Autodesk 3D Studio Max 2010 now ready for Download

Download your free trial now! More information on system requirements, highlights and features and download link can be viewed at http://3d-graphic-resources.blogspot.com

Mozilla Firefox Useful Shortcuts

Middle Mouse Button – Most modern mice have middle mouse button, which really comes in handy for most applications. In Firefox for instance, clicking a link with the middle mouse opens the link in a new tab.

Ctrl + Tab – Lets you tab to different open tabs you have in Firefox

Ctrl + [1,2,3..n] – Lets you tab to a specific tab in your Firefox browser. First tab is Ctrl + 1, second is Ctrl + 2, and you get it. 

 

More of the Firefox Keyboard shortcuts at Jeetblog

How to Make Symbols Using the Alt Key

by Adrian Borja

The Uses and Possibilities of The Alt Key

Have you ever wondered how bloggers, article writers, facebook and friendster users place ♥, ☻, ☺, ♠, ◘, •, ♣, ♦, copyright, trademark, pound, French characters, these kinds of symbols on their web posts, in forums, and even in their profile names? It is true that most ergonomic keyboards are only equipped with the English alphabet keys, numbers and some punctuation marks. So just how did they do it? Can you do it too?

Every character representation in a computer has some unique binary or hex value equivalent that the computer processor use to properly display the character to the screen. This binary or hex value representation or ASCII equivalent is an established International Standards that computer manufacturers of processors, and peripherals must adhere to. ASCII stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. Yes, you guessed it right. You can enter these special characters by entering its ASCII Code!

Before we start, understand that we need to use your keypad buttons here for the combinations. For laptops which does not have keypad, notice that your keyboard comes with keys labeled and arrange just like the keypad. Usually its the keys ‘U’, ‘I’, ‘O’ , ‘J ‘, ‘K’, ‘L’, ‘M’ that is labeled with number keys and it can be activated usually by activating Num Lock, or by pressing a special key associated with the special case of those keys. So, about the ASCII codes, I’ll post here most of the examples, here’s how:

NOTE: On how to actually enter the ASCII Code for the special characters, here’s an example. For example for Ellipsis, the instruction says Alt, 0, 1, 3, 3. So what you will do is press and hold the Alt key then press numpad keys 0, 1 , 3, 3 pressing these keys in succession. After you accomplished these, release the Alt key, then the ellipsis is displayed.

Also note that not font styles vary in the special characters they give support to. Imagine if you’re a font artist, and you would have to give all possible characters equivalent representation in your own font!

Also, some special characters may not be visible in Firefox and visible in Internet Explorer, or the reverse.

Ellipsis (…) is Alt, 0, 1, 3, 3

“EN” Dash (–) is Alt, 0, 1, 5, 0

“EM” Dash (—) is Alt, 0, 1, 5, 1

Pound (£) is Alt 0, 1, 6, 3

Cents (¢) is Alt, 0, 1, 6, 2

One-half (½) is Alt, 0, 1, 8, 9

Copyright (©) is Alt, 0, 1, 6, 9

Trademark (™) is Alt, 0, 1, 5, 3

Registered (®) is Alt, 0, 1, 7, 4

Bullet (•) is Alt, 0, 1, 4, 9

French accent (à) is Alt, 0, 2, 2, 4

French accent (ç) is Alt, 0, 2, 3, 1

French accent (è) is Alt, 0, 2, 3, 2

French accent (é) is Alt, 0, 2, 3, 3

French accent (ê) is Alt, 0, 2, 3, 4

German accent (ü) is Alt, 0, 2, 5, 2

Spanish accent (ñ) is Alt, 0, 2, 4, 1

miley face☺ is Alt, 1

Heart ♥ is Alt, 3

Diamond ♦ is Alt, 4

Club ♣ is Alt, 5

Spade ♠ is Alt, 6

Bullet • is Alt, 7

Bullet ◘ is Alt, 8

Music Notes ♫ is Alt, 1, 4

Sun ☼ is Alt, 1, 5

Pencil ( ! ) is Alt, 0, 3, 3

Scissors ( ” ) is Alt, 0, 3, 4

Envelope ( * ) is Alt, 0, 4, 4

Smiley face ( J) is Alt, 0, 7, 4

Yin-Yang ( [ ) is Alt, 0, 9, 1

Check box ( o) is Alt, 0, 1, 1, 1

Bullet ( v) is Alt, 0, 1, 1, 8

Small bullet ( w ) is Alt, 0, 1, 1, 9

Divider ( –) is Alt, 0, 1, 5, 0

Divider ( —) is Alt, 0, 1, 5, 1

Bullet ( Ÿ ) is Alt, 0, 1, 5, 9

Bullet ( § ) is Alt, 0, 1, 6, 7

Astrological Symbols:

from ^ to i (Alt 9, 4 to Alt 1, 0, 5)

