Computer and Web Articles

Ever touch your computer and find it’s much, much hotter than you’d expect? It’s easy to shrug overheating off, especially if you don’t notice a change in your computer’s performance. A too-hot computer can cause some serious problems over time, though - like frying your central processing unit (CPU). You don’t want to end up losing data, do you?

Fortunately, the fix is often really simple: your computer needs a quick dusting.

Just like the space between the bottom of your couch and the floor accumulates dust bunnies if you don’t sweep under there regularly, your computer gets dust bunnies inside its inner workings. Those dust bunnies clog your computer’s cooling vents, which keeps them from doing what they’re supposed to do: allow airflow and stop your computer from overheating.

Some computer shops are willing to do a quick dust-out for you, but you’ll wind up paying for the privilege of having someone else do your dirty work. Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to do the job yourself.

This article from LifeHacker gives simple step-by-step instructions on effectively dusting out the inside of your computer. All you’ll need is a Phillips head screwdriver, mechanical oil, and a can of compressed air.