The Ultimate Clean Computer November 4th We here at iTeen have put together a step-by-step guide to cleaning your computer. These 4 simple steps should be done once a month to ensure your computer will live as long as a turtle. But, be sure to follow these steps to a TEE, so you don't mess up your computer. Enjoy.. Step 1: The first thing you should do is clean out your mouse. To do this, first you have to take it apart. Accomplishing this is quite easy. First, turn the mouse upside down. Then, twist off the mouse cover and take the mouse ball out. Rub the mouse ball with some rubbing alcohol on a paper towel. After you have done that, try and get any dirt or anything that has gotten into the actual mouse case by cleaning it out with a Q-tip dabbed with rubbing alcohol. If you are careful, you might also try sticking your fingernail in to try to pick out some of the grime on the rollers. Then, put all the pieces back together. Step 2: The next step in cleaning your computer is to get all of the junk out from inside your keyboard. To do this, first you have to take off the keys (NOTE: I suggest taking one key off at a time, so you don't forget the positioning of the keys). Taking off the keys is a little tricky. The first thing you have to do is get an Exacto knife or a pencil and try to get the point of the pencil/knife under the keys. Then, just flip up the knife and the key(s) should pop off. Once you get the caps off, see if there is any junk under there. If so, clean it out. After you are done cleaning under the key, pop it back on to the keyboard. Step 3: The third step in cleaning your computer is to clean the screen. To do this, take some window cleaner and a cotton cloth and gently rub the screen. If you go too fast, or use a coarse towel/rag you have the chance of damaging the screen. Purists might tell you not to use a glass cleaner. Step 4: The final step in keeping a clean computer is actually cleaning the inside of the computer! If you do not feel comfortable doing this, then you don't have to because it is not a necessary step. If you are going to attempt this, I recommend parental supervision at all times during this step. =) The first thing you have to do when cleaning the inside of your computer is to unplug it. This is extremely important to help prevent shocking yourself or your computer. You should also ground yourself using one of those grounds that you wear on your wrist. You should be able to get one from your local Radio Shack. After you have unplugged it, you can take the case off. To accomplish this, consult your computer manual to see where the screws are or the lever is to take apart your computer. Once you locate the screw/lever, take off the computer case. After taking the case off, look for any dust that may have accumulated inside your computer. Then, take a can of compressed air and gently blow all of the dust away (If you don't have access to a can of compressed air, you can use your own wind, but you have the chance of getting spit all over and that won't be to pretty!). [IMPORTANT NOTE: There are many who say you should not use compressed air because of the risk of blowing components loose or shocking something with static electricity. If you have any questions on this, you should consult your computer manuals or your computer manufacturer's tech support.] Pay attention to vent holes and fan coverings as any blockage here can keep your computer from cooling as it is intended to. Once you have cleaned out the inside of the computer, put the case back on and screw in the screws. Other hints include keeping your desk and work surface clean. It's easy to let the crap build up, but a cleaner environment will make for a cleaner computer. Now you have the "ultimate clean computer!" Try and do this every month or so to ensure your computer will work for a long time. If you have any questions about cleaning your computer, be sure to e-mail us! Happy computing.