Do some Spring cleaning: Dust your dirty computer

clean your PC once a yearHave you ever noticed how ceiling fans can build up dust over time? And how that dust, in turn slows down the fan and makes it airflow less efficient?

This is exactly the same case for the inside of your computer. Dust can build up, and with several small fans running inside your PC, you can see how this may affect computer performance.

No matter whether you are using a desktop computer or a laptop, dust and lint in the cooling vents and fans can cause your CPU to overheat, which is not good.

“Your computer could fry if you don’t keep it clean,” says Jonathon Millman, chief technology officer for Hooplah Interactive.

Physically cleaning your computer does not require much work and it’s a task you can complete in just a few steps with just a few supplies. A can of compressed air becomes your best friend during this time.

In addition to cleaning the inside of your computer, you should also clean the other components such as the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and any other accessories you use often. According to US health expert Chuck Gerba, a microbiologist from the University of Arizona, said “the average computer has 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet.”

If you can remember to clean out your computer once a year, it can help you save on hefty PC repair costs later down the road.

Microsoft also has a great tutorial on cleaning out your PC in 5 simple steps.

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