Thanks for nagging at us pops

[andsome]

You have regularly nagged at us about having a backup program, and since investing in Acronis, I have been thankful on more than one occasion.

You have also nagged each Spring about cleanliness. I have noticed lately that my computer has been running warmer than before. I have just taken the sides off the case, and using the compressed air spray and mini vacuum cleaner was surprised at how much dust I removed. The computer is now running eight degrees cooler than it was this morning. :D Thanks again for the nags.

[-pops-]

Guess what, I'm doing mine tomorrow with the help of my granddaughter to show her how it's done (well, she can now build the things so she should know about the maintenance).

I'm always struck that the removal of such a seemingly small amount of yuk can increase performance so much.

It might be a good time to get rid of rubbish programs that were installed with the notion (real or imagined) that they would be really useful when, in fact, all they do is consume disk space. OK, with today's large hard drives the space issue may not be so important but there are often bits of programs that load up into memory in anticipation of being used and then just sit there day after day just slowing down the system.

If there's a program installed that you've not used it for three months (less?) chuck it out, you more than likely don't need it. If you think you might want it in the future, make sure you have the program disk or download it on to a CD or some such for later use.

With hardware as well, is there loads in or attached to the computer that just sits there doing nothing most/all of the time? If there is, switch it off. With auxiliary hard drives remember these are spinning at a high speed when running and, like all mechanical items they will wear out sooner or later. Do you have multiple optical drives but only ever use one? Unplug the unused one(s). All those USB devices cluttering your desk, winking at you periodically. Do you need them on?

I'm not particularly being a "green"advocate here, just that the life of a device is much less when powered up than powered down.

[andsome]

My printer, scanner and plug in hard drive are always off unless in use. I do have some programs which are only used occasionally, but they don't amount to much. I tend to keep things lean. :D

[AlanHo]

I clean my computer two or three times a year.

My family find buying presents for me at Christmas and birthday a difficult task - "what do you buy a guy who has all he needs already" they say.

This Christmas one of them had a brainwave - knowing I was fastidious about keeping the computer innards dust free - he presented me with a USB powered mini vacuum cleaner. It's a natty little tool - but I didn't have the heart to tell him I would never make use of it because the computer has to be running for the USB ports to be powered.

It is currently lying in the unused gadgets drawer.

[catgate]

Couldn't you use the computer you have just replaced as a slave Service Computer, dedicated to vacuuming via USB. Someone on WF should be able to write you a script to run it automatically. Then you could go into business building and selling The CompuHo-ver, make a huge profit and then get a man in to clean your computer just when ever you want.

[Irene]

I would really like to clean the internals of my PC. But, I am always a bit nervous about opening up the case.

What would one use to 'Hoover' it out. I only have a domestic type 'Hoover'. Would that be too powerful? I would hate to dislodge some component or other. :0

I am fairly fastidious about the software clutter etc. Houskeeping is a way of life for me.

Perhaps a little bit of reassurance and guidance is what I require to set me off.

It certainly sounds like a good thing to do - particularly after all of the brick, cement, plaster and concrete dust which has been floating around our home recently!!

[catgate]

I think the best way is to take the side off, whilst the thing is unplugged of course,and use compressed air....just a little puff.... .like Charles Azn**our.

[Irene]

I think the best way is to take the side off, whilst the thing is unplugged of course,and use compressed air....just a little puff.... .like Charles Azn**our.

:lol: :lol:

I'll keep that in mind, catgate. ;)

[AlanHo]

I use the domestic vacuum cleaner. I found a plastic cap that was a nice fit on the end of the Vac hose - drilled a hole in the end of it and fitted a 3 foot length of quite soft 1/2" dia flexible plastic tube to it with hot melt glue. I can carefully probe the innards quite effectively and have yet to cause mayhem. I prefer this to blowing the dust because it tends to descend back to some extent.

[Boris]

I would really like to clean the internals of my PC. But, I am always a bit nervous about opening up the case.

What would one use to 'Hoover' it out. I only have a domestic type 'Hoover'. Would that be too powerful? I would hate to dislodge some component or other. :0

Irene

Take the PC outside.

Remove both sides of the case.

First of all the close work.

Dislodge all the "laying" dust + fluff with this :-

http://www.choicestationery.co.uk/Product.asp?Prd=18576

and then ............... ?

I personally recommend use of a Flymo GardenVac.

- in "blow mode" from about 18" distance :D

Removes all the **** a treat !

[deuces wild]

Nice suggestion Alan.

When I clean out the computer I take it outside then blow it off. No worry about the dust. B)

Edit: Boris.......you beat me to the outside suggestion by a minute or less. GMTA!

[doug]

And for the thick stuff you could borrow Alanho's little tool Handy tool

[andsome]

And for the thick stuff you could borrow Alanho's little tool Handy tool

How do you know he has a little tool? :lol:

[Irene]

And for the thick stuff you could borrow Alanho's little tool Handy tool

I've already potentially got myself into trouble with that one! :lol:

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

I'll just pop out and buy the aerosol, a garden vac, then see if I can borrow Alan's tool.

