How to keep your computer clean.
Regularly cleaning your computer will save you money, it really is that simple!
Over time, dust will clog up the fans and vents in your computer. This in turn will reduce the airflow inside the case and eventually cause the computer to overheat. Overheating is one of the main causes of component failure in PC's.
This process can take a couple of years, but certain environmental factors will speed it up. In particular I have found that computers used in smokey environments (home's and offices where people smoke cigarettes) will fail much faster because the tar in the cigarette smoke is drawn through the fans, sticking to the dust and causes it to 'gum' up.
Obviously making sure the computer is off the floor and in a clean room will help. If that's not possible then endevour to clean around the computer regularly.
It's also worth considering cleaning the computer itself once every few months, here's how:
The following advice has been provided by Alyson Monroe which was in turn adapted from an original article in the Microsoft Home magazine. I have added additional comments in brackets [ ].
Preparation
You'll need:
screwdriver
can of compressed air (available from computer dealers or office-supply stores)
cotton swabs (do not use a cotton ball)
rubbing alcohol [Leum would like to add: acetone/nail varnish remover can be used in a pinch]
paper towels or anti-static cloths
water
Always turn your computer off before you begin and unplug all the cords.
Step 1: Inside the case
Using a screwdriver, remove the side of the case that's opposite your motherboard. Touch as little as possible inside the computer, keeping fingers away from cards and cords.
Blow air around all of the components and along the bottom of the case, keeping the nozzle four inches away from the machine. Blow air into the power supply box and into the fan (from the back of the case). Lastly, blow air into the floppy disk and CD drives. Wipe the inside of the cover with a lightly moistened cloth before replacing it.
Do this every three months if your case sits on the floor, if you have pets that shed, or if you smoke. Otherwise, every six to eight months is fine.
[Leum would like to add: never use a hoover inside your PC case - sucking air can cause a build up of static electricity that can damage your computer. That is why you must use an air duster/can of compressed air to blow the dust out of the case]
Step 2: Outside the case
Run a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol around all of the openings on the back of your case. Give them one swipe with the damp end of the swab and one swipe with the dry end. Do this as often as you clean the inside of your computer.
[Leum would like to add: cotton wool balls may snag and leave tufts of cotton on the sharp edges of your computer which will soon get sucked into the machine once it's turned on. That is why would should use cotton buds instead]
Step 3: Keyboard
Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it. Most of the crumbs and dust will fall out. Take a can of compressed air and blow into and around the keys. Next, take a cotton swab and dip it in rubbing alcohol. It should be damp, but not wet. Run the cotton swab around the outside of the keys. Rub the tops of the keys. If you have a laptop, follow the same procedure but take extra care with your machine. Do this monthly.
Step 4: Mouse
Rub the top and bottom of your mouse with a paper towel dipped in rubbing alcohol. Open the back and remove the ball. Wash the ball with water and let it air dry. To clean inside the mouse, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub all of the components. Scrape hard-to-remove grime with your fingernail. Finally, blow air into the opening. Replace the ball and the cover. Do this monthly.
[Leum would like to add: More modern mouses (yes - mouses is the correct plural when referring to the computer peripheral) will have an optical laser instead of a ball, blow it clear of any dust but don't be tempted to rub it in case you scratch the surface]
Step 5: Monitor
Moisten a paper towel or a soft, lint-free cloth with water. (You can also buy monitor cleaning products at computer-supply stores.) Don't spray liquid directly onto the screen - spray the cloth instead. Wipe the screen gently to remove dust and fingerprints. Never touch the back of the monitor.
For laptop screens, consider buying a special cleaning solution available at computer stores. Do this weekly.
Finally, make sure that everything is dry before you plug your computer back in.