Cleaning the keyboard

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.

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. Cleaning the mouse

There are two main types of mice: 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 there aren't 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.

Before you clean your mouse, check the owner's manual to see if the manufacturer has provided
you with instructions for your specific mouse. If so, follow those instructions. If not, the
following steps are basic cleaning tips that will help keep your mouse clean.

1. 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.
2. Moisten a cotton cloth with rubbing alcohol, and use it to clean the top and bottom of the
mouse.
3. If you have a mechanical mouse, remove the tracking ball by turning the ball-cover
ring counterclockwise. Then clean the tracking ball and the inside of the mouse with a
cotton cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol.
 4. Let all of the parts 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.

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 nonglass 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.

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 antistatic 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—like diluted ammonia cleaner or glass cleaner—on a paper towel or
antistatic 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). 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, and 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.

Safeguarding against malware

Malware is any type of software that is designed to damage your computer or gain
unauthorized access to your personal information. It includes viruses, worms, Trojan horses,
and spyware. Most malware is distributed over the Internet and is often bundled with other
software.
The best way to guard against malware is to install antivirus software such as Bitdefender,
Norton, or Kaspersky. Antivirus software helps to prevent malware from being installed, and it
can also remove malware from your computer. New malware is being created all the time, so it's
important to update your antivirus software frequently. Most antivirus programs can do this
automatically, but you'll need to make sure this feature is enabled.

It's also important to stay smart when you're browsing the Web or using email. If a website or
email attachment looks suspicious, trust your instincts. Keep in mind that your antivirus program
may not catch everything, so it's best to avoid downloading anything that might contain
malware.

Backing up your computer

Imagine what would happen if your computer suddenly stopped working. Would you lose any
important documents, photos, or other files? It may be possible to repair your computer, but your
files may be lost forever. Luckily, you can prevent this by creating backup copies of all of your
files (or just the important ones) on an external hard drive or an online backup service.

External hard drives

You can purchase an external hard drive and copy the contents of your computer to it. The
initial backup could take several hours, so you will need to select a period of time when you
do not need access to your computer. Running the backup overnight usually works best. Follow-
up backups should be conducted on a regular basis but will not take as long because the drive
will only need to copy your most recent files.

Western Digital, Iomega, and Seagate produce popular external hard drives. Conduct some
research on which product best suits your storage needs, or ask a computer sales representative
for recommendations.

One drawback, compared to online backup services, is that your external hard drive can be lost,
damaged, or stolen just as your computer might be. Therefore, it is important to keep your drive
in a secure location when not in use.
Online backup services

You can also back up your files to one of the online backup services like Mozy, Carbonite, or
Box, and your files will always be accessible to you. The amount of storage space provided by
these sites varies, and you may have to pay a monthly or yearly fee for adequate storage. Again,
do your research because these services are constantly changing and offer varying features.

One drawback to online backup services is that the initial backup can be slow and may even
take days to upload if you have a lot of files. However, subsequent backups should not take as
long.

Other maintenance techniques

To keep your computer running smoothly, it's important to keep files and folders uncluttered.
Cluttered or unorganized folders make it more difficult to find the files you need. Additionally,
unwanted files can eventually fill up your hard drive, which will make your computer slower
and more difficult to use. Here are a few things you can do to delete unwanted files and improve
your computer's performance.

 Delete files: If you have any unwanted files, you can delete them manually. To do this, drag
them into the Recycle Bin or Trash, then empty it.
 Run the Disk Defragmenter: Windows includes a Disk Defragmenter program in the Control
Panel. It scans the files on your hard drive and rearranges them so it can read them faster. If
your computer is running slowly, running Disk Defragmenter can help to speed it up.
 Run a Disk Cleanup: Windows also includes a Disk Cleanup program in the Control Panel. It
scans your computer for temporary files and other files that can be deleted. You can then
delete the files to free up space on your hard drive.
Avoiding strain and injury

In addition to keeping your computer healthy, it's important to think about your own health.
Using a computer involves a lot of repetitive motions such as typing and using the mouse. Over
time, these motions can begin to take their toll on your body, especially your wrists, neck, and
back. Staring at a monitor for long periods of time can also cause eye strain. To minimize this,
you should take a few moments to make sure your workspace is arranged in a comfortable and
healthy way.

Computer ergonomics is the science of equipment design and how specific equipment usage
and placement can reduce a user's discomfort and increase productivity. Some equipment is
designed with special attention to ergonomics, such as ergonomic keyboards and ergonomic
chairs.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid injury in your workspace.

 Adjust your chair: Make sure your chair is adjusted to allow you to sit in a natural,
comfortable position. Many office chairs are specially designed to support the lower
back and promote good posture.

