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CleaningYourComputer-3.pptx
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How to Clean your Computer
by Steven Mance
Computer Enthusiast and
Digital Forensics Major
A Beginner’s Guide to Dust Removal
I’ve been interested in computers and how they work for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was the kid that everyone consulted when their computers weren’t working right. I quickly realized that many problems, especially in older computers, were a matter of dust and dirt!
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Why keep your computer clean?
Prolonged dust buildup will:
Add stress to moving parts
Restrict airflow
Hinder cooling abilities
Reduce overall lifespan of the PC
Caked on dust reduces the cooling capabilities of PC hardware which can lead to overheating. Over time, overheating can damage the computer’s hardware and cause performance issues. It is important to keep computer hardware clean to prevent potential costly repairs or data loss.
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Purpose
To teach beginners how to safely clean the inside of their personal computers
The task of cleaning computer hardware is not as difficult as it seems. By following general guidelines, even a beginner can safely and easily clean their PC to prevent future damage.
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What we’ll cover:
Required equipment
Safety considerations
Cleaning
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What we’ll cover:
Required equipment
Safety considerations
Cleaning
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Required equipment
Screwdriver
Can of compressed air
Household vacuum for cleanup (optional)
The type of screwdriver needed depends on the design of the computer tower screws. Some towers do not require a screwdriver at all.
While there are other methods for cleaning, a can of compressed air is the easiest and most accessible choice for a beginner.
Depending on where the computer is cleaned, a vacuum may be necessary to remove dust from the work area after cleanup.
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What we’ll cover:
Required equipment
Safety considerations
Cleaning
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Safety considerations
Disconnect the computer from its power source
Minimize the chance of static electricity
Never use a household vacuum on hardware
A computer is an electronic device which means special care must be taken during handling.
The computer must be disconnected from the power source before cleaning to protect both the hardware and the cleaner. Simply disconnect the power cord from the PC or utilize the on/off switch on the power supply. These switches are typically located in the area outlined in red.
Computer hardware is very sensitive to static electricity—static discharge can ruin electronic hardware and result in costly replacements. The cleaner should avoid directly touching hardware without being grounded first. As a beginner, the easiest way to achieve this is by simply touching a metal part of the tower periodically during cleaning. Another option is to purchase an anti-static wristband, as seen on the slide. The wristband attaches to the metal tower and keeps the cleaner grounded throughout the process.
Although it may seem like a good idea, a household vacuum should never be used to remove dust from computer hardware. According to howtogeek.com, vacuuming creates a large static buildup that could discharge into the sensitive electronics inside of the tower.
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Safety considerations, cont.
Take precaution if sensitive to dust
Avoid disconnecting hardware
By nature, the work area used to clean a computer will get very dusty. Consider working outside or in a garage area where loose dust will not pose a health hazard.
To prevent damage, those who have no experience working with computer hardware should avoid disconnecting hardware within the tower unless it is necessary.
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What we’ll cover:
Required equipment
Safety considerations
Cleaning
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Cleaning
1. Disconnect all devices, relocate computer to desired work area
2. Use screwdriver to remove side panel screws
Unplug all devices such a the mouse, keyboard, monitors, etc. Relocate the computer tower to the desired work area. Choose a work area that will be easy to clean afterwards, such as on a hard floor, in a garage, or outside on a hard surface (weather permitting.)
As shown in the image, the side panel screws will be located along the edge of the back of the tower. Remove the screws, place them in a safe location, and slide the panel off.
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Cleaning, cont.
3. Locate dusty areas within the tower—pay special attention to fans
3. Fans and other moving parts are the most susceptible to dust buildup and damage. This image shows the typical locations for fans inside of a simple computer tower. Take a few moments to become familiar with the layout of the hardware, locate dusty areas, and pinpoint all fans.
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Cleaning, cont.
4. Use compressed air to blow away dust
5. Ensure no dust remains on fans
6. Perform final dust inspection
7. Reattach side panel, secure with screws
8. Relocate computer and clean work area
4. Hold the compressed air can upright and at a moderate distance from the hardware. Starting from the top, begin blowing dust off of parts and work down to the bottom of the tower.
5. Spend extra time removing dust from fans—ensure dust is removed from the blades, center mechanism, and grate.
6. Perform a quick final inspection to ensure that little to no dust remains.
7. Line up side panel and slide it back into place.
8. Relocate computer tower to its original location and reattach all devices. If applicable, clean work area with a vacuum to remove leftover dust.
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What we’ve covered:
Required equipment
Safety considerations
Cleaning
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Questions?
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