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...,