Heart symbol (¤) is Alt 0, 1, 6, 4

Heart symbol (ª) is Alt 0, 1, 7, 0

Divider heart symbol ( ¦ ) is Alt, 0, 1, 6, 6

Divider heart symbol (§) is Alt, 0, 1, 6, 7

Scissors symbol ( " ) is Alt, 0, 3, 4 (for coupon cutting)

Checkmark symbol ( 4 ) is Alt, 0, 5, 2

X Checkmark Symbol ( 8 ) is Alt, 0, 0, 5, 6

Star Symbol ( H ) is Alt, 0, 7, 2

Check Box Symbol ( o ) is Alt, 0, 1, 1, 1

Arrow Symbol ( Ü ) is Alt, 0, 2, 2, 0

Another Cool Bullet ( u ) is Alt, 0, 1, 1, 7

¿ - 0191
À - 0192
Á - 0193
 - 0194
à - 0195
Ä - 0196
Å - 0197
Æ - 0198
Ç - 0199
È - 0200
É - 0201
Ê - 0202
Ë - 0203
Ì - 0204
Í - 0205
Î - 0206
Ï - 0207
Ð - 0208
Ñ - 0209
Ò - 0210
Ó - 0211
Ô - 0212
Õ - 0213
Ö - 0214
Ø - 0216
Ù - 0217
Ú - 0218
Û - 0219
Ü - 0220
Ý - 0221
Þ - 0222
ß - 0223
à - 0224
á - 0225
â - 0226
ã - 0227
ä - 0228
å - 0229
æ - 0230
ç - 0231
è - 0232
é - 0233
ê - 0234
ë - 0235
ì - 0236
í - 0237
î - 0238
ï - 0239
ð - 0240
ñ - 0241
ò - 0242
ó - 0243
ô - 0244
õ - 0245
ö - 0246
ù - 0249
ú - 0250
û - 0251
ü - 0252
ý - 0253
þ - 0254
ÿ - 0255

Pencil is Alt, 0, 3, 3
Scissors is Alt, 0, 3, 4
Envelope is Alt, 0, 4, 4
Hand writing is Alt, 0, 6, 3
Smiley face is Alt, 0, 7, 4
Yin-Yang is Alt, 0, 9, 1
Ampersand is Alt, 0, 1, 0, 7
Check box is Alt, 0, 1, 1, 1
Bullet is Alt, 0, 1, 1, 8
Small bullet is Alt, 0, 1, 1, 9
Divider is Alt, 0, 1, 5, 0
Divider is Alt, 0, 1, 5, 1
Divider is Alt, 0, 1, 5, 2
Divider is Alt, 0, 1, 5, 3
Bullet is Alt, 0, 1, 5, 9
Bullet is Alt, 0, 1, 6, 7

 

Yahoo Messenger Hidden Emoticons

(You dont have to use the Alt key here, just enter the equivalent combinations and press enter)

	3	puppy dog eyes
	?	I don't know
	%-(	not listening
	:@)	pig
	3:-O	cow
	|)	monkey
	~:>	chicken
	@};-	rose
	%%-	good luck
	**==	flag
	(~~)	pumpkin
	~O)	coffee
	*-:)	idea

	8-X	skull
	=:)	bug
	>-)	alien
	:-L	frustrated
	[-O<	praying
	$-)	money eyes
	:-"	whistling
	b-(	feeling beat up
	>-	peace sign
	[-X	shame on you
	\:D/	dancing

	>:/	bring it on
	)	hee hee
	:-@	chatterbox
	^:)^	not worthy
	:-j	oh go on
	(*)	star
	o->	hiro
	o=>	billy
	o-+	april
	(%)	yin yang
	:bz	bee
	[..]	transformer*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Still not using Yahoo Messenger? Download YM! Here!

