1. A dust free area is of utmost importance.

2. Start with the monitor, which is a virtual magnet for lint and dust particles. Use a screen cleaner (or ordinary household rubbing alcohol) available at your local computer store. These are designed to remove dust, lint, oily fingerprints, and other gunk without scratching or streaking the polarized surface.

3. Give your keyboard a regular dusting by turning it upside down and blasting between and under keys with a can of compressed air. Wipe off the keys with a slightly damp cloth or cotton swabs. Never spray any liquid cleaner directly on the keyboard.

4. The moving ball under the mouse needs to be cleaned often. One way to prevent dust and particle buildup on the mouse ball is to use a mouse pad and keep the pad clean.

5. Turn the mouse upside down. Twist or slide off the retainer; remove the ball and clean it with an electrical cleaner or a moist cloth. Make sure that any cleaner you use doesn't have any lubricant in it.

6. Once a month, examine the fan on the back of the computer. A buildup of dust and lint on the fan is a sign that it's also inside your computer.

7. Unplug the system, pop the top and clean the dust out. Use a mini vacuum made specifically for cleaning computers which you can find at your local store or catalogue. Do not touch any of the chips and other electronic components. A can of compressed air is very helpful to clean out areas where your vacuum cleaner can't reach. Do not use any liquid cleaner inside your system. Be careful not to knock any wires loose inside the case. You won't have to do this to your computer more than once or twice per year.