Justin Drake Carroll Keyboards

How to Clean Your Computer Keyboard: The 5 Best Tricks

Your laptop and computer go through a lot of wear and tear. As you use them for several hours during the day, they are bound to get covered in dirt, crumbs, and germs.

Perhaps no piece of the computer is more susceptible to that than your keyboard. It gets different things lodged into the keys, is covered in germs, and gets the oil from your fingers on its surface.

To have the keyboard work optimally, you need to take a few minutes to clean it from time to time. Here’s how to clean computer keyboard for those of you that don’t know the trick.

1. Use a Compressed Air Duster

As previously mentioned, several different items can become lodged in the cracks of your keyboard. 

Not to mention that dust can gather on the surface of your keyboard and slowly work its way inside to your harddrive. In fact, a build-up of dust in your computer can cause it to dysfunction, as well as shut down entirely.

For that reason, you must purchase a compressed air duster and use it on your keyboard at least once a week. Be sure to go through each row of your keyboard to ensure that the dust doesn’t build up in one specific spot.

Also, make sure to spray it at an angle. If you spray the dust from directly above, then it will force the dust down into the sides of your keys, having a negative effect.

2. Grab a Microfiber Cloth

Next, you’ll want to wipe down the surface of your keyboard and ensure that it’s clean as can be. 

Without properly cleaning your keyboard every so often, you’re encouraging the spread of germs. Within only a few hours, thousands of germs can spread across your keyboard.

Those germs get there in various ways. They land on your keyboard when you cough, sneeze after you’ve touched food, typing after you’ve touched other dirty surfaces, and so on.

For that reason, make sure to purchase a microfiber cloth that you can keep at your desk.

Start by running the microfiber cloth under running water. Make sure it’s damp, but not too overly wet. If you have a flat keyboard with keys that are barely raised (such as most laptops) then you can simply wipe the surface down in one fell swoop.

For keyboards that have thicker keys, you’ll want to take a bit more time to clean it thoroughly. Start by wiping down the top of the surface, but then make sure to wipe down in between the different rows of keys as well.

3. Turn It Upside Down

No matter how often you clean your keyboard, there are bound to be a few things that get lodged in between the keys and the surface. However, you’ll want to do your utmost to get the gunk out of there before it falls into your computer.

First, start by turning off your computer or laptop. If applicable, disconnect the keyboard and turn it face down on a flat surface. Pick the keyboard up with one hand and lightly tap the back of the keyboard to jostle any gunk loose.

Make sure to have a piece of paper or a paper towel underneath to catch all of the gunk and make it easy to dispose of.

If the keyboard is too large for you to grab with one hand, then set one side of the keyboard on the table. Make sure to pat throughout the keyboard to ensure all of the junk lodged between your keys comes undone.

4. Use a Brush

So far you’ve tried the compressed air duster and patting the back of the keyboard, but there are still a few things that are lodged in between your keys.

If so, then you’ll want to invest in a keyboard brush to get it out. The bristles of the brush can reach in between the gaps of the keys and flick all of the build-ups away from your laptop’s hard drive.

Take the brush and run it through each crevice on your keyboard. Make sure to always brush in one direction. If you continue to brush back and forth in one specific spot, it will jam the gunk further into the gaps.

If you feel that your computer is suffering from dust and gunk that has fallen into it, be sure to reach out to a trusted repair shop for further assistance.

5. Disinfecting Wipes

Last, but certainly not least, you need to ensure that your keyboard is rid of all germs and protected from germs in the future. 

While your microfiber cloth is the “frontline” for getting rid of germs on your keyboard, you might consider disinfecting wipes to be the “preventative backup”. 

Turn off your computer or laptop and brush the keyboard with a disinfecting wipe while using a slight amount of pressure.

If you feel like the wipe is too soaked with cleaning solution, ring it out once or twice before applying it to the surface of your keyboard. After you’ve gone all the way through, take the microfiber cloth to it one last time.

How to Clean Computer Keyboard: Invest in the Right Tools

As you can see, the right method for how to clean computer keyboard is easy and time-efficient as long as you have the right cleaning supplies for the job.

Be sure to read this page for more information on how Fruit Fixed can help you with any issues you’re experiencing with your computer or laptop.

For more inquiries, please feel free to reach out via our contact us page and we will be happy to assist you further!

Justin Drake Carroll Android Phone

How to Fix the Headphone Jack On Your Android Phone

You use your phone for a hundred different things every day. But when the headphone jack doesn’t work or produce an unbalanced sound it definitely limits how many of those things you can do.

