Dust Bunnies Kill!

Twice this week I've had people come to me with PCs that have been damaged by overheating.  It's not something people tend to think about, but heat is a real killer when it comes to computers. When a modern computer gets too hot it is designed to simply shut itself off.  This is an attempt to protect the delicate innards from permanent damage.  But a sudden shutdown can cost you any unsaved work and may damage your operating system.  Repeated shutdowns increase the change of file system damage.  And any time your computer gets too hot you run the risk of blowing a circuit or chip inside.

Here are some tips:

1. Check for dust!  Whether you have a laptop or a desktop, check the vents for dust from time to time.  If you see dust, turn off your computer and use compressed air or a soft brush to remove the dust.
2. If you work in a particularly dusty or dirty environment, consider having your computer professionally cleaned once or twice a year.  Check with your tech person or local computer shop for details.
3. Let it breathe!  So-called computer desks with little cubbyholes for your PC can actually trap the heat and make things worse.  Leave a few inches on all sides for air to circulate.
4. Laptops really shouldn't be used on your lap.  Laptops tend to radiate heat from the bottom of the computer and have vents in the back or sides.  Using the laptop on a soft surface can prevent the heat from dissipating.  Placing the laptop on a pillow or blanket is even worse.  Consider getting a lap desk with a hard surface.  You can use the laptop on any surface and still let it breathe.
5. Finally, don't pile stuff on top of your laptop.  Heat radiates through the keyboard as well.  Just ask my cat...,

Dus Bunnies Kill!

For the second tme this week I've had a client call me with a computer that has died on them unexpectedly.  The probable cause: dust.  Whether you have a laptop or a desktop computer, the system needs to breathe.  Over time dust collects in the vents, on the fan(s) inside the computer, and even on the components inside the PC.  This is especially critical with laptops.  The are so compact that it's difficult to dissipate heat in the best of circumstances.  If you fan and/or ventilation ports get choked with dust just a matter of minutes before your computer overheats.  Desktops usually are more forgiving since there is usually room for air to circulate.  Still, today's high-speed processors generate lots of heat and thus it doesn't to damage critical components if heat builds up.

The most common warning signs of heat buildup are unexpected shutdowns, poor performance and blue screen crashes.  Your computer typically shuts down before it overheats in order to prevent damage, but repeated close calls can cause damage to the CPU or other critical components.  Repairs are costly.

So how do you avoid overheating problems?  First and foremost you need to check your computer's vents (usually located on the side and/or back) for dust.  You can remove  dust with a few squirts of compressed air or a soft brush.  You should do this with the computer shut down

You want to make sure the vents are clear of other obstructions like papers, etc. 

If you have a desktop. make sure there's plenty of room for air to circulate. The little cubbyholes in "computer desks" can actually trap heat.  And make sure your computer is not next to a heater, in direct sunlight of over an air vent.

Contrary to popular belief laptops really don't work well on your lap.  Putting your laptop on a soft surface like a pillow, blanket or even your lap can block vents and trap heat.  If you want to use your laptop in bed or ion your lap, consider getting a lap desk with a hard surface.

Finally, watch out for cats.  Cats love a warm laptop for a quick nap.  Happy kitty, unhappy laptop.