| In this chapter -
Cleaning Equipment Safely -
Recycling and Disposal Issues -
How to Read an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) -
Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) -
Hazards To clean equipment safely, don't reach under the kitchen sink and grab the first cleaner you see. Instead, use materials designed especially for electronics and computer use, or general-purpose cleaners proven to work well on electronics and computer equipment. Some useful cleaning materials include -
Antistatic electronic wipes ” Use antistatic electronic wipes for monitor cases and glass surfaces, keyboards, LCD screens, and all types of plastic and metal cases for computers and peripherals. This type of product combines effective cleaning and antistatic properties, which protect your computer investment. You can also use these wipes to clean up gunk after it's been loosened up by compressed air. -
Glass and surface cleaners ” Glass and surface cleaners can be used on monitor glass and LCD screens and on other surfaces. However, they are not the preferred choice because they usually lack any antistatic properties. Endust for Electronics in pump or aerosol sprays is preferred for this use because it cleans and has antistatic properties. -
Isopropyl alcohol ” Isopropyl alcohol can be used along with foam (not cotton!) cleaning swabs to clean tape drive heads, floppy disk drive heads, and some keyboards. Some cleaning swabs are pre-moistened for convenience. -
Specialized device cleaning kits for mechanical mice, tape drives, floppy disk drives , and inkjet and laser printers ” Specialized device cleaning kits, as I have recommended in other chapters, are good ways to clean the devices they are built for. These device cleaning kits enabled me to avoid repairing or replacing at least one floppy disk drive and one inkjet printer. -
Compressed air ” Compressed air is a powerful but "brainless" cleaner. Unlike the cleaners mentioned previously, compressed air cannot trap dirt and dust. Instead, dirt, dust, grit, and assorted fuzz are expelled violently out of their hiding places. If you use compressed air, put plenty of old newspapers under and around the device you are cleaning to catch the gunk compressed air expels from the device being cleaned. Use liquid cleaners or cleaning wipes to pick up residue left behind after using compressed air. -
Stabilant-22a ” Stabilant-22a (sold by D. W. Electrochemicals) is often recommended for use when assembling or reassembling a system for use in memory module sockets and expansion slots. It cleans the sockets and provides a more effective electrical connection.  | The CD included with this book contains important Study Lab material for this chapter, as well as Chapters 2 “22 in this book. The Study Lab for each chapter contains terms to study, exercises, and practice tests ”all in printable PDF format (Adobe Acrobat Reader is included on the CD, too). These Study Lab materials will help you gear up for the A+ Exam. Also, the CD includes an industry-leading test engine from PrepLogic, which simulates the actual A+ test so that you can be sure that you're ready when test day arrives. Don't let the A+ test intimidate you. If you've read the chapters, worked through the Study Lab, and passed the practice tests from PrepLogic, you should be well prepared to ace the test! Also, you'll notice that some words throughout each chapter are in bold format. These are study terms that are defined in the Study Lab. Be sure to consult the Study Lab when you are finished with this chapter to test what you've learned. |
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