Resources:

NewRadiance.com
Squidoo Post By Barbara Casey

make-symbols-with-the-alt-key

Mini Wireless Multimedia Keyboard

Featuring the most sellable product  from Ergonomic Resources. The Mini Wireless Multimedia Keyboard brings you an all new experience to keyboard computing and multimedia operating. For most artists and enthusiasts alike, the need for innovative keyboard shortcuts is very much needed especially if time is on their tail. Even more amazing is that they can move anywhere in the area while bringing with them their keyboard, with a trackball that works as a mouse!

This is what this keyboard is capable of! This battery powered keyboard is not limited to its desk since it is wireless and has a range of 10 meters around the receiver USB device attached on the computer. It doesn’t even need a mouse, it has on board 1000 DPI metal trackball, even though a mouse can still be attached if you feel you still need to. When using the trackball, the left mouse click is the upper left corner button, while the right mouse button is the right corner as shown in the image below. 

Technical Specifications:

Product SKU: HK10/2392W

Features:                                                                    
                                                                                                                                   

       
• 78 keys slim link office keyboard                                                                 
• Built-in trackball for optical mouse or outfit single slim optical mouse
• Resolution: 1000/1500dpi
• Powerful office function with 78 keys and hotkeys
• Operating distance: 10 meters 
• Operating frequency: 2.4GHz Radio Frequency 
• Operating Current: 8mA max. (keyboard)
• Operating Current: 30mA max. (receiver) 
• FN: Num lock change function 
• Support Window 2000/XP/Vista 
• Dimension: 262x 112 x 23mm (approx.)
• Weight: 263g

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This keyboard is also recommended for students, workers, and those who have HTPC or Home Theater PC. With its wireless capability, you can just sit back and relax away from your computer and enjoy your comfortable bed or sofa while remotely controlling your multimedia applications using its state of the art multimedia keys. Its shortcut keys include the much used copy, paste, and cut buttons. It also have the buttons for adjusting the volume of the speakers as well as audio/video player controls such as play, pause, stop, etc so you don’t have to reach for your speakers everytime you want to adjust something like the volume, bass and pitch. 

For web users, there is also a set of web shortcut keys such as launching the browser, ‘Home’ button, favorites, etc. Clearly, a mini or compact keyboard saturated with cool features, at a very low cost! For a promotional value of $99.95, you can enjoy this cool keyboard on your couch! 

 

PLACE YOUR ORDER HERE!

Comfortable Use of Keyboard and Mouse

Medical research shows that the number of cases involved in hand or wrist injuries are rising in the modern age as more and more workers work with computers, and they found out that most of them are data entry personnel and programmers, those who use the keyboards frequently.

Repetitive motions, awkward hand position, poorly set workspace and bad working habits can generally cause intense pain and stress on muscles, tendons and nerves. If you start having discomfort like tingling sensations, numbness and muscle pains, you should consult your physician.

That is why, keyboard makers are gradually learning the ways of ergonomics and apply its principles in their production of their keyboard and mouse products to help minimize wrist injuries.

 

1.) Properly Set Up your Working Space

- Your working space is going to be your place for quite a long time, so it is wise that at the start, you should take into consideration its arrangements, design, and space.

- Your keyboard desk should be at the same level of your elbow so that your arms will be in relaxed position while typing. 

- The mouse should be of the same level as the keyboard, so your desk width should be bigger.

- Level your desk in such a way that the upper edge of your computer screen as at your eye level or lower. 

- Put a comfortable distance between you and your working desk.

- Your desk should be wide enough to accomodate the keyboard and a considerably large space for your mouse to move about.

- Have your feet well supported.

- When working with documents, use document viewer or holder that you can place beside your computer screen to minimize the need to constantly swivel your neck and change focus.

- Allocate a space within reach for commonly used things.

- Things that are seldom used should be placed further away to avoid cluttering your desk. 

 

2.) Keep your Hands and Arms Relaxed or Comfortable as you Work

- Your hands should be at the same level as your elbow as you work.

- Your arms should be set apart a little, they should not be parallel or your wrists will have to turn when typing in the keyboard.

- You can use a palm rest, but use it only when you’re not typing or using the mouse.

- The areas beside you should be clear so you can take some time to let your arms dangle down towards the floor once a while.

- When typing in the keyboard or using the mouse, avoid supporting your wrists.

-Do not slouch or hunch. Sit properly, set your spine straight to avoid back pains.

