Chapter 2: Computer maintenance

By the end of this topic the trainee is supposed to be able to:

• Explain maintenance concepts

• Discuss computer cleaning materials, equipment and lubricants
• Distinguish between passive and active maintenance procedures

Computer maintenance is the practice of keeping computers in a good

state of repair. Computer valeting is the in-depth cleaning of the physical
components of a personal computer.

Computer maintenance describes various steps to keep your computer

functioning at an optimal performance level from a software and hardware
point of view.
A toolkit should contain all the tools necessary to complete hardware
repairs. As you gain experience, you learn which tools to have available
for different types of jobs.

Hardware tools used for maintenance are grouped into four categories:
• ESD tools
• Hand tools
• Cleaning tools
• Diagnostic tools

Hand tools
Screw drivers
Tweezers
Flashlight
Digital multi-meter
Soldering wire and gun
Diagnostic tools
Diagnostics software
Windows install discs

ESD tools
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap

Cleaning tools
Cleaning detergents
Cotton cloth
Brush

CLEANING AGENTS

In general computer cleaning products are substances and tools used to

remove dirt, dust, and stains from PC equipment such as keyboards and
monitors screens. They are also used for the purpose of removing
offensive odour and avoiding the spread of dirt and contaminants on your
computer.

Although a vast majority of computer cleaning products claim to be best.

However, the overall cleaning results can be enhanced when suitable
cleaning equipment is used alongside.

Caution: Refer to your computer manufacturer guidelines when choosing

a cleaning product.

Types

Some cleaning products are specially designed to kill bacteria however

others, called degreasers, contain organic solvents to help dissolve oils
and fats.
Some examples of cleaning products that are in high demand in the
computer market today are the following:

1. Screen Cleaners (Also known as Screen Cleaning Solutions)

Screen cleaners are basically used for removing dirt, fingerprints, and
dust. As a matter of fact, a good quality screen cleaner can be used for
multipurpose cleaning i.e., PC, TV, Smartphone, and similarly for other
kinds of LCD and plasma screens. Remember the general glass cleaners
have anti-glare coatings, therefore, can damage the monitor screen.

Usage

Before applying the solution, wipe the access dust off the screen with a
help of a clean dry cloth. Instead of spring directly on the screen, us a
clean cloth moistened with water.

2. Air Duster (Also Called Compressed Can/Gas)

Gas duster, also known as canned air or air dusters, is a product used for
cleaning or dusting electronic equipment computer and other sensitive
devices that cannot be cleaned using water. Air dusters are ideal for
removing dust, dirt and crumbs from sensitive equipment such as
computer devices and hard to reach areas.

Usage

When using canned air, it is recommended to not hold the can upside
down, as this can result in spraying liquid on to the surface.

3. Cleaning Gel (Also Called Silica Gel)

Silica gel is generally used to catches dirt and kills germs on computer
keyboards, mobile phones, telephones, and mouse. It also the property to
absorbs dirt and dust.
Usage

For best cleaning results apply it lightly and equally on the keyboard,
leave it for few minutes and then remove it gently to lift the putty along
with the dirt.

4. Vacuum Cleaners (Coupled with Cleaning Brushes)

Computer vacuum cleaners and brushes are particularly helpful tools to

extract dirt and dust from the keyboard and hidden parts of the
computer. The general household vacuum cleaners can be dangerous for
the circuit board of a computer unless they have antistatic safety
features. A blower can also be used in place of vacuum cleaner

5. Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

Maintenance concept

a. Cleaning the keyboard

Dust, food, liquid, and other particles can get stuck underneath the keys
on your keyboard, which can prevent it from working properly. The basic
cleaning tips below can help keep your keyboard clean.

• 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.

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

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

• cleaning the keyboard with compressed air

 • 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.

• 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 on the computer.

Dealing with liquids

• If you spill liquid on the keyboard, quickly shut down the computer
and disconnect the keyboard. Then turn the keyboard upside down
and allow the liquid to drain.

b. Cleaning the mouse

There are two main mouse types: optical and mechanical. Each is cleaned
in basically the same way, although the mechanical mouse requires a bit
more work.

Optical mice require no internal cleaning because they do not contain

any rotating parts; however, they can get sticky over time as dust collects
near the light emitter. This can cause erratic cursor movement or prevent
the mouse from working properly.

Mechanical mice are especially susceptible to dust and particles that can
accumulate inside the mouse, which can make it difficult to track—or
move—properly. If the mouse pointer does not move smoothly, the
mouse may need to be cleaned.

The basic cleaning tips below will help keep your mouse clean:

• Unplug the mouse from the USB or PS/2 port. If the mouse is
plugged into the PS/2 port, you will need to shut down the
computer before unplugging it.
 • Moisten a cotton cloth with rubbing alcohol, and use it to clean the
top and bottom of the mouse.

• If you have a mechanical mouse, remove the tracking ball by

turning the ball-cover ring counter-clockwise. Then clean the
tracking ball and the inside of the mouse with a cotton cloth
moistened with rubbing alcohol.

• Allow all of the parts to dry before reassembling and reconnecting

the mouse. If you are connecting it to a PS/2 port, you will need to
connect it before turning on the computer.

c. 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. There are
monitor-cleaning kits you can buy, but they may damage your monitor if
they're 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.
• Turn off the computer.
• Unplug the monitor from the power. If you are using a laptop,
unplug the laptop.
• Use a soft clean cloth moistened with water to wipe the screen
clean.
• Do not spray any liquids directly onto the screen. The liquid
could leak into the monitor and damage the internal
components.

PASSIVE AND ACTIVE MAINTENANCE

Passive preventive maintenance includes steps you can take to
protect a system from the environment, such as using power-protection
devices; ensuring a clean, temperature-controlled environment; and
preventing excessive vibration. In other words, passive preventive
maintenance means treating your system well.

These includes steps that you can take to protect your system from the
environment e.g.

-Power protection devices

-Ensuring a clean atmosphere

-Preventing excessive vibration

In other words, it involves treating your system well. It can also involve
providing best possible environment both physical as well as electrical
to operate in.

Physical concerns are conditions such as

1 –Extreme temperature changes

2 –Thermos stress from power cycling

3 –dust and smoke contamination

4 –shock and vibration disturbances

Electrical concerns include: -

1 –static charges

2 –Power line noise

3. Radio frequency interference

An active preventive maintenance program includes procedures that

promote a longer, trouble-free life for your laptop. This type of preventive
maintenance primarily involves the periodic cleaning of the system and its
components. The following sections describe both passive and active
preventive maintenance procedures.

• Back up any data or important files.

• Delete all temporary files, such as the following:

• Empty the Recycle Bin.

• Check for and install antivirus software updates. ...

• Finally, run a disk-defragmenting program.