PC Hardware A Beginner’s Guide

Output Devices

Output devices receive more attention in general, probably because if they get dirty it im-

pacts the quality of their products. This section deals with the steps you should use to

clean and care for monitors, printers, and speakers.

Monitor

The monitor’s glass screen (see Figure 22-8) is the component on a PC that should be

cleaned the most often. The monitor screen produces a lot of static electricity that attracts

and holds dust and flying lint. If the screen becomes covered with dust, it can strain your

eyes to view the screen for extended periods.

Unfortunately, most people take too many safety chances when they clean the moni-

tor screen. The following steps detail how you can safely keep the glass screen and the

monitor itself clean and bright:

1. Before cleaning the monitor, switch its power off and unplug it from its
   power source. There is really no need to disconnect it from the PC. After
   turning the monitor off, wait a few minutes before beginning to clean it.
   Do not wear an ESD ground strap when working with a monitor, even
   to clean it.

(^580) PC Hardware: A Beginner’s Guide
Figure 22-8. The monitor screen collects dust and should be cleaned regularly. Photo courtesy of
ViewSonic Corporation