Com 226 comp trouble shooting II theory book
Keyboard Cleaning and Maintenance
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- Correcting Problem Keyboards
| Keyboard Cleaning and Maintenance Keyboards are perhaps the most abused part of any computer, yet they are often ignored until serious problems develop. With some regular cleaning and maintenance, however, a keyboard can easily last for the lifetime of a computer. This part of the chapter shows you some practical techniques for keyboard service. Correcting Problem Keyboards Virtually all computer keyboards are open to the air. Overtime, everyday dust, pet hair, air vapor, cigar/cigarette smoke, and debris from hands and ordinary use will settle into the keyboard. Eventually, accumulations of this foreign matter will cause keys to stick, or will prevent keys from making proper contact (i.e., a key does notwork every time it is pressed. In either case, keyboard problems will develop. Fortunately, correcting a finicky keyboard is a relatively straightforward process. Start by removing the key caps of the offending keys. Be sure to note where each key is placed before starting your disassembly especially if the keyboard is a DVORAK-type or unusual ergonomic design. To remove a key cap, bend an ordinary paperclip into the shape of a narrow U, and bend-in small tabs at the tip of the U shape. Slip the small tabs under the key cap and pull up gently. Do not struggle with the key cap. If a cap will not come off, remove one or more adjacent caps. If there is a substantial accumulation of foreign matter in the keyboard, you should consider removing all of the key caps fora thorough cleaning, but this requires more time Flip the keyboard upside down and rap gently on the case. This will loosen and dislodge any larger, heavier foreign matter, and allow it to fallout of the keyboard. A soft-bristled brush will help loosen the debris. Return the keyboard to an upright position. Use a can of compressed air (available from almost any electronics or photography store) to blowout the remainder of foreign matter. Because this tends to blow dust and debris in all directions, you might wish to use the compressed air outside or in an area away from your workbench. A medium- or firm-bristled brush will help loosen any stubborn debris. Now that the keyboard is cleaned out, squirt a small amount of good-quality electronicsgrade contact cleaner (also available from almost any electronics store) into each key contact, and work the key to distribute the cleaner evenly. Allow a few minutes for the contact cleaner to dry completely and test the keyboard again before reinstalling the key caps. If the problems persist, the keyboard might be damaged or the individual keys) might simply be worn out beyond recovery. In such an event, replace the keyboard outright. Download 1.89 Mb. Share with your friends:
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