Netbooks offer a solution between a laptop and fully featured desktop; but they may need more time and attention when it comes to cleaning. Keeping the internal and external components of your netbook clean can extend the life of your device.
Cleaning your netbook requires steps for two components: the hardware and software. Most keyboards get dirty over time and may have dust, hair or other debris beneath the keys. Foreign objects under your keyboard’s keys can lead to stuck or completely broken keys. Stuck or broken keys can make a netbook nearly impossible to use. As a result, performing external maintenance on your keyboard at least once a month will limit the amount of debris and other matter. You can use a can of compressed air to gently remove foreign objects.
Your netbook’s LCD screen may also become soiled with the oils from your fingers, food or other matter. The screen is also the most sensitive external part of the netbook and requires special treatment. You should only use a soft cotton cloth, such as a handkerchief or other soft material, on the screen. Other items, such as washcloths or tissue, can damage the screen by permanently scratching the surface. One part distilled water and one part vinegar work well together as a safe cleaning solution. The cloth should not be saturated and if you can pour the solution into a spray bottle, you lessen the risk of getting other components wet.
The internal cleaning process is just as important. Over time, your netbook will slow down due to creating, editing and saving files. The files become fragmented over a period of time, which can substantially affect your netbook’s performance. Today’s computers come with a defragmentation program that pieces files back together and speeds up performance. You can locate this tool in your netbooks performance and maintenance section.
Each time you visit the Internet, delete files or the system creates a restore point, files related to each event are saved on your netbook. These files take up additional space and can affect performance. You can use your netbook’s disk cleanup tool to locate, identify and remove these unwanted files. The system will empty your recycle bin, remove old system restore points and delete temporary Internet files. You can also remove programs you don’t use through your netbook’s remove programs feature.
Disk errors are another important component to keeping your system healthy and clean. As you use your netbook, your hard drive may develop bad sectors. Bad sectors can make basic operations, such as saving files difficult. You can run the disk error check program to locate and repair bad sectors on your hard drive.
Cleaning your netbook is an important part of maintaining system health and increasing the longevity of your device. Physical interruptions, such as dust or hair, on the computer’s screen or keyboard can lead to expensive repairs down the road. Using basic cleaning tools, such as compressed air, can help prevent future problems. Your system’s internal health is equally important. Setting up a schedule to perform routine cleaning and maintenance tasks will ensure you continue to enjoy your netbook.