3.) Establish Good Working Habits

- Maintain a work discipline all throughout. 

- Develop a routine and organization of tasks so that you don’t have to spend more hours working when you could have finished it earlier.

- Take short breaks to relax yourself.

- Establish a routine exercise for your wrists, arms, and head.

4.) Be Conscious of your Health

- Do not disregard symptoms of an injury to not make it worse. 

- If at any moment you feel pain, numbness or tingling sensation, have a break. If it gets worse, seek the help of a medical professional. You may have skipped your work for the day, but it will benefit you in the long run.

Utilizing Your Keyboard’s Features by Understanding Keyboard Layout

Keyboards unlike its predecessor, the typewriter, had reasons why it is invented for the modern age. Main reason is that of course it supports connectivity to the computer unlike the typewriter. Moreover, due to its compact design and portability, designers decided to pack the keyboards with more useful features to ease the navigation and computer interaction by users. Manufacturers realized that consumers are increasingly becoming aware of faster alternatives of doing things, same with using the computer through input devices such as keyboards.

The Function Keys

As the name suggests, function keys are designed to have specific functions built into each of them. One keypress for a function key is enough to execute a very useful command like ‘Help’. The function keys are generally located on the upper portion of the keyboard, directly above the number keys, beside the ‘ESC’ (escape) key. Although every application or game differ in their use of the function keys, they usually have similar uses on most function keys as I will enumerate below:

F1 – For desktop applications, this key generally launches the ‘help’ window or the ‘Manual’. It goes the same for games but sometimes it is also used to display the shortcut key mapping of the game such as in the game ‘Delta Force’.

F3 – Typically used to launch the ‘Search’ bar, so that the user can find for a specific word in a page, such as in browsers.

F5 - Typically used in games, a short cut key to save a game state, also known as ‘Quick Save’.

F6 – Still used in games, the opposite of F5. F6 is used to load a game state, also known as ‘Load Quick Saved Game’.

F8 – Globally used to activate Dual Monitor or LCD Projector if supported by the hardware and operating system. 

All else varies widely from application to application.

System Keys

The ‘Ctrl‘ or Control key for the PC, or Command key for the Mac, the ‘Enter’ or carriage return key, the ‘Alt’ or Alternate key, and the ‘ESC’ (escape key) are part of the system keys. What they do is that they are used to execute extended commands for a given key. For example,’Ctrl’ + C, which is used to copy to buffer the highlighted text or file. ‘Ctrl’+ V to paste whatever is stored in the buffer, ‘Ctrl’+X which is cut which is similar to copy and paste but the source is deleted.

The ‘ESC‘ or escape key is used mostly to exit applications or show the exit menu. It is also used to cancel a currently running command or pending command.

The ‘Enter’ key in turn is used to execute commands or launch an application. It also serves as carriage return in text editors.

The ‘Alt‘ key is also used to execute certain functions. The ‘Tab’ key is used to enter long spaces in a text editor. But if used simultaneously with ‘Alt’, it switches the active window to the second active window and vice versa. ‘Alt’ key is also used to enter special characters unavailable in the keyboard by using with it a special sequence of numeric keys such as ‘Alt’ + 0 + 1 + 5 + 3(Note that the numbers must be inputted from the numeric keypad), the result is ™(Trademark). Give it a try! 

Text Editor Keys

‘Tab’, Space Bar, ‘Shift’, ‘Backspace’, ‘Home’, ‘End’, ‘Page Down’, ‘Page Up’, ‘Insert’, and ‘Delete‘ keys belong to the Text Editor Keys. These keys are generally useful for word processing softwares.

As you already know, the Tab key inputs multiple spaces.

The ‘Shift’ key forces the uppercase letters of a pressed lowercase letter.

‘Home’ forces the cursor in the text editor and places it before the first character in the current line.

‘End’ performs the opposite, forcing the cursor after the last character in the current line.

‘Backspace’ deletes the first character before the cursor.

‘Delete’ performs the opposite, deletes the first character after the cursor.

‘Page Up’ scrolls the page upwards, while ‘Page Down‘ scrolls the page downwards.

Ctrl + Mouse Scroll Wheel
Zoom in or out. It changes the % in the zoom drop down menu. 

Ctrl + C 
Copy. Places the selected/highlighted copy on the clipboard. Works on almost every desktop application, even on the OS environment itself.

