Physical Cleaning of Computers
Having computer equipment regularly cleaned and maintained brings many advantages. Cleaning equipment on a regular basis could extend its lifespan, reduce downtime, create a healthier environment, and improve corporate image.
The fan in a PC draws in dust and dirt that could prevent the machine from cooling properly and cause overheating and eventually, components may break down from excessive heat buildup. Also, dirt and dust are very abrasive on moving parts like drive heads, keyboard contacts, mouse mechanism and printer gears causing erroneous media reads, unresponsive keyboards, erratic mouse movements and blotched printouts. Getting rid of the build up of dust and dirt that is largely responsible for overheating and malfunction could extend the lifespan of equipment significantly.
Reducing equipment downtime through an effective preventive maintenance, could lead to tremendous productivity gain for the users-the fewer the downtimes, the lesser the headaches of your IT department.
Regular cleaning and maintenance leaves IT equipment looking newer for much longer and also helps to create a much better impression to the community you serve. Needless to say, it is much healthier and enjoyable to work with clean, sanitized computers.
PC Main Unit
We clean the exteriors of the PC main unit to improve the overall appearance of the computer-to make it look brand new. We use mild cleaning agents, with anti-static and anti-bacterial ingredients, and soft lint-free cloth to clean computer surfaces. We also clean air vents to ensure a steady airflow to the computer, keeping components cool and in good working condition.
The inside of the computer is the most important part of the computer that needs to be cleaned. Removing dust and dirt from the computer fans and vents increases the internal air circulation. Removing dust and dirt accumulations in the circuit boards and CPU heat sinks that causes insulating blanket greatly reduces the chance of chip burn out. Dusting the inside of the computer also prevents it from overheating.
Video Display Unit
We clean the monitor screen to ensure the display is cleaner and crisper that greatly improves readability and thus, reduces eyestrain. For CRT monitors, we use glass-cleaning liquid and soft cloth to clean the screen. For LCD/Flat Panel display units, we use mild cleaning liquid applied to a soft cotton cloth in wiping the screen surface. We do not use strong cleaning agents containing methyl chloride, acetone, ethyl acid or ammonia, as LCD/Plasma monitors are especially sensitive to these chemicals.
Keyboard
We remove dirt, dust and other particles that can damage keyboard circuits by using compressed air or vacuum cleaner. We also ensure sticky-free keys by cleaning each key with soft cloth and cotton swab moistened with mild cleaning agent.
Mouse
We also use a cloth moistened with antiseptic liquid to rub the surface of the mouse and each of its buttons to help keep the mouse clean and germ free. We clean the rollers of mechanical mouse and remove dirt and lint accumulations in the mouse mechanism. We also clean the mouse pad with damp cloth.
Diskette and CD/DVD Drives
We use tried-and-tested cleaning kits to clean floppy and CD/DVD drives. In extreme conditions, we open the drive casing and physically swab the read/write heads with lint-free foam swab soaked with appropriate cleaning agent.
Printers and Other Peripherals
We clean the interior of printers and other peripheral equipment according to cleaning instructions of manufacturers. We have compiled up-to-date manufacturers’ documentation on maintenance procedures and advisories on cleaning products to be sure they are compatible with the equipment and the cleaning job that needs to be done.
Carlo P. Linga
NewGen IT Corporation
http://www.newgen.net.ph/