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How to clean a computer

How to clean a computer

How to clean a computerHow to clean your computer, and why it's important to do so.
The best way to add to the life and performance of a computer is to make sure that the inside stays clean and free of dust. To do this you will need to disassemble the computer and remove all the dust and debris from all the internal parts. Because most computer components are very delicate, it's impossible to use a rag or duster to clean out a computer without the risk of a static charge. Static electricity, even if undetected by you, can still cause your computer parts to be rendered useless. That is why when cleaning it's important to make as little physical contact with the parts as possible.

  • Before starting, you will want to wear a static bracelet. This will keep you grounded preventing the occurrence of a static charge. You will need to touch the case of the computer often to make sure you remain grounded. Start by unscrewing the bolts that hold the case together. After doing this, carefully remove the cover. With a can of compressed air you will want to go through and clean all parts that look visibly dust covered. Make sure to get under parts. Use the air to blow out all the dust and debris from all parts including all fans. A dirty fan especially around the processor can cause it to overheat resulting in permanent damage. For hard to reach places consult your owner's manual to be sure that you correctly remove parts without doing any damage.
  • After removing all the dust with the compressed air, make sure all air intake vents on the case are clean and clear. Replace the cover to the computer after putting all parts back where they belong. Next is cleaning the keyboard. This can be a challenge depending on the brand and style of the board. Some are easy to disassemble and clean while others may require removing each key one by one. Check with the owner's manual before venturing in to clean the keyboard. To clean the board without disassembling the board you can turn the keyboard upside-down and with the compressed air, blow all the dust and debris out from between the keys.
  • Some people find that after using a mouse for a while that they may begin to lose their accuracy and this will cause some people to go out and immediately purchase a new mouse. This is usually unnecessary. The mouse is the easiest part of the computer to clean. Most mice have a track ball. To remove the track ball you will just need to turn the little piece that holds the ball in and the track ball will usually pop right out. Inside are wheels and rollers. On these you will see some matted down lint clinging to the wheels and rollers. To remove this you can use your fingernail to gently scrape this lint off. Check to make sure there are no hairs bound up in the rollers. After scraping the lint loose, use the canned air to blow out the debris.

    Tips for safely cleaning your computer to improve it's performance.
    Your computer is a delicate and expensive piece of machinery, but it does get dirty. If you have a laser printer, your computer gets dirtier than most with all of the toner dust flying around. Computers attract dust, fingerprints, printer ink and anything else you can imagine you don't want on it. Since you can't clean your computer with liquid and it really does need to be cleaned, what do you do? There are several products on the market specifically made for cleaning your computer but they are not all necessary. You can have your computer looking like the day you bought it if you just follow a few simple steps and keep the water away!

  • The first thing you want to do is clean your hard drive's casing. You can do this with a slightly damp cloth or a paper towel lightly sprayed with glass cleaner or a degreasing formula. Be sure to only dampen the towel slightly so that no drips fall from it. Gently wipe down the casing, using Q-tips to clean small places like vent holes and floppy disk drive openings. Give the same treatment to your monitor, using only a damp cloth and Q-tips.
  • To clean your keyboard, pick up a can of air at your local office supply store. That's right, a can of air. These handy inventions force air from a can much like an aerosol but concentrated out of a long thin straw. You can use this air blowing device to clean out dust and debris on your keyboard without taking the whole thing apart. Be careful not to blow dust into your hard drive as this may cause damage to your machine.
  • The mouse is one of the easiest pieces to clean. Wipe down the outside of the mouse with a slightly damp cloth. Next, unscrew the ring from the bottom of your mouse and remove the ball. Dust off the ball with a soft cloth and look inside the cavity of your mouse. There will be dust clinging to the rollers that move the ball and you can just scrape them out with a Q-tip or your fingernail and replace the ball and ring.
  • To keep your computer looking clean longer, purchase an inexpensive plastic covering for your equipment!

    How to store hats

    How to store hats

    With the many kinds of caps that are available today, here are some tips for storing those that are not currently in use.
    Hats are an important part of our apparel wear for several reasons. They keep us warm in winter, fend off rain in summer, and add a dashing accent to an attractive outfit.
    With so many kinds of hats to choose from throughout the year, it is inevitable that some of them will have to be stored at various times. Here is a brief index of suggestions for keeping your head gear in good condition.
    1. Winter head warmers. Winter is the season when many of us are most likely to keep our heads covered when we are outdoors. From earmuffs to fur headpieces, a multitude of styles, sizes, textures, and colors provide numerous choices. Since winter lasts approximately three months, you will need to put away those warm hats during the rest of the year. A felt fedora should be kept in a hatbox if possible to help retain its shape. But a fur piece might fare better in cold storage with a professional company. Wool toboggans or pull-on hats for kids can be washed and kept in a chest of drawers for the next year, along with matching mittens.
    2. Spring caps. Lightweight and whimsical, many types of spring caps are versatile and fun without serious form or design. These can be kept in an airtight container to keep the moths away. Easter bonnets may be more substantial and require additional care, such as a dry cleaning at the end of the season before placing them in a hatbox or sealed container to preserve them for next year.
    3. Summer bonnets. A cotton sun bonnet can be washed and placed in a dresser drawer until it is needed again later. Straw hats, however, need to be carefully brushed or wiped and stored in a large box to prevent them from losing their shape. You may need to get special cleaning solution if they begin to look dingy or dark.
    4. Autumn hoods. Windbreakers, "hoodies," or other jackets with attached or detachable hoods usually are made of washable synthetic or natural fibers, so throw them in the washer before tucking them into a plastic storage bag for the winter. Wool beak caps may hold their shape without bending if they are placed in a hatbox or a firm container that won't bend or leak during the winter.
    5. Random accents. Silk scarves need to be hand washed and then folded and placed in a special box for their protection, as they snag easily. Cotton kerchiefs can be washed and stored in a drawer or on a closet shelf. Stylish pill box hats, making a potential comeback after a long hiatus, will likely need to be carefully stored in a hatbox on a closet shelf. Wool head wraps or cotton turbans can be hand washed and placed in a separate box for safekeeping.

    You may want to place matching accessories, such as gloves or scarf, with their hats if they fit and won't mash the hat itself. If in doubt about how to care for a hat or other piece of clothing, contact the manufacturer through the store where you purchased it. The only long-term problem with hats is that they typically go out of style before wearing out; but the good news is if you wait long enough, they will be back in style before you know it!
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