Does your computer get hot when you use it? Does it make a lot of noise? asks Peter Clarke of PC PAL
One of the major reasons for this is the accumulation of dust, pet hairs etc in the computer’s fan and cooling system. If you ignore this it can cause your computer to overheat and shut down for no apparent reason - if you are lucky it may start up again.
So, what can you do about it? If you have reached this stage then your computer will need to be stripped down to enable the fan and cooling system to be cleaned out. Here are some before and after photos of a computer that I worked on recently:
Although this build up will occur naturally over time you can takes steps to slow its progress:
- With a laptop only use it on a hard surface whether a table or a specially designed laptop tray – bedding or a blanket can provide lots of fibres that you don’t even see are entering your laptop
- With a desktop, if it is kept on the floor, ensure you vacuum around it regularly – even more so if your cat or dog likes to ‘help you’ when you are using your computer
Following these simple tips will ensure your computer runs cooler for longer.
