User's Manual

Table Of Contents
186
Chapter 14: Maintaining Your Notebook
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Cleaning your computer
Keeping your computer clean and the vents free from dust helps keep your
system performing at its best. You may want to gather these items and put
together a computer cleaning kit:
A soft cloth
An aerosol can of air that has a narrow, straw-like extension
Isopropyl alcohol
Cotton swabs
A CD/DVD drive cleaning kit
Cleaning the exterior
Always turn off the computer and other peripheral devices, and remove the
battery, before cleaning any components.
Use a damp, lint-free cloth to clean the computer and other parts of your
system. Do not use abrasive or solvent cleaners because they can damage the
finish on components.
Your computer is cooled by air circulated through the vents on the case, so
keep the vents free of dust. With the computer turned off and unplugged,
brush the dust away from the vents with a damp cloth. Be careful not to drip
any water into the vents. Do not attempt to clean dust from inside the
computer.
Warning When you shut down your computer, the power turns off,
but some electrical current still flows through the computer.
To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and
moving parts, turn off your computer, remove the battery,
and unplug the power cord and modem cable before
opening the case.