Caring for your Hardware

Computers are expensive and fragile. It’s important to know how to take care of them so they last a long time!

Keep it Cool

Computers get hot when they work. Make sure the vents (the little holes in the case) aren’t blocked by blankets or dust. If a computer gets too hot, it might stop working!

Keep it Clean

• No Food or Drinks: A spill can ruin a keyboard or even the whole computer.
• Dusting: Use a soft cloth to wipe the screen and a can of “compressed air” to blow dust out of the keyboard.

Handle with Care

• Don’t bang on the keys or the mouse.
• When unplugging things, pull the plug gently, not the wire.
• Carry laptops with both hands and never pick them up by the screen.

Questions

1. Why shouldn’t you use your laptop on a thick, fuzzy blanket?
2. What is the safest way to move a laptop from one room to another?
3. Why is it a bad idea to have a glass of juice right next to your keyboard?