Inside your computer, heat can be a problem

I am getting ready to leave for the Summer. How can I protect my computer while I am gone?

It's all about storage. To store your computer properly, you will need to buy a couple of items. First, go to any of the plastics stores and buy one of the large, thick, clear plastic bags. Get one larger than your computer. Next, go to any store and buy a box of disposable diapers. Yes, diapers.

When you are ready to store your computer, take it into a air-conditioned, dehumidified room and leave it there for an hour. This will help eliminate residual moisture from your components. Open the box of diapers and pull the absorbent pad out of each one. Toss the diaper pads in the bag, then put your computer on top. Seal the bag well with tape. The diaper pads will act like silica gel packs and absorb any remaining moisture. Store in a place where the computer will not get direct sunlight.

My laptop seems to be running hot. Is that a problem?

It depends on what you mean by hot. Because of the size of a laptop, the components are all crammed together in a really small space, and that generates a lot of heat. As your laptop gets older, it will run hotter, and you do need to find ways to cool it down, or eventually it will start shutting down on you because it is getting too hot.

The first thing to do is look in your settings and see if you can control the temperatures that cause your cooling fan to turn on and off. If you can cause your fan to turn on sooner and run longer, your laptop will stay cooler.

Your second option is to elevate your laptop from your work surface to allow more airflow underneath, where it gets the hottest. A baking cooling rack works very well for this.

The third option is to go to an electronics or office store and purchase a laptop cooling pad. A cooling pad accomplishes the same thing as the baking rack, with the addition of fans that force more air across the bottom of your laptop to aid in cooling.

Charles Swarts has worked in the IT industry for 15 years and holds numerous Microsoft and other industry certifications. He offers on-site computer repair in Mazatlan. Contact Charles at 176-3564, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or www.mazpc.com.