Basic Computer Maintenance 

 

Running Disk Defragment  

Click start and type in Disk Defragment click on the Disk Defragment Icon and select the C: and select Defragment disk. 

 

Keyboard Cleaning   

A dirty keyboard doesn't look nice and can cause your keyboard to not work properly. Dust, food, liquid, and other particles can get stuck underneath the keys, which can prevent them from working properly. Check your owner's manual to see if the manufacturer has provided you with instructions for your specific keyboard. If so, follow them. If not, the following steps are basic cleaning tips that can help keep your keyboard clean: 

 

1. Unplug the keyboard from the USB or PS/2 port. If the keyboard is plugged into the PS/2 port, you will need to shut down the computer before unplugging it. 

2. Turn the keyboard upside down, and gently shake it to remove dirt and dust. 

3. Use a can of compressed air to clean between the keys. 

4. Moisten a cotton cloth or paper towel with rubbing alcohol, and use it to clean the tops of the keys. Do not pour alcohol (or any other liquid) directly onto the keys. 

5. Reconnect the keyboard to the computer once it is dry. If you are connecting it to a PS/2 port, you will need to connect it before turning the computer on. 

 

Cleaning the monitor 

Dirt, fingerprints, and dust can make your computer screen difficult to read; however, it's easy to clean your screen when needed. Although there are monitor-cleaning kits you can buy, they may damage your monitor if they are designed for a different type of monitor. For example, a monitor cleaner that is designed for glass screens may not work with some non-glass LCD screens. The safest method is simply to use a soft, clean cloth moistened with water. 

Do not use glass cleaner to clean a monitor. Many screens have anti-glare coatings that can be damaged by glass cleaner. 

 

1. Turn off the computer. 

2. Unplug the monitor from the power. If you are using a laptop, unplug the laptop. 

3. Use a soft, clean cloth moistened with water to wipe the screen clean.  

 

Tips for cleaning other computer surfaces 

From time to time, you should clean your computer case and the sides and back of the monitor to avoid buildup of dust and dirt. Here are a few tips you can use when cleaning these surfaces: 

• Dust is your computer's main enemy. Use an anti-static wipe to lightly dust your computer casing. Don't use furniture cleaners or strong solvents. 

• Use a can of compressed air with a narrow nozzle to blow out debris from the air intake slots. 

• Spray cleaning solution (such as diluted ammonia cleaner or glass cleaner) on a paper towel or anti-static wipe. Clean the monitor housing and case (not the monitor screen) by wiping in a downward motion. 

• A safe cleaning solution for computer surfaces (not computer screens) is ammonia diluted with water, or glass cleaner comprised mostly of ammonia and water (check the label). Remember, the milder the solution, the better. 

 

Keep it cool 

Don't restrict airflow around your computer. A computer can generate a lot of heat, so the casing has fans that keep it from overheating. Avoid stacking papers, books, or other items around your computer. 

Many computer desks have an enclosed compartment for the computer case. If you have this type of desk, you may want to position the case so it is not against the back side of the desk. If the compartment has a door, you may want to leave it open to improve airflow. 

Do not spray any liquids directly onto the screen. The liquid could leak into the monitor and damage the internal components. 

          Tips for cleaning other computer surfaces 

From time to time, you should clean your computer case and the sides and back of the monitor to avoid buildup of dust and dirt. Here are a few tips you can use when cleaning these surfaces: 

 

• Dust is your computer's main enemy. Use an anti-static wipe to lightly dust your computer casing. Don't use furniture cleaners or strong solvents. 

• Use a can of compressed air with a narrow nozzle to blow out debris from the air intake slots. 

• Spray cleaning solution (such as diluted ammonia cleaner or glass cleaner) on a paper towel or anti-static wipe. Clean the monitor housing and case (not the monitor screen) by wiping in a downward motion. 

• A safe cleaning solution for computer surfaces (not computer screens) is ammonia diluted with water, or glass cleaner comprised mostly of ammonia and water (check the label). Remember, the milder the solution, the better. 

Keep it cool 

Don't restrict airflow around your computer. A computer can generate a lot of heat, so the casing has fans that keep it from overheating. Avoid stacking papers, books, or other items around your computer. 

Many computer desks have an enclosed compartment for the computer case. If you have this type of desk, you may want to position the case so it is not against the back side of the desk. If the compartment has a door, you may want to leave it open to improve airflow.