Ports are where you plug different components into your computer. Many times, you have more ports than you have components and these ports are left unused. Because they are open to the elements, they can get gummed up with all sorts of things (From dust to your child’s peanut butter and jelly sandwich).

These ports include:

• Ethernet port
• USB port
• Parallel port
• Serial port

Cleaning ports is pretty easy but you should follow these tips before you get started.

Shut down your computer before cleaning.

If dust is the main culprit for the clog, purchase some compressed air to clean out all the particles.

If the job is a little tougher than dust, you will need more tools.

Toothpicks can be used to clean out the holes of the ports.

Take your time and be gentle when scraping out the clogging substance.

Cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol can be used to clean up the larger areas. Let the areas dry for a few hours before using the port.

Using these tips as a guideline, you should be able to clean any external port on your computer with no problems.

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