Clean PCs Are Happier (And Faster)

You can definitely increase the life of your computer by getting the dust off the fans, cleaning the vents, and removing the crud from the CPU's heat sink fans.

Coincidentally, I just did a column on the topic. It's my Hassle-Free PC print column craftily entitled "Top Tips for a Cleaner, Faster Computer."

I always run out of space in my print column, so I wasn't able to talk about monitors, keyboards, or mice.

The Gang of Peripherals

My keyboard's always catching stuff -- dust, bread crumbs, and unidentifiable schmutz. As I suggested in the print column, I take it outside and blast it with a can of air. I have an Avant Stellar keyboard and it has four screws on the bottom. I remove the screws, carefully detach the keyboard from the case, and use the air can there, too. It's something you might want to try if you have the courage -- and the handyman skills. I also use a tissue and rubbing alcohol to remove the grime that builds up on the keys.

For more ideas, read Stan Miastkowski's excellent step-by-step, "Keep a Clean Keyboard".

I've never done it, but some readers recommend that if you spill beer -- or any other liquid -- on your keyboard, try popping it into the dishwasher

While I'm talking about keyboards, here's a good site to tuck away if you ever have trouble removing keys from your keyboard.

For monitors, you can watch the Digital Duo'[s "Keep Your Screen Clean" video.

Me? I follow the advice I found on Lenovo's ThinkPad site:

1. To clean, gently wipe the LCD with a dry, lint-free soft cloth.
2. If a stain remains on the LCD, moisten the cloth with water or a 50-50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and clean water.
3. Wipe the display with the moist cloth; do not let any liquid drip into the computer.
4. Let the LCD dry before closing the lid.

For even more tips, take a look at the Complete PC Preventive Maintenance Guide.

Finally, if you have a notebook, it could use cleaning, too. Read Jim Martin's "Spring Cleaning" for details.

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