Computers using vacuum tubes as their electronic elements were in use throughout the 1950s, but by the 1960s they had been largely replaced by transistor-based machines, which were smaller, faster, cheaper to produce, required less power, and were more reliable. The first transistorized computer was demonstrated at the University of Manchester in 1953.In the 1970s, integrated circuit technology and the subsequent creation of microprocessors, such as the Intel 4004, further decreased size and cost and further increased speed and reliability of computers.

By the late 1970s, many products such as video recorders contained dedicated computers called microcontrollers, and they started to appear as a replacement to mechanical controls in domestic appliances such as washing machines. The 1980s witnessed home computers and the now ubiquitous personal computer. With the evolution of the Internet, personal computers are becoming as common as the television and the telephone in the household. Modern smartphones are fully programmable computers in their own right, and as of 2009 may well be the most common form of such computers in existence.

Cleaning tools

Although many companies have created products to help improve the process of cleaning your computer and peripherals, users can also use household items to clean their computers and peripherals. Below is a listing of items you may need or want to use while cleaning your computer or computer peripherals. Keep in mind that some components in your computer may only be able to be cleaned using a product designed for cleaning that component; if this is the case, it will be mentioned in the cleaning tips.

• Cloth – A cloth is the best tool used when rubbing down a component; although paper towels can be used with most hardware, we recommend using a cloth when ever possible. Caution: We only suggest you use a cloth when cleaning components such as the outside of the case, a drive, mouse, etc. You should not use a cloth to clean any circuitry such as the RAM or motherboard since they can generate ESD that can damage electronics.

• Water or rubbing alcohol – When moistening a cloth, it is best to use water or rubbing alcohol. Other solvents may be bad for the plastics used with your computer.

• Portable Vacuum – Sucking the dust, dirt, hair, cigarette particles, and other particles out of a computer can be one of the best methods of cleaning a computer. Over time, these items can restrict the airflow in a computer and cause circuitry to corrode. Do not use a standard vacuum as it can generate a lot of static electricity that can damage your computer.

• Cotton swabs – Cotton swaps moistened with rubbing alcohol or water are excellent tools for wiping hard to reach areas in your keyboard, mouse, and other locations.

• Foam swabs – Whenever possible, it is better to use lint-free swabs such as foam swabs.

Why? Cleaning the outside of a printer can help keep the printer’s appearance looking good; and in the case of a printer that is used by many different people, keep the printer clean of germs.

Procedure: First, make sure to turn off the printer before cleaning it. Dampen a cloth with water or rubbing alcohol and wipe the case and each of the buttons or knobs on the printer. As mentioned earlier, never spray any liquid directly onto the printer.

Why? With some printers it may be necessary to clean the inside of the printer to help keep the printer running smoothly.

There are several possible reasons why a monitor would turn off randomly. Some of the reasons relate to the monitor while others relate to the computer.

Tip: If the monitor is staying on, but loosing signal (e.g. the power light goes from green to orange) this is almost always an issue with the computer and not the monitor. If the monitor power light turns off, then it is almost definitely a problem with the monitor.

Monitor overheating

One reason the monitor could shut off is because it is overheating. When a monitor overheats, it will shut off to prevent damage to the circuitry inside. Causes of overheating can be dust build-up inside the monitor, external heat or humidity where the monitor is used (especially on a hot summer day), or other blockage of the slits or holes that allow the heat to escape.

If the monitor is overheating, it is best to unplug the monitor and let it cool down fully before using again. Then, if you have canned air (anti-static, for electronics), try to blow out any dust that may be inside the monitor casing. If the room where the monitor is being used is very hot, find a way to cool it down, either by turning on a fan or the air conditioning system. Wait until the room cools down some before trying to use the monitor again. Also, if you’re using an older CRT monitor, upgrading to a newer flat panel display will resolve many heat related issues in a hot environment.

Loose cable

Although not as common, if the power cord is loose and is not securely connected to the back of the monitor it will cause the monitor to turn off. This can cause a loss in power, resulting in the monitor shutting off. Make sure the power cord is firmly in place in the back of the monitor. It’s also possible that the power connector in the monitor is going bad and not receiving adequate power from the power cord. In this case, it is typically best to replace the monitor instead of having it repaired.

Bad Monitor

Another reason the monitor could shut off is because of a malfunction in the circuitry. There could be a short in the wiring or some other failure in the circuitry, causing the picture to go black or causing the monitor to shut off completely. In this case, there may not be much you can do other than buying a new replacement monitor. Monitors are usually not economical to have repaired since the repair cost can cost more than the price of a new monitor. You could bring the monitor to a computer repair shop to have it looked at, but most likely they will also recommend replacing the monitor.

Video card or motherboard problem

If the monitor is staying on, but you loose the video signal, it’s very likely an issue with the video card or motherboard in the computer. This could also be an issue with the computer or video card overheating or a defect with the video card.

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