Protect Your Home Computer Files and Data

Many home PC users never think about the fact that their computers need to be cleaned on a regular basis, in order to prevent certain types of malfunctions which cause data to be lost and a recovery procedure to be initiated. While there are kits that can be purchased to perform a variety of cleaning tasks, there are just as many common household items that can be used for the cleaning process.

Like everything else in the home environment, PCs get dusty and need to be cleaned. While it is true that this should be on the list of regular cleaning tasks, users should be careful in their approach to cleaning their home computers. When dusting the monitor – or any other exposed area of the computer – cleaning sprays should never be applied directly to the computer's surface. Instead, cleaning fluids should be applied to a soft cloth, which is then gently rubbed across the monitor, keyboard or other piece of hardware. Moisture can cause considerable damage, which leads to data loss and the need for recovery.

The best cleaning fluids to use on the computer are water and rubbing alcohol. These contain no elements which could cause damage to the computer or its surface areas. Some OTC cleaners can damage the plastic that is often integrated into the construction of the computer. Be sure not to use too much of either liquid, in order to avoid damage from moisture. Too many times, data recovery must be done as the result of the loss of data through carelessness.

Before any cleaning is attempted, the computer should be unplugged from the electrical outlet, in order to avoid the possibility of shock – especially when using cleaning fluids. Of course, no wet substances should be applied to the plug of the computer, unless they are thoroughly dried or allowed to air dry for a significant period of time. Otherwise, the act of plugging it into the outlet can become hazardous.

Never open the case of the tower (or hard drive) unless you are experienced and certified in the area of computer cleaning and repair. Some of the internal components can provide an electrical hazard, and no-one without a significant background in this area should tamper with these components. If, for some reason, there is need to remove the casing from the tower and the user is not qualified to do so, then the system should be given to a qualified service technician. Service techs have the knowledge and tools that are necessary to fix hardware, and are also prepared to initiate recovery in the event that data is lost.

If you do not own a computer cleaning kit, you can use a vacuum hose to clean the keyboard and vents of the computer, but be careful not to jam the hose into any of these areas, since computer hardware can often be quite fragile. Most crumbs, loose hairs, dust and lint can be removed through a few careful sweeps of the vacuum hose. If there appears to be a significant amount of debris in the keyboard, you can turn it upside down and gently shake it before vacuuming. This will help to loosen or remove some of the objects that are embedded and more difficult to remove with a vacuum.

When cleaning the mouse or certain areas of the keyboard, a cotton (or foam) swab can be used – either dry or with a light amount of rubbing alcohol. You will need to avoid getting pockets of moisture in the keyboard or mouse, in order to avoid disrupting its purpose. Foam swabs are preferred, since they leave no lint residue.

Things Home PC Users Should Not Do

Do not smoke near computer equipment; the nicotine coats and destroys circuit boards.
Do not eat or drink around computer equipment; crumbs and liquid can cause damage.
Do not allow pets to sit or play near the computer; fur can imbed and cause damage.
Do not expose computer hardware or software to magnets; they erase data.

By following these simple steps, the integrity of your data will remain intact, and recovery will not be necessary.

Protect Your Home Computer Files and Data

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