But before you invest in a brand new phone, take a look at this guide on how to fix headphone jack on Android.

Keep in mind that many of these tips also work for other cellphone models too!

How To Fix Headphone Jack On Android

There are a few common issues Android users report with their headphone jacks. The list below is inclusive of each of these issues and their solutions.

But first, make sure that the headphone cable is compatible with your phone and that it isn’t the headphones themselves that are broken. Try plugging in your headphones to another device and seeing if you experience the same issue.

You can also try removing the phone case and plugging in your headphones. Certain cases can prevent the headphone cable from plugging all the way inside.

Finally, before you investigate the issue further, consider if the content you are listening to could be compromised in some way. For example, if you are streaming content in an area without great service, it could have nothing to do with the headphones or the headphone jack. 

Only One Side of Headphones is Working

If you plug in your headphones or earbuds and sound is only coming out of one side, there are a few things you can try.

First, thoroughly clean the headphone jack. Dust, dirt, and grime can get trapped inside the small opening and may cause this problem. Use a flashlight to peek inside the headphone jack and see if there is buildup inside. 

The safest way to clean the headphone jack is by using compressed air. This will force out the lint and dust inside. Do not use soap or water because that could damage the phone.

If you do not have access to compressed air, you can try gently using a cotton swab to remove lint. For an even deeper clean, use a small amount of alcohol on the swab.

You can also try a factory reset which will ensure that it is not a software issue. Before you reset your phone make sure you have everything backed up in a safe location. 

If those suggestions do not fix the problem, you can visit a store that specializes in fixing smartphones. 

One Side of Headphones is Louder 

In some cases, both sides of the headphones are working but one side is significantly louder than the other. This problem can also be fixed!

Go into settings and select “accessibility”. Then you should see a slider where you can control the speaker volume from left to right. Try adjusting those levels so that the right and left are even.

If that does not solve the problem, you can select “mono audio”. The mono audio setting will create equal sound on both sides. The stereo effect will no longer be present, but the overall sound quality will be higher.

Low Call Volume

There is nothing more annoying than being on a call and barely being able to hear the person on the other end. This problem can generally be fixed by double-checking all of your volume settings.

First, visit settings, and select on sounds and vibrations. Next, tap on volume and adjust all volume levels to their maximum. 

When you take a phone call, you should also adjust the volume using the volume up feature. 

If the problem persists, you can try a factory reset or try putting the call on speaker and seeing if that resolves the sound issue. You can also try using new headphones or a headset to increase the volume and make it easier to hear.

No Sound

There are a few rare occasions when there is no noise coming through your headphones. This can be an issue with the headphone jack.

First, check that your phone is not already connected to a Bluetooth device. If it is, try disconnecting and then playing audio through the headphones that are plugged in. 

To disconnect a device from Bluetooth, go to settings, Bluetooth, and check if there are any devices listed. Tap the info icon and then select “unpair”. If this is a consistent issue with a Bluetooth device you rarely use, you can select “Forget this device” to eliminate the problem from happening again in the future. 

You can try cleaning the headphone jack or a factory reset to see if you can restore volume to your headphones. If not, visit a professional for advice.

Software Fixes

If you are convinced that the issue is the software of your phone rather than the physical headphone jack, you can try downloading the SoundAbout App from the Google Play Store.

Open the app and select “media audio”. Select “wired headset” and close the app. Now test your headphones and see if the issue has been resolved. The app can run in the background of your phone while using other apps. 

TLDR? Here You Go

If there seems to be something wrong with your headphone jack, check that the issue isn’t the actual headphones by plugging them into something else.

Next, double-check that your device isn’t paired to something else on Bluetooth. If it is, disconnect it.

Look inside the headphone jack with a flashlight to see if there is dust. If there is, use compressed air or a cotton swab and a small amount of alcohol to remove it. 

If those fail, download the SoundAbout app and follow the instructions. And finally, if you still can’t figure out how to fix headphone jack on Android, visit a professional and explain the issue in detail.

If you’re looking to speak with an expert in all Android and Apple phones and devices or you want a quote for a particular service, contact us today! 

Justin Drake Carroll Laptops

The Dreaded Chromebook Black Screen: What to Do

The ominously named “black screen of death” is a notorious sign that your Chromebook is experiencing issues. Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to fix and prevent a Chromebook black screen before it’s too late.

