Home and In-Building Care of Your Chromebook or Laptop

For help with damage, accidents, concerns or changes in performance, contact the TA Help Desk at 802-785-4805 ext. 217 or techhelp@thet.net.

Use these tips to avoid damage and long-term wear that will cause problems later. Prevention is the greatest tool we have for dealing with the damage to devices. Please review these steps as students and caregivers.

• Sign into Chromebooks using your Thet.net email and password. If you need assistance with this, contact Helpdesk.

• Check with your teachers about where and how to locate class content.

• It’s helpful to bookmark your teacher’s web page, Google Classroom, or apps/pages you use frequently. To do this, click the star image to the right side of the URL when you are on the recommended page from your teacher.

• Open the Chromebook or laptop from the center, not one corner. It prevents damage and screen separation over time.

• Tap keys gently - they are sensitive and need to be used with care.

• Use only backpacks with soft padded areas that are designed for laptops, or a carrying case. Don’t wedge in a bag with heavy books.

• Never throw or toss a bag that has a Chromebook or laptop in it.

• Keep charging cables away from walkways/people walking by. A snag will risk pulling the Chromebook or laptop to the floor and potential damage.

• Do not use or leave TA Chromebooks or laptops in any outdoor spaces, including vehicles. Temperature changes can create problems with their functionality and dust or pollen can make keys and trackpads sticky.

• Unlike a laptop - it’s tough to use Chromebooks on your lap! If working on a floor and you need to step away, make the laptop visible by “tenting” it like this:

• Carry the Chromebook or laptop near the hinged end (not the opening end) if you need to carry it while open.

Accidents and Cleanup

• Keep liquids away from Chromebooks and laptops and avoid eating and drinking while using your device. Even small snacks can cause big damage.

• If a spill occurs - shut down immediately (press and hold the power button), remove power cable by unplugging at the wall, and tent the device upside-down (see above) to keep liquid from settling onto the motherboard. Allow it to dry completely before turning on.

• LCD screens are fragile - Don’t touch or press on the screens, and avoid “squeezing” the Chromebook or laptop by piling anything on top of it or stepping on it (ie. leaving it on the floor closed!)

• Never fold anything (even paper) into the Chromebook, as that will cause damage to the hinges and screen.

• Cleaning a screen: Use dishwashing soap diluted with water (5 parts water:1 soap) on a rag or cloth towel (microfiber is best). Distilled water and vinegar also works well. Avoid spraying liquids on computer parts. Getting liquid inside electronics, even screens can be a recipe for damage.

• Never use rubbing alcohol, ammonia, or window cleaner to clean LCD screens.

• See this guide: How to Clean a Laptop Screen with Household Products (WikiHow - opens in a new page.) Cleaning trackpad and keys: Consider cleaning your Chromebook at least weekly or preferably after each use, especially during Covid-19 or other virus concerns.

  • • Make a solution of dishwashing soap with water (5 parts water:1 soap)

    • Dampen one clean cloth (microfiber preferred if available) and use to wipe down surfaces

    • Dry using a dry and clean towel

    • Between keys use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol

• Take care of the cords, please. Stretching power cords causes tripping, smashing, and damage to the charging cables and device’s ports.

• Avoid wiggling either USB or power cables back and forth unplugging. Unplug gently to avoid damage to the ports.

• If something goes wrong, please contact us right away - we want to have a working device for all students who need them. Feel free to contact us always and we will work with you to solve any issue. Thank you for your care of these devices!