Computer Care Tips - Keeping it Clean

If you absolutely must store your computer under a desk, do not ever set it directly on top of carpet. Instead, use something like a plastic roller mat on top of the carpet, under the desk. There are two very important reasons for this. One, as mentioned above, is avoiding the excess dust that carpet harbors and produces. The other is that you need to avoid static electricity, which carpet mass produces.

One of the absolute worst things a person can do to their computer is to store it or use in near anything (or anyone) that produces smoke. Cigarettes, particularly, release smoke and tar that very quickly coats fans and clogs heat sinks, causing your computer to overheat and damage components. Similarly, burning incense near your computer or using it next to an open fire or fireplace can be equally detrimental. Keep your computer away from smoke of all kinds.

LCD screens have a knack for getting covered with dust, hair, fingerprints, and unknown matter. It is crucial that you use the correct method of removing it all. The cheapest and safest way to clean the screen is to use a very soft cotton cloth lightly dampened with water. Alternatively, you can purchase special one-use wipes for the specific purpose of cleaning your monitor. It is crucial, though, that you never use any glass-cleaning products or other chemicals to clean your monitor. Many, such as Windex, will not only fail to clean it, but they will also eat away at the screen, possibly burning holes into it and damaging it permanently.

For more tips on how to care for your computer, continue on to Part 2 of this series.