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Pastimes : Computer Learning -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: CatLady who wrote (16201)	2/11/2001 10:51:30 PM
From: SIer formerly known as Joe B.	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 110652

What’s lurking beneath your keyboard? newmonday.co.uk Keyboard dirt breakdown: newmonday.co.uk Adam Dunnakey New research shows that the average computer keyboard is accumulating up to 2 grams of 'crumbs’ each month! Where does it come from? What is it made of ?How does it get there? Read on and find out. The shocking research, conducted by Reading Scientific on behalf of AOL UK, has shown that eating over the computer keyboard and 'grooming’ whilst at the desk causes a considerable build up of dirt beneath the keys. A one month old keyboard was taken from a 'typical’ London office and the study revealed that it had accumulated 1.89 grams of filth. This was made up mostly (56%) of food particles such as pastry flakes, chocolate crumbs, bread, and biscuit type material. The second most ubiquitous crumb types were cornflakes (15%) and boiled sweet fragments (15%). Insect parts, skin flakes and strands of human hair were also found. "Because the grime lies beneath the keys, it does not pose much of a health risk." said a former medical microbiologist. But he added: "The kind of particles found may pose a threat if swallowed, but more risky are the bacteria and viruses which reside on the keys themselves. The sweat and fat secretions from the fingers build up on the keys. It’s an absolute breeding ground for bugs. The health risk arises when people don’t wash their hands before eating their lunch" In order to keep a clean keyboard, it should be shaken vigorously to remove the crumbs. Blowing, or vacuuming the keyboard is also effective. Another more unusual method of keyboard cleaning is to wash the keyboard in a dishwasher. This technique has been used in the Northern offices of TRANSCO UK for several years without any ill effect. Apparently, the level of heat involved dries the circuits out thoroughly, and unlike the shaking method, most of the bacteria are removed. So if your keyboard’s crummy, and you’re after bringing that freshness back, shake and Mac! Keyboard dirt breakdown: newmonday.co.uk