Needless to say, computer keyboards could come and go; and if you are exceptionally sloppy with yours, it is best to let the keyboards go, especially if it has served its time. If you have been fiddling mindlessly with your keyboard, removing the screws at the back and actually taking a peek into what has accumulated between the gaps, you just may have to stomach something not worth seeing before any meal. If dust bunnies have not yet mutated into the inner workings of your keyboard, you just may be surprised as to what else you might find in there: like food bits, animal hair, termites, enough DNA sampler to get you into the most wanted database…

Now there are several reasons why some people prefer to keep the keyboards they are currently using.

For one thing, most laptops do not have detachable keyboards. So unless you are willing to dig deep into your pockets for another expensive machine, it would be best to keep the one you are using and just learn how to clean it without damaging anything. Secondly, if you are one of those techie freaks out to get the latest high-end piece of hardware possible, replacing your keyboard with something more high-end may become very, very painful both on your pocket and your self-esteem. So here are a couple of tips on how to clean your computer keyboard the safest way possible.

But wait! When we say safest, we mean that you use prudent measures with a lot of rational thinking behind it. Sure, there are tips on how to use the dishwasher to clean your keyboards… and in some instances it may work. We just want to point out that most of these so-called dishwasher safe keyboards look cheap and about 2 minutes away from the rubbish heap. This is actually a great excuse to buy a new set of keyboards especially when the dishwasher ruins it. Besides, who in their right minds would put the entire laptop into the dishwasher?

So the equation goes: keyboard + dishwasher = heck, no. We hope that is clear.

For cleaning you keyboards, laptop of otherwise, you would need: a can of compressed air, several pieces of cotton buds, and a soft clean cloth dampened with a little moisture. You can buy the can of compressed air in most electronics stores. And yes, there is a difference between compressed air and WD40. Soft tipped cotton buds should be pliant enough to get into tricky gaps and corners. And lastly, use any soft cloth for wiping down. A chamois should work great because it does not leave any fibers behind.

First step is to give your keyboard some slight dusting with the compressed air. Use the dry cotton tipped buds gently to get to the gaps between keys, and use as many cotton tips necessary. Do not force the keys apart though. Once you are satisfied, give the keyboard a more thorough blasting of the compressed air. Once that is done, use the cloth (ever so slightly damp) and give the keyboard a wiping down.

Performance tests indicate that Windows XP Service Pack 3 runs many applications 10 times faster than XP computers without the software update. InformationWeek.com is reporting that XP Service Pack 3 demonstrated a significance performance boost on benchmark tests.

Interestingly, Microsoft makes no claims that the Windows XP SP3 update will increase performance, instead touting increased reliability and security as the big reasons to install the service pack update. Perhaps it is simply a “happy accident” that the update is testing up to 10% faster on standardized bench testing programs compared to the service pack 2 upgrade. Either way though, XP users aren’t complaining.

With Windows XP still the fastest Microsoft operating system in use, the SP3 update deals another in a long line of blows to Microsoft Vista, which has consistently tested slower than XP on a wide variety of software programs. With the new update, XP becomes even faster, drawing even more attention to the sluggish nature of Microsoft Vista, and raising further questions about the need or practicality of updating to the new operating system.

In fact, testing demonstrates that the new XP update is approximately twice as fast as Windows Vista on many benchmark programs. The question for many Windows users is “why should I upgrade to Vista when I can get a free Windows XP SP3 update and my computer will run twice as fast?” These kinds of questions have haunted Microsoft since the launch of Vista, and many Windows users feel the company has not adequately answered the question, “why upgrade?” After all, if it’s not broke — why fix it?

Designed as a simple bug fix, Windows XP SP3’s increased speeds and performance come as an unexpected bonus. But there have also been problems with the operating system update, and the Windows XP forum is filled with posts from early adopters experiencing a wide variety of “hiccups” with the new service pack, ranging from all-out system crashes, to trouble recognizing external disks and hard drives.

Typically, there are always a few glitches when a new service pack is released, but these usually get solved within the first couple of weeks. The final version of Windows XP SP3 is due to be released later this week, and will hopefully eliminate most of the bugs being currently experienced by users attempting to upgrade.

The XP service pack 3 upgrade will be made available to the general public this Wednesday in Microsoft’s online Download Center. The upgrade can also be accessed from the Windows automatic update service within XP.

Despite the fact that Microsoft has spared no expense in promoting its Vista operating system, Windows XP refuses to go away. Computer retailers are finding new and creative ways to continue selling the XP operating system beyond its June 30 deadline.

Dell and Hewlett-Packard are two of the major PC retailers that will continue to sell Windows XP beyond Microsoft’s June deadline. The companies have found ways to exploit loopholes in Microsoft’s licensing agreement to sell XP preloaded in new computers.

The reason why the “big box” distributors want to continue offering XP is simple: money. Windows Vista has received a lukewarm response from the market, and many individuals and companies are insisting upon continuing to use Windows XP when purchasing new computers.

The big PC retailers are taking advantage of a loophole clause in the Windows Vista terms of service which allows distributors to sell XP under what is known as a “downgrade license.” In practical terms, this means that Dell or Hewlett-Packard (to name two examples) will be allowed to legally install XP on some of their computers, most notably, models sold to business customers.

Hewlett-Packard has announced that they will continue selling XP through the 30th of July, 2009, though one has to believe they will extend this deadline too–if there is significant demand for XP beyond this date. Lenovo is also continuing to sell XP, but they are taking a different tact; the company will sell new computers preloaded with Microsoft Vista, but will include a Windows XP “recovery disk,” so that purchasers can elect to “roll back” their operating system if they desire.

The BBC is reporting that even Microsoft honcho Steve Ballmer admits that Windows XP could potentially be around a few more years if there is significant customer demand. Already, Microsoft has caved in to consumer pressure by extending the life span of Windows XP Home through 2010. The move is meant to apply to smaller computers and laptops which may have trouble running the more processor-hungry Vista.

With many consumers and businesses wary of upgrading to Vista, it appears that Windows XP could be with us for some time to come. On the one hand, this is a clear slap in the face to Vista, which is perceived by many as an unnecessary upgrade. But on the other hand, it is also a tribute to the elegance and stability of Windows XP, which has been around long enough now to firmly establish itself as a reliable operating system — some say the most reliable ever produced by the Microsoft camp.