the manufacturer’s websites. You’ll also want to look for a more efficient anti-malware if your current program is running slowly. Once all this is done, defragment the hard drive. You can find several free defrag programs online, such as Auslogics Disk Defrag.
Now that your programs and software are clean, you may want to reorganize your desktop. Delete the desktop icons you don’t need, and then rearrange the rest. Tired of the same image that’s been on your PC for months, but don’t want to take the time to change it every week? If you have Windows 7, you can create a wallpaper slideshow that automatically alternates between different images of your choice. You can also choose how often you want the wallpaper to change.
Cleaning the tower, monitor and peripherals
The first step is dusting. This may seem like more for the appearance of your computer, but it’s actually important for regular maintenance. Dust and debris can obstruct airflow in your PC tower, possibly causing it to overheat. Before cleaning your computer, turn it off. You want to have clean, lint-free towels; compressed air, cotton swabs, and isopropyl alcohol. Moisten the cloth with alcohol and clean the entire surface of the case. Now it’s time to work on the inside.
You will need to remove all the panels (some require a screwdriver, but other PC models do not). Use a can of compressed air to remove all the dust. You can also use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean any nooks and crannies that are still dirty. Take care not to move any of the internal components of your PC.
Cleaning peripherals is an important step, since the average keyboard and mouse are covered in germs (especially if you share a computer). Cleaning your mouse and keyboard keys with a PC-safe cleaning solution will help disinfect those surfaces, using the cloth for larger areas and the swabs for small corners. If your mouse has a trackball, you’ll want to remove it and clean both the trackball and the trackball chamber gently with a cleaning solution.
The keyboard is a bit more complicated than the mouse. First, you’ll want to turn it over and gently shake it to loosen any crumbs that have gotten under the keys. You can then use the compressed air to blow out any bits still lodged underneath. Once your keyboard is free of crumbs, clean it with the cleaning solution.
When cleaning your monitor, you should avoid using liquids, except those that are formulated specifically for LCD screens. Gently cleaning your monitor with a lint-free cloth should be all you need, if you don’t want to invest in a cleaner that’s used just for your monitor.
Keep your PC germ-free
When it comes to keeping your keyboard and mouse germ-free, you may need more than an occasional wipe with rubbing alcohol or a PC-safe cleaning solution, especially if you share your computer with others. Here are some products and tips to keep your computer clean:
microfiber cloths – These durable cloths will not tear or lint your computer or leave scratches. Best of all, they’re treated with Microban antimicrobials to kill bacteria.
Cyber Clean Putty – With a cloth, you can’t always reach all the nooks and crannies of your keyboard, which is the most germ-ridden part of your computer. Cyber Clean Putty looks like Play-doh. You press it on your keyboard and it picks up dust, crumbs, and even oil from your skin.
General Purpose PC/Computer Cleaning Kit – This kit contains just about everything you need for regular computer cleaning, including lint-free cloths, a keyboard cleaner, anti-static cleaning fluid, and more.
The products listed above are fairly inexpensive and are great for regular cleaning. However, if you’re really serious about killing germs and willing to splurge, here are some other products of interest.
Verilux Clean Wave – This is a UV light that disinfects any surface and comes in a full size and travel version. This type of product is beneficial for public computers, such as those in hotels, libraries, and campus computer labs, where dozens of hands touch the surface every day.
Silver Seal Peripherals – Silver Seal makes both a keyboard and mouse made of plastic embedded with microbe-inhibiting glass and silver, and are completely washable. Yes, they are even dishwasher safe.
Cleaning your computer, both inside and out, is a good practice for regular computer maintenance. Take care of your computer and it will take care of you.