Protect PC from dust in Melbourne

protect-pc-from-dust

We often get asked..’How to protect PC from dust?’

A computer is a machine in which a person compiles a list of numbers and programs or instructions in order for it to carry out specific tasks. They have been around since the 1940s, when they were used by the British to decipher secret messages from the Germans during World War II, and were also used to produce ballistics tables that allowed engineers to get precise calculations related to firing artillery guns.

It was not until the 1980s that computers started becoming smaller and faster. Now, they can be found almost everywhere: homes, offices, factories and even retail stores like Officeworks and Harvey Norman . Today’s computers are often more powerful than what NASA had at their disposal while landing on the moon (1969). For most people these days, owning a computer is a necessity, not a luxury.

But with the good comes the bad: one of the biggest threats to your computer is dust and it can lead to issues as described here. Dust particles are small enough to get inside your computer through the air vents and fans and can cause all sorts of problems, from clogging up the fan and causing it to overheat, to causing short circuits in the motherboard.

In order to protect your computer from dust, you need to take some preventative steps:

1. Place it in a clean area and on a raised surface

First of all, make sure that your computer is in an area where there is plenty of circulation and that it is not near any dusty objects or areas.

If possible, try to keep your computer on a raised surface so that airflow underneath it is improved.

If you have a dusty area that surrounds your computer then it would be best to move the computer out of that environment.

2. Check filters in PC

It is also good practice to check the filters in your PC frequently, and replace them if they become clogged with dust. If there are any fans inside the housing of your computer, make sure you clean those as well.

3. Clean fans regularly

Cleaning fans can be a difficult job depending on their location within a particular model of PC – ask an IT technician for advice on how to go about this.

Using a vacuum cleaner – or even better – compressed air, make sure you give all vents and fan blades a really thorough going over to remove as much dust as possible. There are electric duster tools designed specifically for this which you could consider as an investment if you plan to clean your computer regularly.

It is not advisable to use a vacuum cleaner directly on any electrical parts as this can create static electricity and damage them, but as long as you are careful there shouldn’t be a problem. Remember – it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Once the fan blades and vents have been cleaned out, give them a wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any dust and residue, and allow to dry completely before continuing. This will stop debris from flying into the air when you begin cleaning the PC housing itself – or just take precautions by putting on goggles if that doesn’t sound like fun!

Again it would be for someone to show you how to open up your pc.

4. Clean inside your PC with caution

Now that the outside of your PC is clean, it’s time to move on to the inside. The first step is to remove the side panel (or panels) so you have access to the motherboard, graphics card, RAM and all other internal components. There are usually screws or clips holding these in place, so just consult your PC’s manual or Google for specific instructions if you’re not sure how to do this.

Once everything is exposed, use a can of compressed air to blow away any dust bunnies lurking around inside – be careful not to get too close to any delicate parts as you do this! You may also want to use a vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment, but take care not to suck up any of the small components or cables.

Finally, replace the side panel(s) and screw/clip them into place. If you’ve cleaned your PC regularly, there shouldn’t be much dust to worry about from here on in, but it’s still a good idea to check every few months (especially if your computer is in a dusty environment).

5. Regular checks

Regularly check your computer for dust build-up. This can be done by opening up the side panel(s). If you have a tower PC, remove the screws from the back of the case and slide off one of the sides. For a desktop, just lift one side away from its frame.

6. Get a desktop protector

These come in various sizes and are very versatile. I used to use them regularly to cover my PCs when I was young. You can get them from Amazon.

Author:
I am a computer engineer holding a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, complemented by a Master's in Business Administration from University of Strathclyde, Scotland. I currently work as a Senior IT Consultant in Melbourne, Australia. With over 15 years of...