Dusty Computer

If you ever need help with this tip, I am always available to help you out in person.

So many people now a days are so worried about keeping the software side of their computer clean, they tend to forget about the hardware side of the computer. Keeping a computer clean can not only help keep the computers hardware running for a long time, but it can also keep the computer cooler inside to make it run better and faster.

"How do I clean out my desktop computer", you maybe asking? [I'll get to laptops in just a moment...] It's very simple. What you will need is a can of canned air, and a vacuum* with hose/attachments [for the area around the computer].

Desktop...
When ready, completely shut down your computer. I would recommend disconnecting the cables in the back of the computer and taking the computer outside on a sunny day. But if you would like, you can leave the cables connected and do it inside. Once outside, remove the side panel from your computer [with the computer sitting straight up as normal] and then take canned air and spray air on the areas where you see dust. If you are doing this inside your home or office, and there is a large a amount of dust, you may want to take the computer outside.

Don't forget to spray air into the odd areas... You'd be surprised as to how much dust gets it those areas. Even areas on the front and in the back. Once you feel the computer is cleaned out well enough, put the side panel back on and take it back inside... But don't hook it back up just yet.

Laptops...
If you have a laptop/notebook/netbook, you can do this at your desk, not outside. Shut down your computer, close it and unplug any devices. Grab a (used) towel and lay the computer upside down to have the lid laying on it. Take the canned air and spray at an angle at any vents on the bottom of the computer. Spray vents on the sides, front and back. Don't forget to spray the fan at the bottom. Be gentle with laptops since they are more delicate then desktops. Once done, flip the computer over and toss the towel in the wash (since it maybe covered in dust).


Now, with the vacuum*, use the attachments to clean the dusty areas near and around where the computer sits. Doing this helps you from having to clean out your computer more often. After cleaning both the area around the computer desk/table and the computer, start hooking up your computer to its peripherals... Mouse, keyboard, printer...

And there you go. The computer should be running a little better now... Also, perform this routine every 6 to 12 months to help your computer.

Keyboard
If you have a little extra air left, take the keyboard (to your desktop) outside or open the laptop computer (as if you are going to start typing) and spray the canned air into there to get the things that fall into the keyboard out.

*NEVER use a vacuum on a computer or electronic item... Electrostatic electricity may cause damage to those items.