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November 2003 Newsletter:
Cleanliness

Most people do not deliberately acknowledge the need for cleanliness around a computer, phones, door knobs, or remote controls. The surfaces of these household tools need to be disinfected at least weekly to limit the spread of germs and bacteria from one user to another. When someone has a cold, it is possible for the next user to "catch" their cold from touching the surfaces and then touching their face or body.

Wash your hands before and after using the computer. If you share a computer, terminal, printer, etc. with other persons such as in an office, internet cafe, or even at home with multiple users, also wipe the surfaces (keyboard, mouse, handsets, microphones) before and after you use them. Respect the next user and do not assume the previous user was as respectful to you as you are to the next user.

Wipe the keyboard and mouse with a damp (not wet) cloth. Use a disinfectant or antibacterial product. Do not get liquid between the keyboard keys, inside the mouse, or in any openings. Wipe your processor box and peripherals.

To clarify for beginners, a person can not "catch" a computer virus. Other computers can be infected from a computer virus but people can not. However, it is possible for us to catch germs or a cold from someone who used the computer before us.

Most of us are aware of cleanliness when we use public restrooms. Let's be aware of cleanliness when we share the use of surfaces at the office, at home, and in public internet cafes.

 Stay safe and use all the tools available to their full potential remembering the personal safety of you and your family. Keeping your family safe at home, online and in the everyday world will help your community, state, and country stay safer.

Refer to the Safety Guide for a quick review about internet safety.