Computer Care 101

Computers require special attention and care in order to function properly and to operate safely. Here are some basic guidelines that should be followed to keep computer equipment functioning at their optimum.

• Keep computer equipment away from direct sunlight to prevent overheating
• Keep computer equipment away from direct exposure to water or humidity to prevent damage
• Keep computer equipment in a clean area where there is little or no contact with dust and dirt

It is recommended that computer equipment be operated and stored in a separate area where there is no contact with agents that may cause damage to the equipment. Ideally, the area should have hard floors and the equipment should be operated with surge protection to prevent electrical surge damage. It is good practice to place an anti-static mat on the floor to keep the desk and chair static free.

If a computer device cannot be used or stored in a clean area, it should be service and clean regularly to keep it running smoothly.

A clean machine is a happy machine

The system's user guide is the best source to find specific information about how to clean a specific system's outer components; but here are some basic tips that should always be remembered.

What should NOT be done:

1. Never allow anyone to eat or drink while operating computer equipment. Food crumbs can damage computer equipment.
2. Never allow computer users to have an open container containing water(or any other liquid) on or near computer equipment to avoid accidental spillage or an electrical shock.
3. Never allow computer users to use the computer's keyboard with dirty or sticky hands (require that users wash their hands before using the equipment).
4. Never allow animals near computer equipment. Dust and hairballs can accumulate inside the computer's case and cause the system to overheat.

Computer maintenance

Computer equipment should be service regularly to keep it functioning properly. The environment where the computer is housed or used, determines the maintenance schedule. Here are some basic guidelines for determining what a computer maintenance schedule should be. Please consult the equipment's guide for more specific practices and intervals.

1. Clean room setting: if computer system is housed in a clean room setting, dirt and dust may be a minimum issue and the average computer should be service about every 6 to 12 months.
2. No clean room: If the computer system is not operated in a clean room environment. Maintenance schedule may need to be more frequent. The frequency will be determined by how much dust and dirt is found near the system. Generally, in an environment where there is constant exposure to dirt, dust, pet hair etc, it is advisable that the system is clean routinely.

How to clean computer systems

Computer systems require cleaning of internal parts especially when used outside of a clean environment. However, only an authorized technician should open the computer case and clean sensitive electronic components. Consult the computer system's user guide to determine the best interval for internal cleaning.

Regular cleaning of computer system's exterior involves the following:

Monitor screen

Computer monitors tend to get dirty from use and from dust. To clean a computer monitor or LCD special chemicals design to clean the monitor without damaging the equipment should be used. To clean a computer screen one can use OPTECH CTR Screen Care. This special cleaner is an anti-static cleaner and coating which safely removes fingerprints and smudges from computer display screens. This cleaner also leaves the surface treated with an invisible dust repellent film, which contains an optical ingredient which fills-in minute scratches eliminating surface distortion and reducing eye fatigue.

How to apply a computer screen cleaner

First, NEVER spray the cleaner directly onto the equipment. Instead, spray a lint-free cloth lightly with computer screen cleaner and then clean the screen. Be sure to hold the cloth away from the computer when spraying the cleaner to the cloth.

Keyboard maintenance

During everyday use, a keyboard can get dirty and sticky. Dirt and other agents can fall between the keys and cause damage or prevent the keys from functioning correctly. To clean a keyboard you must use either canned air/gas or a small computer-specific vacuum cleaner. NEVER apply any cleaner or liquid to your keyboard. If the keys are dirty, use a lint-free cloth that has been sprayed with computer cleaner to lightly and carefully clean the computer's keyboard. DO NOT clean any computer while the computer is operating, and avoid use till the cleaner has dissipated to avoid possible damage to the computer equipment. Consult the system's guide for precise instructions on any specific machine.

Case/Tower maintenance

Computers require exterior maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Computer maintenance involves the removal of dust and grime from the air vents and the computer case. NEVER ALLOW any type of cleaner or spray to be sprayed directly into the air vents of the computer system or the equipment could be damage. ALWAYS use canned air/gas to clean computer vents or air intakes of the computer equipment. Canned air/gas cleaners are idea for cleaning air vents, keyboards, disk drives and computer case crevices. The exterior of the case can be cleaned with a lint-free cloth sprayed with anti-static computer cleaner.

When in doubt about how to clean a computer system, ALWAYS consult the system's user manual or call the system's technical support department.

Safe computing!

Following these basic guidelines will aid in the maintenance and upkeep of most computers. For specific questions about a particular system, ALWAYS check the user guide or contact technical support.