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Computer Basic Practices -
Bernie
Baker |
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| section 1 | From using the mouse to using the start button. |
| section 2 | Desktop settings to proper shutdown procedures. |
| section 3 | Icons to finding files and folders. |
| section 4 | Creating and saving WordPad documents. |
| section 5 | Printing. |
 1-5 (zip file) |
All sections in one zipped file. |
PC Tutorials
From basic computer operating
procedures, to advanced.
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Computer Cleaning -
Dave
E. |
| Like our homes
our computers need a routine cleaning to stay cool and operating
properly. None of us would want to
live in a filthy box, neither
would your computer. As cooling air is drawn into your computer it swirls around cooling the components before being drawn out the back by the exhaust fan(s). When it is making all those sharp turns around components and cooling them it also deposits all the contaminants in the air onto those components. In addition any component with it’s own cooling fan (CPU, high quality video card, etc) will pull dirty air past it’s own cooling fins causing those fins to become clogged. Like your home, a good cleaning routine is needed to ensure a healthy internal environment for the electronics inside your computer enclosure. The following is simply a recommended schedule; Safety first!! ALWAYS unplug your machine before opening the case, unless you have experience working inside energized equipment. Always use a anti-static wrist band to discharge your body’s natural static electricity, this protects the components. Keep pets, kids, and other critters safely away from the inside of your machine, some components can retain a electrical charge for a LONG time. Open the machine and brush out the loose dust, a horsehair brush is best as it won’t develop as much static electricity as a nylon brush. Be careful, do not use a brush with a metal band as that can come into contact with charged parts. It is OK to use canned or compressed air to make the job easier but make sure the pressure is less than 15 PSI. It is not recommended using a vacuum cleaner on components although it is OK to use it to draw out the dust that the brush knocks free. Never use compressed air or the vacuum to clean the fans, they are not designed to operate at the high speeds they will be driven at by the air flow. Cleaning the heat sinks for the CPU, Video Card, and any other heavy power using component is necessary, those protect the equipment from overheating by drawing heat away from the sensitive electronics. Not only does the dust buildup prevent air flow past the fins but can actually prevent the fins from transferring excess heat to the air. Blow the loose dust from between the fins with compressed air. If you feel comfortable doing it remove the fan and clean between the fins with your brush and some pipe cleaners. It may be necessary to use a LITTLE but of denatured alcohol (rubbing alcohol) on the grimier areas but keep the alcohol clear of any printed circuit boards. While you have the fans off of the heat sinks this is a good time to clean the fan blades, they also tend to become fouled by caked dirt and grime resulting in what could be referred to as “rotating clubs” instead of fan blades. Again, do NOT use the compressed air or vacuum to clean the fan blades unless they are prevented from rotating as the air flow will cause them to spin at speeds far in excess of the manufacturers’ tolerances. Use your brush and pipe cleaners with a little denatured alcohol to get those fan blades clean, then reinstall the fan(s) back onto the heat sinks ensuring you have them locked down nice and tight. It is not a good idea to dig into the power supply unless you have experience with high current capable circuitry, the power supply can have dangerous voltages running around inside it and the capacitors can hold a considerable charge for quite a long time. About the best the average user can do is to use the compressed air to blow the accumulated dust out of the power supply enclosure through the vent holes. CD/DVD drives and floppy drives; These are also part of the air flow system for the computer, air is drawn in through the various disc drives and into the computer. This means that your disc drives are the first filter for the machine and get more than their share of dirt accumulation. A good set of cleaning discs is mandatory as they will fail fast if not kept clean. Air flow around the computer; It is a good practice to keep at least a four inch space around the computer to keep air flowing freely, this especially applies to the rear of the machine as cabling tends to collect in the back blocking air flow. While it may seem logical to enclose your computer in a cabinet or behind a closed door that is actually a bad idea as this limits the free flow of air causing overheating. If you must enclose your machine make sure you have a positive air flow going through the enclosure, enclosure cooling fans are inexpensive and will save money on repair bills in the long run.. Location: Computers need to be elevated off the floor, this prevents the extra dust that is always present on the floor from being drawn in and keeps small critters like little kids, small animals, and insects out of the workings. Cleaning schedule: For the average machine once every six months is a good starting point. Subtract a month from that schedule for each of the below: Computer is in a dusty environment Pets that shed in the area (cats LOVE to sleep on top of computers) Small children around the computer Exposed to high humidity/greasy air (like the computer in the kitchen/dining area) The average computer can last many years, in some cases far past the point where technology has made it obsolete. A routine cleaning schedule will help your computer last a very long time and save you a lot of money in unneeded repair bills. Dave E. |