If you care deeply about the environment, you might also want to become a caring computer user.

You can clean the outside of your computer with this home-made general-purpose cleaner: Always spray the cleaner on the cleaning cloth, not on the computer itself.

Home-made cleaner:

One teaspoon borax
half teaspoon washing soda
2 teaspoons vinegar
One fourth teaspoon dishwashing liquid
Two cups hot water

If you don’t have washing soda you can use one teaspoon baking soda instead. If you want a nice smell also, use lemon juice instead of vinegar.

We all find out that computer screens are dust magnets. An antistatic cleaner is good to use and keeps dust away longer. It is available at all computer stores. Spray the cleaner on the cloth, not directly on the screen.

A lot of dust collects inside the computer. Be smart and use a hand-held mini vacuum cleaner for cleaning up inside it. Clean around the computer keys with a clean cotton swab or a toothbrush. You can also get rid of the built-up dust balls by dipping the swab or the brush in rubbing alcohol and scrubbing gently.

HAS your cat decided to sit on your computer, to drive you crazy? Never mind, there are many ways to clean it up and care for it safely. Here are some ways:

Cotton buds are not just good for cleaning your ears. You can use them to clean the ball of your computer mouse with a cotton bud dampened with alcohol.

Even to clean between computer keys you can use cotton buds.

One computer owner found that her printer feed appeared to be shredding the continuous-roll paper edges. She looked into the paper box and found cat hair in it. She then found her cat nesting in the paper. Now she keeps it out of the reach of her pet.

Be kind to your computer and keep it out of the sunlight. And away from your pets, especially cats who love paper and the warmth that computers provide. If your television or computer catches fire, here is the first thing to do—pull the plug out or turn off the main fuse box. Cover the TV with a blanket or rug. Remember never to throw water over it, as there could be a danger from the residual electricity.

If you care for the environment, remember that discarded computer paper is good for creating compost in the garden. So are newspapers, junk mail and old letters.

It is better for your computer circuits to be turned on and left on for the day than turned off and on many times.

Each time you turn on your computer you have a surge of power going through it. Use your computer more instead of using paper pads to leave messages through electronic mail.

Encourage your school or your father’s company to buy recycled paper for use as stationery and envelopes.

Recycling one ton of paper saves 7,000 gallons of water, enough to supply the daily water needs of almost 30 households.

Remember that heat can damage your laptop. Never leave it in the car in the summer. Store it away from light and heat sources like windowsills, hot desk lamps, and heating/cooling vents.

Computers in older homes may suffer from electrical problems. Tell your parents to get your main power lines checked. The drains caused by microwave ovens, freezers, refrigerators and other new gadgets, can affect your electrical systems which in turn could damage your computers by power surges and outages. Consumer courts have had several complaints from angry house owners whose computers have crashed due to power surges.

You can exchange a skill you have for time on a friend’s computer.

Donate your old computer or software when you upgrade, to a school, a special needs group, a senior citizen home, or a charity.