Ctrl + X 
Cut. Removes the selected/highlighted copy and places it on the clipboard. Works on almost every desktop application too.

Ctrl + V 
Paste. Inserts the copy from the clipboard or buffer into wherever your cursor is placed. Works for almost any type of data.

Ctrl + Z 
Undo last command. Works in desktop publishing applications too. Some applications support multi-level undo commands of up to 20 backtracks or more.

Ctrl + Y 
Redo last command. 

Ctrl + O 
Open. Brings up a browse dialog and allows you to select a file to open. 

Ctrl + P 
Opens the Print window. 

Ctrl + N 
Creates a new blank document. 

Ctrl + A 
Selects all the text and items in the page. 

Ctrl + S 
Saves the file. 

Ctrl + F 
Brings up the Find and Replace window. 

Ctrl + B 
Makes your text bold. 

Ctrl + I 
Makes your text italic. 

Ctrl + U 
Makes the text underlined. 

In Internet Browsers

Ctrl + F
Displays a Find on the page dialog box and allows you to search content on the page you are viewing in your browser. This is a nice feature if you are searching for a specific reference on the page. 

Ctrl + N 
Opens a new window in Internet Explorer. 

Ctrl + W 
Closes the currently open Internet Explorer window. 

Backspace 
Go Back to the previous page. 

Shift + Click 
While clicking on a hyperlink on a web page, opens that link in a new browser window. A very convenient short cut than right clicking the hyperlink and clicking ‘open in new window’ or tab.

Space Bar 
Scroll Downward. 

Space Bar + Shift 
Scroll Upward. You can also use the Page Down or Page Up keys. 

End 
Go to End of page. 

Home 
Go to Top of page. 

Used in Combination with the Start key or Windows logo key

Start key + E 
Opens an instance of Windows Explorer, centered on “My Computer.” 

Start key + F 
Opens the “Find Files or Folders” dialog box. 

Start key + Ctrl + F 
Opens the “Find Computer” dialog box. 

Start key + M 
Minimizes all open windows. 

Start key + Shift + M 
Undo the “minimize all” function (re-open all current windows). 

Start key + R 
Opens the “Run” dialog box. 

Start key + Pause 
Opens the system properties panel.

Directional Keys

The directional keys or the arrow keys located to the right of the type writer keys, or below the ‘Home’, ‘Delete’ keys are equally useful. They are used to navigate the cursor in a text editor or whatever interface the cursor is in. Also useful in games to navigate in 3-dimensional space. 

Operating System Specific Keys

The ‘Windows’ key or the one beside the left ‘Alt’ and left ‘Ctrl’ keys, where the windows logo is present, is useful for keyboards connected to Windows computer. It is used to show the ‘Start’ Menu. Other operating systems also have their own sets of endorsed keyboards mostly perform the same function.

Numeric Keys

On the far-right of the keyboard is the numeric keypad unavailable in laptops. They perform like a calculator integrated into a standard keyboard.

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Learn to Type Fast on the Keyboard

Typing Fast on the Keyboard

 

Typing fast on the keyboard is not an easy task. That task is harder than it looks, but it is not hard to acquire this ability. Yes, it can be learned! This amazing ability is just as important as any other skill an employer would like to see on an applicant’s resume, equally important as a proficiency in a programming language, business know-how, interpersonal skills, managerial skills, etc. This is the kind of skill you do not want to be left behind about. Why is it so important?

The Importance of the Talent with the Computer Keyboard

Let us bear in mind that we are now in the “Computer Age”, the era governed by electronic gadgets, where tons of information circle around the globe in a matter of seconds, where data are constantly transferred from one medium to another, where almost transactions involve computer interface. Interfacing or interacting with the computer has many forms, from image captures, microphones, scanners, mouse pointers, to the most old and common, using the keyboard. This device, the keyboard is the most indispensable computer input unit since it allows you to issue commands to a computer, lets you perform data entry, textual communication, programming, writing journals and so much more. 

Some keyboards, especially specialty keyboards and some industrial keyboards have braille code embossed on each key. Braille is a pattern of dots each represents a character. This system is commonly used by blind people to help them to read. Many books now have been published on Braille, and blind people can read their content just by touching the pages just as a normal person would read the text from left to right. Now, Braille had found new uses and applications and have already been incorporated in many industries. It is important in dark environments where backlighting the keys aren’t possible for some reasons. Most Automated Teller Machines are also equipped with keypads with Braille on each number.

