Do you want to make your computer last longer? When the weather becomes nicer, we start making appointments to provide spring cleaning for our client’s computer environment. We recommend this for every desktop and notebook at least once a year.
Physical cleaning
Items: microfiber towel, spray cleaner, disinfectant wipes, compressed air
Duration: 15-30 minutes on a nice day
Machine: Power down. Take a picture of how cables are connected, disconnect cables one at a time, use tape on the cable to identify where it connects to the computer.
Screen: Dust gently with the microfiber towel. If it needs more, spray a little glass cleaner on the towel and wipe the screen. Be careful on laptop screens.
Screen stand, outside of computer, keyboard : Spray cleaner on the microfiber towel and wipe down the exterior metal and plastic components.
Keyboard : Use the disinfectant wipe to clean the keys. Blow compressed air between keys to dislodge any particles, then turn it upside down and shake gently. Repeat several times.
PC: Carry the pc outside, remove the cover, take compressed air and direct it into the vent openings. Make sure the compressed air does not liquefy and create droplets. Replace cover. Return PC, plug in cables, power on.
Software cleaning
Note: The program names are for Windows; a Mac needs similar routines
Duration: 30-60 minutes not including running defrag overnight
Updates: Make sure anti-virus and anti-malware are up-to-date and running.
Uninstall: Remove programs no longer needed.
Windows updates: Make sure the update process runs correctly and updates have been applied.
Utility program: Run “cleanmgr.exe”; you can probably select all the options for what to delete, but read carefully before you do so.
Empty the trash bin
Overnight: Run “dfrgui.exe” to defrag and optimize the drive before you leave for the day. You may need to boot into safe mode to do this properly.
Spring cleanup will make a healthier environment. If it seems like too much effort, K&A Tech Services provides these services as well as computer assessments.
Have a nice spring and a good month.
Ron Karabowicz, President
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