Why Does My Chromebook Have a Black Screen?

A wide variety of issues may relate to your Chromebook’s black screen. The first step is to pinpoint the specific issue your Chromebook may be experiencing.

It’s Out of Battery

We’ve all been there. Forgetting to charge your computer, tablet, or phone overnight usually ends with you waking up to a black screen. If your AC adapter has a red light when plugged in, that means the battery is low.

To fix this, plug in your Chromebook and charge it until you see a green LED light. If this doesn’t work, your Chromebook is likely experiencing a different problem.

The Brightness Is Low

Chromebooks have a brightness adjustment feature that lets you turn the screen’s brightness up or down. The lowest brightness level is a black screen.

Press the bigger cogwheel key on your keyboard to turn the brightness up. Your screen should immediately get brighter if this is the problem.

The Screen Is Broken

Your black screen may be due to a damaged Chromebook screen. To check this, connect your Chromebook to an external monitor or TV.

If your Chromebook is working on the external monitor, but not its own screen, that’s an indication the screen is broken. Contact a technician or replace the Chromebook.

It’s Experiencing USB Device Issues

If you have a USB device plugged in, it may be causing problems. If you have a USB device connected to your Chromebook, safely remove it and restart your computer.

It Needs an Update

It’s vital to keep up with Chromebook updates to keep your Chromebook on the latest version of the operating system. These updates often fix bugs and issues, as well as features.

My Screen Is Still Black, Now What?

If you’ve checked your Chromebook’s screen brightness and performed all of the above checks, don’t fret. There are a few restarting options you can perform as a last resort before referring to a professional.

Soft Restart

Perform a simple restart on your computer before any other type of restart. You won’t lose any data or unsaved data in this process.

Hard Restart

If your Chromebook hasn’t shut down in a while, it may need a hard restart. Hold down the power key and the refresh key for around 10 seconds. This will give your computer a hard restart.

Factory Reset

Performing a factory reset on your Chromebook wipes all of the data from your device. To do this, click the taskbar, click “settings,” and click Powerwash Restart.

This process will wipe your computer completely as if you recently bought it. You should only resort to this option as a worst-case scenario.

How to Prevent a Black Screen From Happening Again

Keeping your Chromebook in good condition will ensure it lasts a long time. Here are a few things you can do to prevent future issues.

Keep It From Overheating

Frequently overheated laptops have a shorter lifespan than non-overheated laptops. Chromebooks, like all laptops, should sit on surfaces that allow the fan to circulate. If you rest your Chromebook on your lap or bundle of blankets, it’s more likely to overheat. While overheating isn’t an immediate problem, it could cause problems down the line.

Turn off Your Chromebook Regularly

All computers need rest from time to time. Shutting down your computer clears your RAM, and all open applications are closed. Resetting your Chromebook occasionally will clear out anything that may be slowing it down.

Avoid Spilling Liquids 

Water damage is tricky to fix and may cause significant damage to your computer. Keep open liquid containers far away from your laptop to avoid a spilling catastrophe.

Keep Your Chromebook Updated

Google releases Chromebook system updates frequently—sometimes as often as every few weeks. Chromebooks will usually update on their own, so you don’t have to worry about staying on top of it unless you choose to update your device manually.

Download Reputable Third-Party Apps

While the Chrome Web Store’s applications and extensions are thoroughly vetted and checked by Google, malicious applications can slip through the cracks. Be sure to download browser apps that have good reviews and reasonable permission requirements.

What to Do About a Dead Chromebook

Your Chromebook might also be experiencing internal problems. In this situation, don’t start opening up your Chromebook yourself.

For major issues, a tech repair service is your best bet. Experienced technicians can open up your Chromebook and take a deeper look at the hardware. These professionals use special tools and techniques to avoid damaging the inside of your device. 

However, the “black screen of death” is sometimes an accurate indication of Chromebook death. Like all technology, Chromebooks have a lifespan regardless of how well you take care of it. Chromebook lifespans depend on your Chromebook’s brand and cost.

They typically last around six years. If your Chromebook is around that age, it’s time to consider a replacement.

Before opening your wallet to purchase a replacement, check your Chromebook’s warranty. If your device is under warranty, you may be able to replace it for free.

Making Your Chromebook Last

Like any other device, it’s essential to handle your Chromebook with care. From spills to the dreaded Chromebook black screen, there are plenty of ways your Chromebook gets into harm’s way.

