From the course: Help Yourself: Tech Tips Weekly

Replacing a keyboard or mouse

From the course: Help Yourself: Tech Tips Weekly

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Replacing a keyboard or mouse

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- [Narrator] You can clean a keyboard or mouse, but you can't fix them. Rather than attempt it, consider getting a replacement instead. The cost isn't that much unless you decide to go with a specialty input device. As far as the replacement goes both devices interface via the USB port. You can remove or attach a keyboard or mouse at any time. As a trivial aside, you can connect multiple keyboards and pointing devices to a single computer. This configuration works but it's not the most rational way to use a computer. Keyboards come in two major types depending on how the key cap mechanism is read: magnetic membrane and mechanical. The membrane models are more common and cheaper. Mechanical keyboards are more expensive, but preferred by touch typists and people who need a reliable keyboard. If you're replacing a keyboard and desire to upgrade, many popular features are available beyond the standard 101-key keyboard. Most popular are illuminated or LED keyboards which light up their key caps directly in various patterns or to highlight special key commands. Other features include volume control knobs, media buttons, and so on, and yes, these extra features do add to the keyboard's cost. More mouse options are available than the standard bar of soap model mouse. Beyond that model many pointing devices have more than the standard buttons. These bonus buttons are customizable though I believe few users take advantage of this feature. If you don't plan on using those extra buttons, don't pay for such a feature. Popular among graphic artists are the trackball or upside down mouse. These pointing devices have an advantage in that they stay in one place. Other pointing devices are available getting fancy and different. As with the fancy keyboards, the more features and differences from the standard, the more costly the gizmo. A connection option available to both input devices is going wireless. If your computer features a Bluetooth radio, I recommend using Bluetooth replacement keyboards and pointing devices. Alternatively, the wireless input device requires its own proprietary radio dongle, which occupies a USB port. That's okay. And keep in mind that wireless input devices need batteries or recharging; always have spare batteries handy or be able to recharge the input devices. Replacing these devices is as easy as disconnecting the old one and connecting the new one. I recommend using a USB port on the back of the computer box as these devices are permanently attached and you don't want to accidentally remove one. Also, avoid using the USB 3.0 port, color-coded blue, unless your device's connection is also USB 3.0, color-coded blue. You want to save those high speed ports for devices such as external hard drives and not slower input devices like a keyboard or mouse.

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