The computer box is one of the most neglected parts of the computer. People do not realize that it holds sensitive equipment, and they do not give it the proper care.
Do not wash the computer box with water. Don't let it get wet or damp.
That means that it should not be placed on the floor. No matter how careful you are when mopping your floors, it can get wet, or drops of water can splatter over it. The computer should be kept in a protected location, so that nothing can spill on it while you eat or drink. Something that does spill on any computer part could cause an electrical failure – or even worse.
Keep the computer area raised, so that any potential leak in the house, or any wetness or dampness from the floor, will not affect the computer. Pipes do burst and people do have accidents. They cause enough problems as it is. You don't want your computer to be affected should that happen.
Be sure the computer is located in a well-ventilated area. Don't lean it against the side of your computer table. Spread your hand as wide as you can. The distance from the tip of your thumb to the tip of your pinky should fit between the computer and any furniture.
Extension cords or power strips should not be placed on the floor. They, too, should be elevated and placed at distance from the computer box. Even better - don't use an extension cord at all.
The computer box should also not have any electrical equipment placed in its proximity. Do not place anything with a sound or a ringer, such as a telephone, in the immediate vicinity. In addition, do not place diskettes (remember them?) or flash drives near the computer box.
This may seem strange, since the computer works with diskettes and flash drives. You regularly insert them into your computer in order to save and read information.
However, diskettes which are inserted into a special protected location and that prevents any damage.
Do not place them on top of the computer box without being properly protected – or they might get damaged.
Keep in mind that the computer box itself should not be moved – not even a little bit - while it is turned on. If you do have a reason to move the computer box at all, then shut down Windows properly.
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