A breath of fresh air...

Computers are outputting more power than ever before, and thus creating more heat inside your computer case. The life expectancy and performance of your computer is adversely affected by the heat created. Here are some tips to help prolong the life of your equipment, and make it all run a little more smoothly.

•  Clean out the case! The amount of dust that can accumulate inside a computer is unbelievable. At least once a year buy a can of compressed air (or better yet, use an air compressor) and open the case to eliminate the build-up. This will help both with heat dissipation and airflow.

•  Do not put the back of the computer up next to a wall or desk. The fans are venting out here and too little room from the wall can greatly reduce air-flow.

•  Desks with an enclosed cabinet for the computer are the worst for cooling. Your computer needs to be able to circulate large amounts of cool air. Either open up the back of this cabinet, or get the computer out of the hole and set it somewhere else altogether.

•  Consider a more active solution on getting the temps down in your case. The easiest/cheapest way would be to add fans. Many cases have room for additional fans, take advantage of this and your investment will be well rewarded. No open vents for a fan? Try a slot fan. These work great mounted under a video card or just added to push a few more cubic feet of air per minute through your case.

•  Last but not least the hard core of computer cooling, water or phase change. Water cooling is like a car cooling system where water is circulated by the processor to cool it and then ran through a radiator to cool the water. Phase change cooling is like installing an air-conditioner in your case and is much more expensive. If done improperly either of these solutions can destroy parts of your system; if installed correctly they can unleash your system from the limitations of cooling by air.

Jessica gets an A+!!!

ETC would like to congratulate Jessica on earning her A+ certification! The A + certification is an entry-level certification to test and extend your basic knowledge of computer hardware and software. It consists of two tests, Core Hardware and the OS Technologies.

Congratulations Big Brothers Big Sisters of Quincy, IL!
"We were looking for winter activities to enhance what the kids are doing in school, and this will help out greatly!"

As many of you may already know, GIFT is a monthly computer and technology giveaway sponsored by ETC Computer Solutions to benefit local charitable and service organizations which are tax exempt under IRS 501(c)(3).

Past winners include:

Madonna House
St. James
Mental Health Authority
Paw Pals
Quincy Museum
Quincy Art Center

REGISTER NOW!

Thanks for your time, and don't forget to visit us at ETC Computer Solutions!