Community weekly poll: How often do you physically open your computer to clean it?
- 1/5/06 11:54 AM
What does a notebook owner do?
by cgpetroski - 1/6/06 5:07 AM In reply to: How often do you physically open your computer to clean it? by Marc Bennett
According to some sources the notebook segment of the computer population has expanded tremendously. What do we do to clean our computers??
It depends on the environment and location of t he computer.
by judidandy46 - 1/6/06 5:36 AM In reply to: How often do you physically open your computer to clean it? by Marc Bennett
As a computer service engineer for over 35 years, keeping the inside of a computer is very important to me. Of course my experience is more related to the commercial mini-computer and main-frame types. They had many fans and required an air conditioned environment. Most of the machines back in those days had scheduled downtime just for cleaning, replacing defective fans and light bulbs on the display boards, etc.
With the Personal Computer, some of this depends on what you have and where you have it. Many people in recent years have the tower type case, and is ideal for placing on the floor next to the computer desk. It's also ideal for collecting dust since dust settles to the floor, and that's where the airflow sucks it into the computer. Many times I have opened a computer that is 6 months and older and find dust and cobwebs inside.
As for opening the case, some are easier than others. It depends on the manufacturer, and you may even find a label that indicates not to open the case because "there are no user servicable parts inside" or may even void a warrenty if you do. Some cases have have simple latches, some have several screws that have to be removed, and some have hidden locks that prevent the average consumer from gaining easy access to the inside.
Generally speaking, I've used a vacuum cleaner with an exhaust port and a narrow nozzle to blow the dust out of the case, instead of vacuuming it out. You could always buy a can of compressed air, which is also good for cleaning those keyboards!
It's also a good idea to occasionally check that the fans are actually working, and have not frozen up over time. Most simple computers will have at least one that pulls air thru the power supply to keep it cool, and a second one directly over the CPU chip. Additional fans may be in the front of the case, and sometimes on specialized video adapters, etc.
Checking the power supply fan can be done by checking for airflow at the back of the case when it's turned on. Newer computers actually have sensors on the fans and can be checked by utilities that will tell the internal temperature and fan speeds. Many will even shut down the computer if there is a slowdown or failure of a fan or temperature increase
computer house cleaning
by jojo2430 - 1/6/06 5:56 AM In reply to: How often do you physically open your computer to clean it? by Marc Bennett
I clean the inside about once a year or sooner. I use a very soft long handled paint brush. The bristles are medium strength, not too soft, to dust the fan and the inside componants if they appear to need it. I use a soft damp rag( like old t-shirt)to wipe down the flat surfaces inside the case. Does it well for me. I Shine a flashlight in the vent every so often to check when it might be necessary to open to clean.
cleaning the Bots
by lovie94 - 1/6/06 6:38 AM In reply to: How often do you physically open your computer to clean it? by Marc Bennett
I just take it outside open it up use a wetdry vac on the blow method and let it have it it blows all the dust away from the fans and boards with out moist air that could cause problems it self but I do not have to touch anything you know static electricity is still a concern of mine. Thanks all
Frequency of cleaning my computer
by RichM - 1/6/06 7:07 AM In reply to: How often do you physically open your computer to clean it? by Marc Bennett
I open the computer up for cleaning on the average of twice a year. Before I knew the risk, I used to just vacuum the dust bunnies. Now I use clean compressed air to blow the dust of the components and use a vacuum cleaner to gather the dust flying off the components.
Regards,
Rich Montoya
http:\\paisano44.modblog.com
easy way to clean your pc
by GINGER - 1/6/06 7:11 AM In reply to: How often do you physically open your computer to clean it? by Marc Bennett
i found an easy way to clean your pc, use a air compresser to blow all the dust out of your pc, and no damage to any parts,(dont forget to unplug it from the mains first)
canned air
by DocQ - 1/6/06 7:12 AM In reply to: How often do you physically open your computer to clean it? by Marc Bennett
get a bottle of compressed air and just blow away. i don't have much room in my computer to do much else. i have a ShuttleX
Free canned air works for me!
by weesul - 1/8/06 3:16 PM In reply to: canned air by DocQI had tried using a vacuum cleaner years ago on my first computer, and am pretty sure it sucked up a jumper, though the computer continued to work. Now I get canned air at the local computer store when they have the $5.00 rebate special. I also use the vacuum to suck up any flying or loose dust.
Whenever I'm doing an upgrade
by bdhufnagel - 1/6/06 7:26 AM In reply to: How often do you physically open your computer to clean it? by Marc Bennett
I check the air filter and clean it. I don't have that much of a dust problem. Then again, I don't have a 110W CPU or 60W GPU. Hmm... I wonder why Intel hasn't mandated a giant HEPA filter in addition to giant foam and fiberglass pre-filters for the BX case. All the extra filtration might help quiet the box.
On the other hand, the HDD on my PS2 failed a while back and I sent it in for repair at Sony (it was under warranty). Their report said they noted there was a lot of dust inside the box (not the HDD) so I thought to myself, 'How am I supposed to clean that dust out without breaking the factory seal?'
computer dust bunnies
by Diana Pepin - 1/6/06 7:36 AM In reply to: How often do you physically open your computer to clean it? by Marc Bennett
In yesteryear typewriters came with dust covers so I purchased or made dust covers for my computer gear amd its accessories. The only trick was getting everyone to replace the covers after sign-off. I've only cleaned the inside with an art brush and the Dustbuster if I'm inside the PC to upgrade some hardware card or some other task. And that's not often. That Dell works just fine on WIN 98SE and keeps the younger set happy.
never have (why not?)
by pierrino - 1/6/06 7:38 AM In reply to: How often do you physically open your computer to clean it? by Marc Bennett
Dell's got a 300.00 computer that's much better than my dottering, senescent 5 year old, better dump my old one than clean it.
P. Mascarino
Physically cleaning a desk top style PC
by dickstub - 1/6/06 7:50 AM In reply to: How often do you physically open your computer to clean it? by Marc Bennett
I actually take the entire system outside & use my shop-vac to vacuum it and/or blow all the dust out. Being careful not to physically come in contact with any of the electrical components. The purpose of being outside is that any dust which is blown, will not fall within the interior of our home.
brand new
by avallach87 - 1/6/06 7:53 AM In reply to: How often do you physically open your computer to clean it? by Marc Bennett
my machine is brand new, hence my "never have" answer.
Compressed Air / Built-in Sponge Filters
by jglasser - 1/6/06 8:07 AM In reply to: How often do you physically open your computer to clean it? by Marc Bennett
Compressed Air is the ideal method and can be used in conjuction with a vaccuum to get rid of the dust. In my Desktop, I have various fans and filters with my Lian Li Aluminum case. On the front, I have dual 80s but in front comes a sponge-like air filter which captures a bulk of the dust. I just take it off and wash it in the sink.
How often do I clean inside of PC
by JDlady - 1/6/06 8:27 AM In reply to: How often do you physically open your computer to clean it? by Marc Bennett
I clean mine out every one to two months. I live on a farm, and with kids and the traffic in and out, I sometimes have to dust every day. My system cover is off and it is in a bookcase. Since I use an old IBM Aptiva, anything to help it work better is fine by me.
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