Computers

Keeping your computer clean keeps it performing at its best. But it should be cleaned with proper measure. Here is a list of items which you may want as your computer cleaning kit:

1. A soft cloth
2. An aerosol can of air that has a narrow straw like extension
3. Iso-propyl Alcohol
4. Cotton Swabs
5. A CD drive cleaning kit

Cleaning the Exterior:

Warning: Unplug the power cord and modem cable from the socket to avoid possible injury from electrical shock. When you shut down your computer, it turns off but some current still flows through the computer.

Before cleaning the computer turn it off and remove its battery.

Always use a damp lint free cloth to clean your computer. Any other type of cloth may damage the finish on your computer or any of its components.

Keep the vents free of dust because the heat of the components is released by drawing the air through the vents. ‘Do not try to clean the dust from the inside of the computer’. Brush the dust away from the vent with a damp cloth. (Be sure not to drop a single drop of water in the vents otherwise it may damage your computer.)

Cleaning the Keyboard

The easiest way to clean the lint from under the keys is to using an aerosol can of air with a narrow straw like extension. You should clean your keyboard occasionally to clean the lint stuck under the keys.

If you accidentally spilled some liquid on your keyboard, turn off your computer and lift the keyboard upside down. This will make the liquid flow out of the keyboard without affecting its working.

Clean the Screen

Squirt a little water on a soft cloth and wipe the screen. Remember; never squirt any liquid directly on the screen.

Caution: An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen is made of specially coated glass and can be scratched or damaged by abrasive or ammonia-based windows cleaners.

Clean the Mouse

Cleaning the mouse regularly will improve its accuracy otherwise the mouse pointer will start moving erratically across the screen and will become hard to control.

Following are the steps to clean a mouse.

1. Turn the mouse upside down.

2. Rotate the retaining ring on the bottom of the mouse counter-clockwise.

3. Remove the retaining ring and mouse ball.

4. Use a soft cloth to remove any dust dirt or lint on the mouse ball.

5. Use “Iso-propyl Alcohol” and a “Cotton Swab” to clean the mouse rollers.

6. Replace the mouse ball and lock the retaining ring.

A program that attaches itself to a file on a computer and then spreads from one computer to another is called a Virus. A virus can damage your data or cause your computer to malfunction. They are activated on a certain date so some viruses go undetected.

How to protect your computer from viruses?

1. Check files and programs that are on diskettes, attached to emails or downloaded from the internet by using your antivirus program.
2. Install programs after checking them for viruses.
3. Use Microsoft Word and Excel after disabling macros on suspicious files. If you open a document that contains macros that has a virus in it then these programs will warn you.
4. Help spot: Double-Click on the help spot icon on your desktop for more information on how to protect your computer from viruses.

How to scan for Virus?

i. Click Start.

ii. Select programs.

iii. Then select the antivirus program installed on your computer.

iv. after the program opens.

v. Select Scan For Virus. Click Run Scan Now.

(You can also select the type of scan from the scan area.)

How to Remove a Virus?

i. Find the virus using your antivirus program.

ii. Then remove the virus from your computer.

iii. Turn off your computer for a few minutes.

iv. Rescan for the virus as soon as your turn on your computer.

Important: For fighting against the latest virus you should often upgrade your antivirus program.

How to Update your Anti-virus Program?

i. Click Start.

ii. Select Programs.

iii. Then select the anti-virus program installed on your computer.

iv. Follow the on screen instructions to upgrade the anti-virus program.

v. Click Finish when the program has completed the upgrading.

One should recalibrate the battery once a year to maintain the accuracy of the battery gauge otherwise your notebook may unexpectedly go into standby mode while you’re using it but the battery is not low.

How to recalibrate your battery?

• First connect your AC power adapter to your computer and then switch it on.
• Press F2 to open the BIOS setup program at the start up screen.
• To select the Security menu, press the left arrow key until you open it.
• Go down to select the Battery Auto-Learning option. (By default, it is disabled)
• To open a small setting window, press Enter.
• Enable it by pressing the down arrow key.
• Select Exit by pressing the left arrow key.
• The battery recalibrating program begins when you select Exit Saving Changes by pressing the down arrow key.
• The notebook recharges the battery after your battery has been recalibrated. It may take 12-24 hours to recharge. The battery gauge shows accurate battery charge after the battery has been recharged. In case the battery gauge still does not show accurate readings then contact your Technical support.
• Important: If the recalibrating process is interrupted one must restart the process all over again so be careful.
• To exit the recalibration process simply follow the on screen instructions.