Sadly still, there’s still no technology yet available to enable blind people to read the computer screen, so Braille on keyboards are used mostly for industrial and commercial reasons. 

Braille can also help keyboard users gain training and speed on typing on the keyboard since they are trained not to look at their fingers while typing instead they have to look directly on the computer screen, a crucial step towards learning how to type fast on a keyboard.

Most of these applications are geared towards business, so when we talk about business, we talk about efficiency and speed. Now, how can these be achieved when the keyboard user is slow? It is obvious that business owners would hire those who will help them save bucks, those who are fast typers or encoders to increase the speed or volume of transactions per unit time. A fast typer will always have the advantages a slow typer  does not have. But how do we define a fast typist? In what sense can we tell that a person is a fast typist?

Words-Per-Minute

Fast typing is usually measured with words-per-minute or average WPM. Most computer literate people have average WPM of 15-25 while programmers and data encoders need to have about 60-70 WPM. Article writers too need to have the proficiency in handling the keyboard. This means that when typing, they should be well versed already to the layout of the keyboard and can type without looking on the keys. This saves a lot of time than having to look or edit the entry everytime a word is typed because of typographical error. Article writers and programmers for instance must utilize their time on the code or content rather than spend a percentage of their attention to the keyboard. So how is it learned? How long can it be learned? Is it really feasible? 

Fast Typing Training

Those who are born in the computer age, the young ones, the new generation always have the advantage than their older non-techy counterparts since the new generation seem to have an affinity with electronics automatically at birth. They learn fast, but still, older ones can keep up! 

Anyway, you would be lucky when you have already started typing since you were young because chances are, you have already gained enough muscle memory in your hands to make you a very fast typist. If you just recently started using computers, it would be hard for you, but still, everything’s possible. If you want to be an article writer, or a blogger, or a researcher, you need to focus on these. So how do we do it? Here is the basic steps:

The Guide to a Faster Typing

1.) Position your hands to typing position. When saying typing position, put your left hand fingers on ‘a’,’s’,'d’,'f’, from pinky to pointing finger, then the right hand fingers from ‘j’,'k’,'l’,';‘ keys from pointing to pinky. We don’t assign a key to the thumb since it is not accurate and strong enough for fast typing, but it can be used for space bar. 

2.) Since you already have your position, when typing, avoid crossing your left hand to the right side of the keyboard and the right hand crossing to the left part of the keyboard. Avoid crossing since it will only jam your fingers when you’re attempting to type really fast.

3.) Do not use the thumb to press ‘Enter‘, just use whatever finger is nearest to it, again no cross overs. 

4.) Start by typing your full name repeatedly, including the names of your loved ones, gradually, until you will be able to type these without looking at your hands. 

5.) Start copying entries from books and encode them to a word processor or text editor program such as ‘Notepad‘,’ Wordpad‘,or ‘Microsoft Word‘.

6.) You will be amazed how muscle memory can easily remember the layout of the keyboard with all its 88 keys.

7.) You can make use of typer trainers such as ‘Typer Shark‘ from PopCap games. It is challenging at the same time rewarding with what you achieve after every other session.

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How To Clean Your Keyboard

Making Your Computer Keyboard and Mouse Last Longer

Ok, you have your keyboard now. Whether it is included in your CPU casing package bundled with the speakers and a mouse, or you bought it specifically for its brand and features, but let’s assume that it is wired, whether ps2 or usb. 

Now, expensive or not, if you’re a responsible owner and cares for the environment and thinks to those other people who don’t have enough money to even have a personal computer at home, then you would value whatever things you have even if it’s not that expensive. Then how would you show that you are grateful for what you have? Of course, by taking care of your things, in this case the keyboard. Let’s start by preventing damage through maintenance and precautionary measures.

First of all, you do not want your keyboard to become like this, an ecosystem infested object:

 

Here’s the top list of things to do for prevention of damage to your keyboard:

1.) Do not eat in front of your computer, especially those with crumbs like bread or biscuits. Because once that it gets inside your keyboard, it will attract an army of ants and they will build their new colony inside your keyboard, that’s what happened to mine before. Once they build inside, your keys gets harder to press and its response is hampered when the ants start eating the rubber-like material inside or the membrane. Yes, the ants will eat that kind of rubber since it is ideal for their food to stick to, the scent of their food will adapt to it giving them the impression that it is part of their food. You wouldn’t want that.

