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Friday, March 25, 2011

Have you cleaned your computer today?

Have you cleaned your computer today?

This question is one of many that I ask my customers when I pick up their computer to work on it. Almost all the time I get an answer something like this, “I did not know I needed to clean the inside of the computer”.

Cleaning of the inside of the computer is not something that needs to be done daily but it does need to be done more often than never. Computers collect a large amount of dust, dirt and animal hair. This garbage restricts air flow to the inside and can cause serious damage to the components if left unattended for a period of time.

Cleaning the inside of your computer is a very simple process. It should be done on a regular basis especially if your computer sits on the floor. If sitting on a non-carpeted floor more little dust bunnies seem to collect inside the computer even if you are a spotless house keeper.

Cleaning of the computer should be done every few months but I recommend at least popping off the cover and checking the inside monthly and especially around the fans and air intake holes. Here are some steps that Microsoft offers for cleaning your computer.

Do yourself a favor, if you have not cleaned your computer or had it professionally looked at in a very long time take a few minutes after reading this article and unplug the computer and clean the inside of the tower. Don’t risk shorting out the mother board, hard drive, or power supply by letting it be caked up with dust and dirt. Insides of these machines are very sensitive and can short out very easily. So again, take a few minutes and clean up you tower before it is to late and it will cost you hundreds of dollars instead of a few precious minutes.