Dust clogged ventilation slots, obstructed fans, proximity to dust and debris, restricted airflow–all of these conditions can lead to overheating and eventually, system failure.

I am asked to look at systems that kept freezing up. After removing the cover I usually find a solid wad of dirt and dust blocking the vent slots and filling the cooling fins on the processor. The wad of fluff aka dust bunnies, is so compacted that it can be lifted off as a solid lump. Systems will collect this gunk if seated on the floor, next to a heavily used thoroughfare. I have seen this condition numerous times at business locations. Dust and fibers are drawn into the vent slots and can collect year after year. This can lead to premature failure of the parts inside of your PC. The result is a expensive repair for the user.
Microsoft has a mini-tutorial on how to clean your PC and it’s components - click here for details.

How about laptop computers? Yes, they need cleaning as well. Screens and keyboards can be cleaned easily by using a lightly dampened clean cloth using plain warm water. Then dry the the unit with a dry clean cloth. Be careful not to press on the screen to hard. Be gentle!

Fred Langa did a great article last year on how to clean a laptop computer to prevent overheating - click here for details.

I recently purchased a laptop cooler for my Gateway system. After trying several different makes and models, I finally settled on a Antec brand. The internal temperature on my unit has dropped by over 15 degrees. The hard drive temperature has dropped by some 20 degrees. And the Antec unit is quiet running at low speed. Click here for details.

Tags: dust, system, laptop, cooler, gateway, antec