As cold and flu season bear down upon us, it is a good time
to remind everyone to clean their computers to help prevent the spread of
germs. Below are some general
guidelines for doing this along with an attached article from the October issue
of Good Housekeeping magazine for further guidance.
Remember to shut down your computer before cleaning and
unplug it if possible to avoid electrical shock or damage to electrical
components.
Computer Housing—outside of computer
Wipe
off with a damp (not wet) or dry soft cloth. Vacuum air vents with a small vacuum attachment or blow out with
compressed air being careful not to apply too much pressure to unit.
Keyboard—
Gently
tap upside down to remove loose dirt and crumbs. Wipe keys with a slightly damp (not wet) soft cloth or
cotton ball. Using rubbing alcohol
helps to prevent the spread of germs.
You may use a q-tip to clean between keys.
LCD Screen (flat screens)—
Wipe
with soft, dry cotton cloth. If
necessary, slightly dampen cloth is rubbing alcohol/water combination. Special cleaning cloths are also
available.
Non-LCD Screen (with glass cover)—
Wipe
with soft cloth dampened with distilled water—do not spray anything
directly onto screen!
Mouse—
If
it is a laser mouse, clean all surfaces, top and bottom, with slightly dampened
soft cloth—using rubbing alcohol again helps kill germs. If it is a regular mouse, clean all
surfaces as a laser mouse, but also remove the bottom covering and clean the
roller ball and rollers with a q-tip or cotton ball slightly dampened with
rubbing alcohol.
Desk Surface—
Be
sure to clean the desk surface under and around your computer with a slightly
dampened cloth to remove dust, debris, and crumbs—including your mouse
pad if you have one.
Make sure all surfaces are completely dry before plugging
your computer back in and re-booting it.
Judy Rogers
Technology Coordinator
Golden Plains USD #316
335 School Street
Rexford, KS 67757