The On-Off Controversy

Some say that turning your computer on and off several times a day can cause unnecessary wear on the on-off switch, hard disk, and other mechanical parts. Others worry about using unnecessary electricity by keeping the computer on all the time. The new energy-saving features on the current personal computers help reduce the power consumption but both of these worries are still valid concerns. 

Here's a good rule of thumb. If you know you will not be using the computer for twelve hours or more, you might want to turn it off. Otherwise leave it on. Avoid turning your computer off and on constantly. If you do leave it on all the time, it's a good idea to turn it off once a week to let the computer reset itself. And, even with a good surge protector, it's added insurance to turn your computer off and unplug it when there's a lightning storm in the area. 

Shut Down Correctly

Computers should be as easy to operate as televisions or refrigerators, and maybe someday they will be. However, at this moment, there is a necessary set of sequences to follow to properly shut down your computer before you turn it off. First close all programs. If you are using a Mac, click on Special from the menu at the top of the screen and then choose Shut Down and the computer will turn itself off. Go to the Start button and choose Shut Down.  Choose Shut Down at the next screen, then click OK.  A screen informs you the computer is shutting down. In most cases, the computer then proceeds to turn itself off. If your computer does not entirely shut down, you can press the on/off button to turn it off yourself.  If you computer hangs at the Shutting Down screen, give it some time.  If after an hour or so that screen is still showing, you can turn the computer off without any harm. (Trouble-shooting such a problem would require quite an involved explanation, and is usually not worth the effort.) 

Surge Protectors

One of the best means of protecting your computer investment is to purchase a good surge protector. Power anomalies and lightning can destroy modems, motherboards, and other computer components. Also, be sure to plug your telephone or cable line into the surge protector, as well. For more information on surge protectors and their value, be sure to read my Lightning Dangers. 

Keep your Computer Cool

When I began working with computers in 1968, they were housed in special climate-controlled rooms. Today you don't have to go to that extreme, however your computer should be kept in an area with no temperature extremes. It is wise to locate the computer slightly away from walls, draperies, and other objects. Both the computer and the monitor need to have air circulating around them to prevent overheating. Don't get in the habit of piling papers on top of either the computer or the monitor. 

Be sure to keep your floppy disks and tapes in a cool place, as well.  Don't leave them in the car on a hot summer day. 

Dust, ashes, and pet hair are also bad for a computer, since they can accumulate inside the computer and interfere with the cooling fans as well as the hard disk and other components. So you may want to refrain from smoking near your computer and try to keep it away from the dustier areas of your home, like wood-workshops.  Also, relocate the cat to a more comfortable resting spot if he or she decides they like the warmth of your computer. 

Static and Magnetism
Writing information on floppy disks and hard disks uses a process that includes the use of electricity and magnetized read-write heads.  It is essential to keep magnetic objects away from the computer.  Magnetism can be hiding in many unsuspecting places. Every time your phone rings, it becomes magnetized. Magnets are often used to hang papers on file cabinets or refrigerators. Magnets can be found in the document holders that some typists use, as well as in containers that hold paper clips. Recently, magnetic therapy has become popular for arthritis and other ailments, and magnetic dusting wands are also commonplace. All of these objects should be kept away from your floppy disks, as well as your computer, itself. 

Static is also a type of magnetism and can be harmful to a computer.   If your home or office is filled with static electricity, buy a can of anti-static spray and spray the carpets, drapes, and other fabric-covered areas to help eliminate the static. 

Clean a keyboard

Food, crumbs, and liquids can all gum up your keyboard, your mouse, or even your computer. It is a good practice to keep all food and drink away from the computer. That being said, I know that there are times when an errant crumb or two will fall into the keyboard or a drink will be spilled in close proximity. 

  If you do have an accident or crumbs or dirt accumulate in the keyboard, a mixture of weak soapy water and a damp sponge is all that is usually needed. Be sure to disconnect the keyboard before you start.  For the best results, hold the keyboard upside down and use a paper towel to dry while still inverted. You may even want to leave the keyboard upside down overnight to dry.  If you have a major mishap involving soda pop or some other sticky liquid, try the simple soap and water treatment first.  If that doesn't work, you may have to get a little more aggressive.  Use more soap and more water, but be as cautious as you can to avoid over saturating the keyboard. 

Clean the mouse

If your mouse becomes difficult to move around or seems to have a mind of its own, it may be time to give it a good cleaning. After you have unplugged your mouse, turn it over and rotate the little donut shaped disk. This will allow you to remove the ball that is inside the mouse. A soft dry cloth is usually adequate for cleaning the ball itself. If the ball looks really dirty, you can clean it with some water and dry it thoroughly. The problem is usually caused not by the ball, but by dirt in the areas that touch the ball. If you look inside the mouse after the ball has been removed, small bars or rollers that the ball touches as it rotates are visible. Dip a cotton swab in water or isopropyl alcohol and clean all the dirt off these bars. It is a good idea to always use a mouse pad. If your mouse needs cleaning often, consider replacing the pad. 

Some of the newer mice, like Microsoft's IntelliMouse, have optical mechanisms, so there are no moving parts to accumulate dirt or dust. These mice do not need mouse pads and do not need cleaning. So if you are tired of cleaning your old mouse, you may want to try one of these new breed of mice. 

Clean the screen
Any spray window cleaner is great for cleaning a monitor. However, be sure that you don't spray the liquid directly on the screen.  Instead, spray the liquid on a soft cloth and then wipe the screen off.  Several people have told me that wiping a fabric softener sheet over the monitor screen will keep it from accumulating dust so quickly. I have tried this and haven't noticed much difference. 

TLC or Preventive Maintenance

The title I picked for my first book, How to Have a Meaningful Relationship with Your Computer gives an insight on my feelings for computers. I definitely feel you can develop an appreciation and love for the old beige box. But whether it is Tender Loving Care you are giving an important object in your life or just preventive maintenance performed on a piece of equipment, I hope you find this How To helpful.