Vandil
06-20-2009, 06:22 PM
Random Vandil fact: A few years ago, for a three year period, I used to write a weekly tech column for my local newspaper aimed at tech novices and some intermediate users.
Anyway, I was browsing through some of my archives and decided to post one on the front page (http://www.p-w-n-d.com/?p=5857), and here too.
With summertime upon us, the temperatures at which we use our computers may run a little on the hot side. There are many dangers when mixing computers with heat and air conditioning that you should be aware of. This week, I’ll go over a few summertime tips to keep your computer running at its best.
Ventilation
Your home probably gets pretty hot during the summertime. If your computer doesn’t get proper ventilation during this hot time of the year, you’ll experience computer crashes or automatic “thermal” shut downs, especially during intensive use.
If you have a desktop or tower computer, you should always make sure to leave at least one inch of open space around the sides of the computer. Resist the temptation to file papers or books right next to the sides of your computer’s case. The front and back sides should have at least five inches of open space. This might require pulling the computer case out a little if you have it nested inside a desk.
If you’re the kind of person who affixes sticky notes and other objects to the front of the case, please make sure nothing is covering any of the holes. These holes are critical to the internal cooling process.
Together, all the open space allows your computer’s case fans to draw in enough room temperature air to cool the internal components and properly vent the hot air out of the case.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Indoors or outdoors, direct summertime sunlight can overheat a computer.
If you’re indoors and working in a room without air conditioning, consider moving your system away from the window or keeping the blinds down. If neither of these is an option, use a fan to cool the part of the case that is exposed to sunlight.
If you’re working outdoors, try staying in the shade. If no shade is available, aim the back of the notebook’s lid in the direction of the sun so that the light won’t heat the surface of the LCD or the keyboard.
Also, when not in use, avoid leaving your notebook lying out in the sun or in your car, even if you have the windows rolled down.
Condensation
For those fortunate enough to have air conditioning, condensation can be a computer hardware killer. Moving a notebook from an air-conditioned room to a warmer place, such as your porch (or vice versa), can cause water vapor in the air to condense on the internal components of your notebook. If your computer is on while the condensation is present, you could short-circuit a component and severely damage your notebook.
If you plan on changing rooms, shut down the notebook and allow it to cool off for a few minutes. Once cooled down, bring the notebook to the new room and give it five minutes to come into equilibrium with the temperature of the new room. You should then be good to go for using it.
If you use a desktop or tower computer in an air-conditioned room and you leave the air conditioner off during the day, when you return home, turn on the air-conditioner in the room and allow the room to cool down first before turning on your computer. This should provide enough time for the air inside your computer to cool down with the rest of the room and minimize condensation when you turn it on.
Anyway, I was browsing through some of my archives and decided to post one on the front page (http://www.p-w-n-d.com/?p=5857), and here too.
With summertime upon us, the temperatures at which we use our computers may run a little on the hot side. There are many dangers when mixing computers with heat and air conditioning that you should be aware of. This week, I’ll go over a few summertime tips to keep your computer running at its best.
Ventilation
Your home probably gets pretty hot during the summertime. If your computer doesn’t get proper ventilation during this hot time of the year, you’ll experience computer crashes or automatic “thermal” shut downs, especially during intensive use.
If you have a desktop or tower computer, you should always make sure to leave at least one inch of open space around the sides of the computer. Resist the temptation to file papers or books right next to the sides of your computer’s case. The front and back sides should have at least five inches of open space. This might require pulling the computer case out a little if you have it nested inside a desk.
If you’re the kind of person who affixes sticky notes and other objects to the front of the case, please make sure nothing is covering any of the holes. These holes are critical to the internal cooling process.
Together, all the open space allows your computer’s case fans to draw in enough room temperature air to cool the internal components and properly vent the hot air out of the case.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Indoors or outdoors, direct summertime sunlight can overheat a computer.
If you’re indoors and working in a room without air conditioning, consider moving your system away from the window or keeping the blinds down. If neither of these is an option, use a fan to cool the part of the case that is exposed to sunlight.
If you’re working outdoors, try staying in the shade. If no shade is available, aim the back of the notebook’s lid in the direction of the sun so that the light won’t heat the surface of the LCD or the keyboard.
Also, when not in use, avoid leaving your notebook lying out in the sun or in your car, even if you have the windows rolled down.
Condensation
For those fortunate enough to have air conditioning, condensation can be a computer hardware killer. Moving a notebook from an air-conditioned room to a warmer place, such as your porch (or vice versa), can cause water vapor in the air to condense on the internal components of your notebook. If your computer is on while the condensation is present, you could short-circuit a component and severely damage your notebook.
If you plan on changing rooms, shut down the notebook and allow it to cool off for a few minutes. Once cooled down, bring the notebook to the new room and give it five minutes to come into equilibrium with the temperature of the new room. You should then be good to go for using it.
If you use a desktop or tower computer in an air-conditioned room and you leave the air conditioner off during the day, when you return home, turn on the air-conditioner in the room and allow the room to cool down first before turning on your computer. This should provide enough time for the air inside your computer to cool down with the rest of the room and minimize condensation when you turn it on.