Caring for your Device

Physical Cleaning

All devices need cleaning periodically....screens, keyboards, etc.... What is the best method to clean it?

Monitors

  • NEVER use most cleaning chemicals on Monitors or displays!
  • NEVER spray directly on the monitors as you may ruin the monitor coatings over time.
  • The best method to clean a monitor or phone display is with minimal water (or a solution of 40% isopropyl alcohol, 60% water) and a microfiber cloth (a paper towel can be used).

Desktops

Keyboards Can be cleaned with Windex, 409\Fantastic\etc

  • use a Q-Tip to get in between the keys....you will need to scrub a little from all the oils (and other things you have touched the keyboard with).
  • Taking the keys off or putting it in the dishwasher is NOT recommended.

Tower Case

Tower Cases should be cleaned monthly or every couple months to keep them from overheating.

  • DO NOT SPRAY ANY SOLUTION INSIDE OR NEAR THE CASE FANS
  • Turn OFF the PC before cleaning
  • Dust the outside of the case and use a slightly damp paper towel to clean the outside fans.
  • Compressed air may be used to clean the inside of the case and clear out fans (be careful not to use it too long or breathe in the fumes) - expect lots of dust.
  • If compressed air is used, let the PC sit for a few minutes to ensure no moisture is on the electronics.

Laptops

Laptops should be cleaned monthly for all the germs, sneezing, etc that fall on these mobile devices.

Monitor - Clean in the same manner as defined in Monitor above. Keyboard - clean lightly with cleaner (do not soak or saturate) - do not take keys off! Fans - the fans may be blown out "lightly" with compressed air. Ensure the system is off and do not turn back on for 5 minutes when done.

 

Phones

Clean as you would for monitors above. DO NOT get any liquid in ports.

Operating Updates

It is recommended that once a month, you ensure that your system is receiving and has installed all Operating system updates. Even with "automatic" updates, updates may have issues\fail, you may not have your system on long enough for the updates to complete.

How to check your Windows 10 Update Status (assuming you have administrator access)

Windows 10 Update Search

Windows 10 Update Screen

  1. From your search bar on the bottom left, enter Windows update
  2. Select Windows Update Settings from the list
  3. Once you have selected Windows update you should see the following screen
  4. Select Check for updates (even though it may have stated it has done this, sometimes there are issues or missed updates).
  5. Additionally under the Check for updates, you may see a version update option...These must be manually installed and should ONLY be done after you have finished any work you need to do (it can take time)

It found issues? Now what?

  • Try rebooting and the update again....
  • research the issue....
  • if faculty/staff, contact your system administrator

 

Software Installation

Often asked questions:

Answer: Answer: Answer: 

  1. Should I be concerned about trialware\free programs?
  2. Yes....Best practices are to ensure you are getting it from a reputable source. If you choose to install it, ENSURE you uncheck\ do not allow the software to install other software (they are often packaged with multiple programs). If you find it does not meet your needs? Remove it!
  3. Where can I get licensed software?
  4. If you are faculty, contact your system administrators, or use SCCM if it is provided on your system. If you are a student, software is provided for you from many resources. Microsoft OS, other products are available via Microsoft Azure. Office 365 is provided by RIT. Many software manufacturers also have academic discounts to assist students.
  5. Should I update my software?
  6. As a matter of general solutions, software should be updated to ensure it is the latest version and has all security fixes. If you are using your personal device for your schoolwork, ENSURE you do not update your software beyond the level of the lab based software. If you do, you may find your assignments and projects will no longer work and this will affect your grades.