 

2.) Before touching the keyboard and mouse, wash your hands and apply soap too so that the grease in your hands will not be mixing with your sweat and transform into a yucky cocktail of mud that sticks to your keys and mouse. It also attracts insects since they are fond of dirt. 

3.) If your hands are sweaty, always prepare some kind of cloth to wipe your hands into when it gets sweaty since water such as sweat that gets inside your devices damages the circuits or the PCB overtime, the same principle that applies to your cellphone that is why it is not adviseable to place your cellphone in your side pockets when your legs are sweaty.

4.) When someone else was using your computer before you do, wipe the keys first with a cotton and alcohol solution, also include the mouse to make sure that no dirt had been left. It sounds harsh but it is just a precaution. Also it breeds bacteria overtime if you don’t do it routinely.

5.) Practice typing softly. This reduces the stress undergone by each key therefore extending its lifespan. Typing softly can be achieved by training your hands to type fast and in turn, fast typing can be achieved by training how to place your hands properly specially made easier by ergonomic keyboards. You can also make use of typing trainers such as the Typer Shark game. Kill the habit of hitting the ‘Enter’ key like it’s a typewriter(most people do it, especially computer gamers who have been typing in a trash talk and excited to deliver his punchline unto the other player).

Basically you can get away good with that. But for a better assurance, let’s clean your keyboard!

 

(Caution: Most keyboards are not waterproof so this one in the image doesn’t apply, yet some kinds of keyboards such as waterproof metal industrial keyboards are waterproof and can withstand any type of element applied to it)

Here’s a few tips, mostly from own experience, from basic to survival.

Top lists for cleaning and opening a computer keyboard:

1.) You can use a cloth or cotton with alcohol solution on it to wipe your keys clean and reach for the corners and in-between keys. You can do this daily.

2.) For dust that has settled already that cannot be removed by cotton, you can use a small brush like the one used in painting and use it with a vacuum. Do not attempt to use a blower unless if you’re opening the keyboard itself. Alternatively, you can do the same as shown below. Using a gel like this will make dusts stick to it easily.

3.) Ok, you decided to open your keyboard to eliminate the colonies in there so hang on. Prepare some cotton swabs with alcohol solution, know that when ants store their food, they secrete some kind of liquid to it to make it sticky, maybe to preserve it? Yes, right now, there will be a sticky substance sticking to the inside membrane of your keyboard. Turn your keyboard upside down.

 

Image from TechPowerUp.com

 

4.) Unscrew all the screws while maintaining upside down position. Safely keep the screws. Remove the lower cover of the keyboard. By this time, you’ll see the membrane of the keyboard that looks like rubber. Note that some keyboards dont have membrane style. The membrane inside requires you to unscrew it even further. But before taking it away, note that under the keys, between the keys and the membrane are rubber domes that act as spring when you press a key. They are tiny numerous things, keep them safely.

5.) After you kept them, you can proceed to remove the membrane after you unscrewed it. Just remember the order with which you started because it will be the same order when you reassemble it all back in place. 

6.) Now you can start eliminating and cleaning!

7.) After you’re done, place the rubber-domes carefully inside every key then place the membrane on top of it making sure that the metal contacts are directly over the rubber domes. Screw everything that you unscrew before, and you’re done! 

Remember that opening your keyboard was the last resort, it is not always a guarantee that after you assemble it back in one piece that it will work perfectly, sometimes mistakes can be made so be careful.

Some images speak a thousand words, just look at these images and you can see how most keyboards look in the inside.

Additional Images

The insides of a keyboard, the holes are where individual keys are fitted. When pressed, they push further inside to make a short circuit signaling a key press.

It is shown here how the laptop keyboard is attached to the chassis.

This is the typical inside view of a laptop keyboard. Most are typical unlike the ones in a desktop keyboard, where the insides are plastics and rubber-like materials.

Shown here is an innovative way of cleaning a keyboard easily using OneClean Keyboard Cleaner. A product from AM – Denmark

This one is used mostly as a compliment to cleaning materials such as cloth, wipers, rubber cleaners, one clean keyboard cleaner. It serves as a cleaning agent which is friendly to keyboards and does not cause corrosion. A product from EforBuy.com