How often do you clean your computer?

patwa_2

Just a random question. My laptop hasn't had a clean in a while, the keys are a little sticky, the monitor has dust on it and the underside where the rubber pads are is sticky from the pads melting from the heat. Going to clean it today but just wondered how often others clean their rigs? I had to re-install a WiFi card in my mum's desktop today, the inside of the case was riddled with dust bunnies. Sadly I don't have a vacum cleaner so will have to fork out for one but goes to show.

H.

---lee---

Screen once a week or when I sneeze snot on it - whichever comes first.
The rest (keyboard etc) as and when it looks or feels dirty, probably once or twice a year.

patwa wrote: »

Sadly I don't have a vacum cleaner so will have to fork out for one but goes to show.

You don't need a special vacum for a PC if this is what you mean - any will do so long as it's got tools. I hope your not thinking of getting one of these daft computer vacum things. You will do a much better job with a proper one.

Also you could use an aerosol air duster (if you have access to one at work) or even just close your eyes and blow the dust out :eek:

rmg1

patwa wrote: »

Sadly I don't have a vacum cleaner so will have to fork out for one but goes to show.

I've found a hair-dryer set on cold works well for getting rid of dust.
It also has the advantage of being at arms length so you don't get a face-full of dust/fluff/crap.

patwa_2

Um, 'sheepish grin' yes I was considering getting one of those stupid cleaner things but I'll look into the hair dryer approach.

Thanks.

H.

BillScarab

Although I've used a vacuum without any problems to clean my PC, be careful as allegedly they can cause static and destroy components. Blowing the dust out is safer but messier. I suppose you could hold a vacuum near the PC and blow the dust towards it though.

esuhl

BillScarab wrote: »

I suppose you could hold a vacuum near the PC and blow the dust towards it though.

So long as you're not blowing with your mouth - if you're worried about static electricity and sucking too hard (ooh err..) you won't want all that water vapour coming out of your mouth and condensing on your delicate hardware...

---lee---

To mitigate the risk of static ground yourself by touching a metal radiator. It's unlikely to be a problem unless you drag yourself around on the carpet wearing a shell suit, but the risk does exist. I have fried sensitive electronics by not grounding myself in the past but if it's a chance in a 1000 it's worth the effort.

EDIT: It's probably all my fir that's the problem.