Of interest: this brief article from Steve Bass of PC World, with tips for extending the life of your computer, which includes a link to his column "Top Tips for a Cleaner, Faster Computer."
De-Schmutz the KeyboardMy keyboard's always catching dust, bread crumbs, and unidentifiable schmutz. To get rid of all this stuff I take it outside and blast it with a can of air. I have an Avant Stellar keyboard and it has four screws on the bottom. I remove the screws, detach the keyboard from the case, and use the air can there, too. You might want to try this if you have the courage--and the handyman skills. I also use a tissue and rubbing alcohol to remove the grime that builds up on the keys. For more ideas, read Stan Miastkowski's excellent step-by-step, "Keep a Clean Keyboard." I've never done it, but some readers recommend that if you spill beer--or any other liquid--on your keyboard, try popping it into the dishwasher. While I'm talking about keyboards, here's a good site to tuck away if you ever have trouble removing keys from your keyboard. Clean the DisplayFor monitors, you can watch the Digital Duo's "Keep Your Screen Clean." Me? I follow the advice I found on Lenovo's ThinkPad site: To clean, gently wipe the LCD with a dry, lint-free soft cloth. If a stain remains on the LCD, moisten the cloth with water or a 50-50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and clean water. Wipe the display with the moist cloth; do not let any liquid drip into the computer. Let the LCD dry before closing the lid.
De-Schmutz the KeyboardMy keyboard's always catching dust, bread crumbs, and unidentifiable schmutz. To get rid of all this stuff I take it outside and blast it with a can of air. I have an Avant Stellar keyboard and it has four screws on the bottom. I remove the screws, detach the keyboard from the case, and use the air can there, too. You might want to try this if you have the courage--and the handyman skills. I also use a tissue and rubbing alcohol to remove the grime that builds up on the keys.
For more ideas, read Stan Miastkowski's excellent step-by-step, "Keep a Clean Keyboard."
I've never done it, but some readers recommend that if you spill beer--or any other liquid--on your keyboard, try popping it into the dishwasher.
While I'm talking about keyboards, here's a good site to tuck away if you ever have trouble removing keys from your keyboard.
Clean the DisplayFor monitors, you can watch the Digital Duo's "Keep Your Screen Clean."
Me? I follow the advice I found on Lenovo's ThinkPad site:
Additional advice from Steve: