Protecting your Computer from Dust

After water, dust is your computer's number one enemy. Step into a server room of a high-tech building and the air you inhale is air-conditioned, dry and dust-free – this is your computer's utopia. If your laptop lives in a pile of filth and your desk is littered, it's only a matter of time before your computer starts malfunctioning. 

The part of the computer most affected by dust is the fan. The fan is used to regulate the temperature of the Central Processing Unit (CPU). Like the name suggests, the CPU is essential to the function of your computer and it will simply stop working if it overheats. A fan that is clogged with dust will spin slower and require more power to keep the CPU cool, taxing the entire computer.

Other parts of your PC dramatically affected by dust include the peripherals; the keyboard and mouse will stop responding if their contacts are jammed with dust, and your computer screen will get blurry and even burn out if too much dust accumulates inside it.

Cleaning

To clean dust from most parts of your computer, you will need a can of compressed air and an anti-static cleaning cloth. To clean the fan, turn off your computer, open the back of your CPU to get at it. Spray the dust off (preferably not in the direction of the motherboard or other intricate parts), then use the anti-static cloth to lift it off.

Use a similar technique with caked-up dust in your keyboard and mouse. An antistatic cloth is perfect for cleaning computer screens.

Never use a vacuum cleaner or liquid-based cleaning methods on your computer. Static electricity is damaging to your computer and your safety.

Prevention

Keep your workspace clean and tidy. Never eat at your desk - crumbs are worse than dust as they contain water. Tar and nicotine residue are corrosive and very damaging to electronics, so never smoke in front of your computer.

Dust your keyboard regularly and use your anti-static cloth on your screen and mouse.

Purchase a computer cover and use it every time you finish with your PC. If you have a laptop, invest in a dust-proof case and put your computer away whenever you aren't using it.

Maintenance

Most computer centres offer cleaning services and are generally very affordable. A regular service will keep your computer running smoothly, dust free and add to its longevity.