 Keep the keyboard at a comfortable height: Try to place the keyboard in a position
that allows you to keep your wrists straight and relaxed to avoid wrist strain. Many desks
have a keyboard tray that can keep the keyboard at a better height. You can also buy an
ergonomic keyboard that is designed to minimize wrist strain.
 Keep the mouse close to the keyboard: If possible, place the mouse right next to the
keyboard. If the mouse is too far away, it may be uncomfortable or awkward to reach for
it.
 Place the monitor at a comfortable distance: The ideal position for a monitor is 20 to
40 inches away from your eyes. It should also be at eye level or slightly lower.
 Avoid clutter: The computer area can quickly become cluttered with paper, computer
accessories, and other items. By keeping this area as uncluttered as possible, you can
improve your productivity and prevent strain and injury.
 Take frequent breaks: It's important to take breaks while you're working at your
computer. To avoid eye strain, you should look away from the monitor every once in a
 while. You can also stand up and walk around to avoid sitting in the same position for
long periods of time. Programs such as Eyes Relax and Workrave can automatically
remind you to take breaks.

Challenge!

 Take a look at your computer. Does it need to be cleaned?

 Clean your monitor following the steps in the lesson. Be sure not to use glass cleaner or any
harsh chemicals.
 Based on the type of mouse you have, clean your mouse following the steps in the lesson. Do
you have an optical or mechanical mouse?
 What do you do if you spill liquids on your keyboard?
 Does your computer have antivirus software installed? If not, research some of the different
antivirus programs that are available.
 What are two ways of backing up the data on your computer?
 To minimize eye strain, how far should your monitor be from your eyes?

Basic Routine Maintenance for Your Computer

If your computer seems to be running slower than usual, crashes unexpectedly, or is otherwise
unstable, you may be in need of some basic computer maintenance. This document discusses the
following basic maintenance topics:

 Maintaining Current Anti-Virus Software

 Maintaining Current Malware Protection Software
 Installing Operating System Updates
 Clearing the Cache in your Internet Browser(s)
 There are two types of maintenance that can be applied to a computer:
 Preventive Maintenance: He applied to a PC in order to avoid future mistakes and
technical problems, such as: Find and remove viruses from your hard drive, find and
correct errors in the physical and logical disk, disk defrag, clean up the motherboard and
other cards to avoid technical problems due to dust, etc..
 Corrective Maintenance: One who is oriented to diagnosis and repair of equipment
when a technical problem.
 When we maintain a computer, we must first determine what is the time of use and delay
of computer technology. The services on very old computers is more expensive and
therefore difficult to get the spare parts.
 Then, evaluate the physical conditions of the computer. An ancient or modern computer
can not be installed on site very closed or have books and materials on top that not allow
to dissipate the heat generated on the motherboard. (Despite being cooler on the inside).
Not necessarily must be in a room with air conditioning but in a cool place.
 As for electricity, there are users that have hydro-pneumatic pumps, air conditioners, and
a number of electrical equipment that consume much energy at boot time, is there just as
the hard disk of the computer is suffering because it is very sensitive to electric failures
 and every time the fridge turns on, there is a low amperage in the electrical system
throughout the house and consequently on the PC. Since this fluctuation power, hard
drives trend to suffer much damage.
 We can begin to look for and remove informative viruses with a good antivirus.
 Find and delete temporary files on your computer (*. TMP) that occupy space and trend
to crash the computer.
 Also look for files with the CHK, if your disk starts to make files of this nature, it is
likely that we are in the presence of a future damaged disk, because these files are usually
lost fragments of other files that are not well saved or maybe it was lost because the
computer turned off unexpectedly, or data recovered from a bad sector on your hard disk.
 If the computer has more than 2 years that the operating system was installing, do a Back
Up of all important files to the user and format the hard disk, and reinstall all programs.
Will see fast improvement.

Adaptive Maintenance

In times of peace, corrective maintenance should be enough to keep your company profitable. In
times of war, however, adaptive maintenance is necessary to insure your company’s survival.
This is the reason that some companies use a rotating CEO system of “peacetime” (corrective)
CEOs and “wartime” (adaptive) ones. A war occurs when your company’s main product lines
come under heavy attack from competitors, which seek to either imitate your product or undercut
your prices to claim market share. In times like these, you need to hold meetings to map out the
projected future of your company. Companies usually map out their product cycles for the next
few years. Add the new variables – your competitors – to your projected timeline, and study how
your market share will be adversely affected. Estimate your competitions’ own product cycles
and future plans, and find ways to launch preemptive strikes with earlier product launches to
maintain a competitive edge.

Use the adaptive correction strategy to shift your business departments around, increasing
emphasis on more profitable segments while divesting from less profitable ones. Upgrade
existing business segments or introduce new ones to address the changing tides of business. Pay
attention to macroeconomic impacts – such as commodity costs, discretionary spending and
government regulations – to make sure that you stay ahead of the curve. Most failures in the tech
industry, in particular, stem from favoring a corrective strategy over an adaptive one, in which
executives put off costly upgrades in favor or quarter-to-quarter earnings. This strategy can cost
your company dearly when a competitor comes out of left field with a new technology which
suddenly renders yours obsolete.