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Summertime problems

As the cold days of winter are behind us, we prepare for the warmth of summer.  Many people enjoy the hot humid days of summer, but your computer may not.

Most computers are designed to work within a wide range of temperature and humidity.  They are also designed to be stored in more extreme temperatures and humidity.  The problem is the temperature and humidity you feel may not be the same for the computer.

First problem is storing a computer.  If the machine is off, nothing can go wrong, but once you turn it on, the problems begin.  For example, if you store your laptop in your car during a 95 degree day.  Inside the car it may be 140 degrees, which means your computer temperature is 140 degrees.  That temperature may be fine for storing the computer, but once you turn on the computer, the temperature will go higher and may damage the computer.  In general, you should never leave a computer in a car, whether it’s a hot or cold day.

The next problem is computer maintenance.  Let’s assume it’s a 95 degree day.  Your computer should be fine in that temperature, but if the fans are not clean or the heat sink is dirty, the computer may not dissipate heat efficiently.  It is always a good idea to make sure your fans, heat sinks and case are clean to prevent this from happening.

Finally, how you use the computer.  No matter the temperature, you should be aware of how your computer cools.  Let’s assume it’s an 85 degree day.  You’re out on a picnic.  You place your computer on the blanket you laid out for the picnic.  That blanket can cover the vents that cool your computer.  After a while, your computer will overheat and may damage the computer.

If you have any questions regarding this article, or any computer related issue, feel free to contact us.