I just had an experience that underscored the cleanliness message, one that involved a vital part of any computer system: the mouse or other pointing device. Since those earlier articles didn't cover the care and cleaning of mice, I thought it would be good to share my experience with you.
(Actually, I use a Logitech TrackMan trackball, not a mouse, but the problem and cleaning procedure outlined below are similar for either type of pointing device.)
Over a period of several weeks I noticed the trackball was getting balkier, making it harder and harder to drag the cursor into position. Finally it got so bad I had to struggle to move the cursor at all. "Oh-oh," I said to myself, " I hope it's not time to buy a new trackball." The Logitech device was several years old and had been used a lot, so I thought it might well need replacement. Then I remembered the mantra that Dennis Orloff of the ComputerBath line of maintenance products (www.computerbath.com) chants at every opportunity: "It's not broken, it's dirty!
Since he's right about 70% of the time, I decided to check first to see whether the trackball was just dirty. When I took it apart I was amazed at how much dirt had accumulated inside the poor critter. It wasn't just dust or loose dirt, either. There was a buildup of grime and a sort of lint, especially around the small ball contacts or rollers inside the ball cage. It was obvious that the crud was keeping the trackball marble from making proper contact with the rollers. The result, difficulty in moving the cursor, would be the same for an equally dirty mouse.
I cleaned everything thoroughly, and presto...it was like I had a brand-new trackball! Here was more proof of the need for keeping things clean as part of computer maintenance.
The procedure was simple, took just about 10 or 15 minutes, and saved me some bucks. So it's worth your while to see if cleaning will fix a balky pointing device before you toss it out and buy a new one. What you really should do, in fact, is clean your mouse or trackball periodically, and not wait for it to get as dirty and hard to use as mine was.
Here's how you do it.
First, if you have a manual for your mouse or trackball, dig it out. (Note: You should always keep manuals and documents for ALL hardware and software.) Read it. It may show a diagram or cutaway, and possibly instructions, that will make the cleaning job easier for you. The only tool you may need is a small screwdriver, probably a phillips-head type. You will also need a clean, lint-free cloth, foam-tipped swabs (less apt to leave lint than cotton swabs, as I was reminded by reader Bob Clyne, Southeastern Michigan Computer Organization) and a mild soap solution. Small tweezers, isopropyl alcohol (99% pure, not rubbing alcohol which contains things like skin lubricants) and a toothpick may be useful, too. I find it convenient for jobs like this to keep screws and other small parts in an old ashtray, which also can serve as a tool rest.
Next, clean the mouse or trackball exterior and cord with a cloth moistened in a mild soap solution; wipe dry. Then turn the device upside down and remove mouse ball retainer plate or trackball bottom cover. Usually the retainer plate can simply be rotated and lifted out. Some older mice and most trackballs have screws holding the plate or bottom cover in place. Remove the ball carefully.
Clean ball with the moistened cloth, wipe with dry cloth and set it aside. (Make sure it is completely dry before reassembling.) I blew loose dirt out of the ball cage with a compressed air duster, held some distance away to lessen the impact. Be careful here so that you don't damage any components. In my case, I had to use a toothpick and tweezers to dislodge some of the matted lint around the contacts in the ball cage. A cotton swab lightly moistened with alcohol may also be helpful for cleaning rollers or contacts and the inside of the ball cage.
When cleaning mice, take a close look at the rollers inside. (Most have three, some just two.) You will probably see dark lines of dirt that have built up over time. Work a cotton swab moistened just slightly with rubbing alcohol along each roller, rubbing side to side until the line of dirt is gone.
Once everything is squeaky clean, place the ball back in the ball cage and replace the retainer plate or bottom cover. That's it; you're done, and your mouse or trackball should be as good as new.
