Gail On Tech

Get rid of keyboard germs

If you think the only kinds of viruses associated with your computer are of a digital variety, think again.

A study of bacterial contamination on computer keyboards in the UK, which was reported on the BBC site, found that the tested keyboards had five times the level of bacteria as toilet seats in the same office.

So, with Australia expecting a second wave of Swine Flu with the onset of the northern hemisphere winter from travellers, it’s time to be more vigilant about germ transfer.

A new product called Cyber Clean aims to do just that, saving you from the little beasties (and that includes the kids!) that find their way onto the surface of your PC’s keyboard and mouse during everyday use.

It resembles fluoro yellow silly putty, and that’s where it has the jump on other anti-bacterial products. Where liquids can damage your keyboard’s electronics, Cyber Clean is a solid, yet flexible substance that can be stretched and molded to fit the surface area and only needs to be lightly pressed onto it to do its job — no rubbing or scrubbing required. And because Cyber Clean is mouldable, you can get it into all the the little crevices where germs can breed unabated.

However, a word of warning: keep it away from the kids or they might be tempted to repurpose it into a Pingu figurine!

Of course, Cyber Clean can be used to sanitise more than your computer gear. Check out this video to find out its other applications.

Cyber Clean comes in either a resealable foil sachet ($6.95) or tub ($9.95), depending on your needs, and can be reused up to 75 times. There’s also an automotive version of the product available. You can pick yourself up Cyber Clean products from Suoercheap Auto, Kmart, Newslink and various electronics stores. If you’re having trouble locating it, you can find your nearest stockist by ringing (03) 9862 9600.