[rong]

If you use the aerosol to blow out the dust and have the vacuum cleaner running but not to close it should pick up most of the dust that is blown out, and saves having to take all the cables of of the computer. make sure you blow out the heat sink well as this seems to gather dust rather well, and don't forget the PSU.

[catgate]

And for the thick stuff you could borrow Alanho's little tool Handy tool

I've already potentially got myself into trouble with that one! :lol:

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

I'll just pop out and buy the aerosol, a garden vac, then see if I can borrow Alan's tool.

Following on from Boris' suggestion it may be a good idea to pick up a garden rake, whilst you are at it, for the really stubborn stuff.

[Irene]

If you use the aerosol to blow out the dust and have the vacuum cleaner running but not to close it should pick up most of the dust that is blown out, and saves having to take all the cables of of the computer. make sure you blow out the heat sink well as this seems to gather dust rather well, and don't forget the PSU.

I really like the idea of not having to take out all of the cables. :D

I'd probably need to label them up otherwise, accompanied by a photo! :lol:

The other thing I need is a guide to show me where/what the heat sink and PSU look like.

The only time I have opened the box was to add extra RAM, with a couple of graphic guides & narrative. :D

[catgate]

If you use the aerosol to blow out the dust and have the vacuum cleaner running but not to close it should pick up most of the dust that is blown out, and saves having to take all the cables of of the computer. make sure you blow out the heat sink well as this seems to gather dust rather well, and don't forget the PSU.

I really like the idea of not having to take out all of the cables. :D

I'd probably need to label them up otherwise, accompanied by a photo! :lol:

The other thing I need is a guide to show me where/what the heat sink and PSU look like.

The only time I have opened the box was to add extra RAM, with a couple of graphic guides & narrative. :D

If you take off the side panel you should be able to see the mother board identification number and a quick Google should provide you with a picture.

The PSU is normally fastened to the back of the box, at the top and is a (usually) grey box, with vast arrays of wire coming out of it.... and a fan which is visible at the rear of the box.

There are sometimes more than one heat sink, but they are easily identified as they have lots of "Cooling" fins. The main one, on the CPU, is almost bound to be covered by yet another fan. Do not try to remove the fan.

edit:- Your mains power lead plugs into the PSU at the rear of the box, and often the monitor power lead comes out of it.

[Irene]

If you use the aerosol to blow out the dust and have the vacuum cleaner running but not to close it should pick up most of the dust that is blown out, and saves having to take all the cables of of the computer. make sure you blow out the heat sink well as this seems to gather dust rather well, and don't forget the PSU.

I really like the idea of not having to take out all of the cables. :D

I'd probably need to label them up otherwise, accompanied by a photo! :lol:

The other thing I need is a guide to show me where/what the heat sink and PSU look like.

The only time I have opened the box was to add extra RAM, with a couple of graphic guides & narrative. :D

If you take off the side panel you should be able to see the mother board identification number and a quick Google should provide you with a picture.

The PSU is normally fastened to the back of the box, at the top and is a (usually) grey box, with vast arrays of wire coming out of it.... and a fan which is visible at the rear of the box.

There are sometimes more than one heat sink, but they are easily identified as they have lots of "Cooling" fins. The main one, on the CPU, is almost bound to be covered by yet another fan. Do not try to remove the fan.

edit:- Your mains power lead plugs into the PSU at the rear of the box, and often the monitor power lead comes out of it.

Thanks very much for all the info.

I really feel I can have a stab at it now. I just need to to buy my aerosol. ;)

[Irene]

I've got my aerosol at the ready now. But before I proceed, I could do with a picture of my motherboard, with labels naming the parts referred to by rong, earlier in this thread.

I just did a Belarc check and my motherboard is: ASUSTeK Computer INC. P4S533VX REV 1.xx

I have Googled it but can't come up with a diagram at all. :(

Anyone any ideas please? :)

[-pops-]

Motherboards are fairly standard layout between brands so what one looks like will be quite similar to the next. The parts are quite characteristic and you will easily identify the CPU, memory banks, northbridge, southbridge, graphics card and so on on any old diagram (or new one).

Have a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motherboard Note that most of the pictures there don't have the CPU fitted but it will most likely be in the same place with a fan and fins on it.

[Irene]

Spot on, thanks -pops-.

If you don't hear from me again, you'll know I've blown it! :lol:

[rong]

Spot on, thanks -pops-.

If you don't hear from me again, you'll know I've blown it! :lol:

That's what the air is for

[Irene]

Spot on, thanks -pops-.

If you don't hear from me again, you'll know I've blown it! :lol:

That's what the air is for

:lol: :lol: ... I have'nt started yet. Maybe tomorrow.

[andsome]

Compressed air in one hand and the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner in the other. Just don't touch anything with either one. :D