If all else fails, you can access resources and trained professionals who will help you fix your device quickly. If you need a repair service, contact Fruit Fixed today, and we’ll help you get your device working in no time.

Justin Drake Carroll Laptops

When to Replace Your Laptop Battery: All You Need to Know

Are you wondering if your laptop’s battery is about to go kaput? Do you think it might be time to replace the current battery? If so, then you need to look out for the signs that your battery is wearing out. Fortunately, there are several signs that you can use to determine when to replace laptop battery. Knowing these signs ahead of time can help you understand when to start looking into new batteries in the first place.

See below for several key indications that your laptop’s battery needs to be replaced. Be sure not to ignore the signs.

1. Power Fluctuation

Have you noticed that your laptop’s power is fluctuating like crazy? Even after being fully charged, the battery quickly gets reduced to 50, 25, and even 10-percent power. Maybe it continues to shut down at unexpected moments

Be sure to take notice of how frequently this happens. The more that it occurs, the quicker you need to replace it. It’s only a matter of time before the power shuts off before you get the chance to save an important file if that hasn’t happened already.

After the laptop turns off, recharge the battery right away. If problems persist, then you can bet the battery is what’s causing the shutdown. 

if you’re unsure whether the battery is the cause, be sure to reach out to a trusted repair shop and see if they can determine what’s causing the problem.

2. Your Computer Has Been Warning You

It doesn’t matter what brand of PC that you have, they will all try to give you a warning when your battery isn’t performing as needed.

While Windows and Apple won’t necessarily send you a notification about your battery giving out, it will give you other signs.

On an Apple device, you’ll notice that the battery icon at the top right of your screen will turn red once it’s at or below 20-percent. This is what’s referred to as “reserved battery power” and will help prevent your battery from shutting off too quickly.

For those of you with a Microsoft device, you’ll notice that the battery icon gets a giant red “X” through it whenever the battery is inefficient. Not only is this a sign that your battery is about to die, but that you should consider replacing it in the near future as well.

Remember, your software will try to warn you about the condition of your laptop’s battery, but you’re the one that will have to make that call.

3. Takes Forever to Charge

Maybe you have the opposite problem: your battery works fine when it’s fully charged, but the challenge is getting it to actually charge.

Whenever the battery charging time starts to lengthen, it should be considered a warning sign that the battery is nearing the end of its life.

The slow charging time could be a few different things. It could be that the battery needs to be replaced, you’re using a faulty power cord, or your software is malfunctioning. The former is the most likely scenario.

The next time that you go to connect your laptop to its power cord, be sure to monitor how long it takes for the laptop to acknowledge it. If it’s delayed, then the battery has probably overheated and is causing further complications for the entire system.

4. Computer Gets Hot Often

Many people these days prefer to forego the common office desk or table and set their laptops on their lap instead. However, in doing so, you might actually be causing your battery to overheat on a frequent basis. 

Laying your computer on your lap or on a blanket hinders the system’s ability to provide airflow for the battery. The fan in your computer will be forced to work twice as hard in order to keep the system cool.

If you’re going to be placing your computer on your lap often, be sure to alternate between lap and cold desk surface.

So, how do you know when your laptop is overheating? The most noticeable sign is the temperature of the bottom of it. If it’s hot, then it’s overheating. If it’s warm, then it’s getting to that point quickly.

Second, your laptop will start to make louder noises as the fan tries to cool down the system as best it can. 

If the computer gets overheated rather quickly, then it’s a sign that you need to replace your battery soon.

5. It’s Aging Quickly

If you’ve had your computer or laptop for 2 to 3 years without ever replacing the battery, then it’s final days are approaching quickly.

The older the battery is, the more difficulties you’ll have with it along the way. As soon as you replace it, you’ll notice that your laptop regains it’s speed, power, and durability.

Too many people make the mistake of replacing the laptop rather than the battery. Be sure to consult with a repair expert to see which one they recommend.

If you’re experiencing more complications than the battery, then getting a brand-new laptop might make sense. Otherwise, you can save a lot of money by switching out the battery rather than paying for an entirely new computer.

Now You Know When to Replace Laptop Battery

Now that you’ve seen the telltale signs of when to replace laptop battery, it’s important that you consider the signs your laptop has given you.

Be sure to read this page to learn more about Fruit Fixed and how when can help you determine whether you need to replace your battery or not.

For more inquiries, please be sure to reach out via our contact us page and we will be happy to assist you further.