Keeping your computer clean is an essential part of keeping it in top working order. Take our quiz for some great tips on how to properly clean your computer.
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Question 2 of 16
What's the first thing you should do before cleaning your computer?
Turn it off and disconnect it from any power source.
Move the computer to a well-lit workspace.
both of the above
...
Before cleaning your computer, turn it off and disconnect the power and all peripherals; remove the battery from a laptop. Then, move the computer to a well-lit workspace.
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Question 3 of 16
What is the biggest obstacle to keeping your computer clean?
dust
dead bugs
mold
...
Dust is the biggest obstacle to keeping your computer clean. If you frequently work outdoors or in an especially dusty environment, your job will be even tougher.
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Question 4 of 16
Dust that gets into your computer can cut down on air flow, causing the computer to ________.
shut down
overwork
overheat
...
Dust that gets into your computer can cut down on air flow and cause the computer to overheat. This may cause damage to the processor.
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Question 5 of 16
Which part of your computer is most vulnerable to damage caused by food and drink spills?
the keyboard
the fan
the screen
...
Spilled food and drinks can get stuck inside your keyboard and damage circuits and moving parts and make them stop working altogether.
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Question 6 of 16
Which parts of your computer are particularly vulnerable to germs?
the keyboard
the mouse
both of the above
...
To prevent the transfer of germs between two or more people using the same keyboard and mouse, be sure to wipe them down with a disinfectant regularly.
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Question 7 of 16
Which type of cloth may be used dry or wet to keep your computer screen clean?
microfiber
nylon
cotton
...
You may use microfiber cleaning cloths either wet or dry to clean your computer screen. When used wet, they absorb most of the liquid and disperse the rest so that it can evaporate quickly; when used dry, they attract dry dust through a mild static charge.
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Question 8 of 16
Which type of cleaner is appropriate for cleaning the outer casing of your electronic equipment?
scouring powder
antibacterial
general-purpose
...
General-purpose cleaners are free of oils and evaporate quickly, making them safe for the outer casing of your electronics. They remove dust and fingerprints and are sold as sprays, aerosols or pre-moistened disposable wipes.
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Question 9 of 16
What is the best cleaner to use for LCD, plasma and LED monitors?
ammonia
bleach
water and isopropyl alcohol
...
Ammonia-based glass cleaner is fine for cleaning most glass-covered cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors, but for LCD, plasma and LED monitors, a commercial screen cleaner of water and isopropyl alcohol is best.
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Question 10 of 16
What is the best way to clean optical drives that read CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs?
by taking them to a professional computer technician
with a special cleaning kit
with soap and water
...
Though you can buy an optical drive cleaning kit that includes a disc with special brushes or fabric, the best way to keep your optical drive clean is to make sure the discs are kept free of dirt and smudges with proper handling, storage and cleaning.
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Question 11 of 16
Is it ok to open your computer's case by yourself?
yes
no
sometimes
...
Check with the computer's manufacturer to see if opening the case will void your warranty. If the warranty will be voided or you're not sure about opening the computer, find a professional who can do it and ask him to clean it in accordance with your warranty.
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Question 12 of 16
What kind of duster can you use to remove dust from tight spaces in your computer?
gas
air
neon
...
Use a gas duster to blow dust out of tight spaces in your computer. Don't get closer than about 4 inches (10 centimeters) and blow the dust toward an easy-to-reach spot.
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Question 13 of 16
What common household item can you use to clean dust that has stuck to the interior of your computer?
pipe cleaner
cotton swab
feather duster
...
Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to gently clean dust that has stuck to the interior of your computer.
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Question 14 of 16
How often should you clean the surface of your computer?
weekly
monthly
annually
...
Clean the surface of your computer at least once a month, and clean the dust out of the inside at least twice a year.
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Question 15 of 16
_____ apply liquid cleaners directly to the surface of your computer.
never
always
sometimes
...
Never apply liquid cleaners directly to the surface of your computer; apply cleaners to the cloth and don't make the cloth so wet that it'll drip when you wipe. Dripping liquid cleaners can get into crevices where they can do damage.
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Question 16 of 16
_____ use a vacuum cleaner in or near your computer.
never
always
sometimes
...
Don't use a vacuum cleaner in or near your computer. The vacuum can create a static charge that can damage important parts of the computer.
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