Computer Maintenance

What are the signs that my computer needs to be cleaned?

When your fans are running at higher speeds or constant they will be louder then normal, and this is a sign that you will not want to ignore. Fast running fans means that they need to work harder to move the air around to cool critical components in your computer.  Most newer PC’s also have a built-in CPU temperature probe, and you can use a program such as Core-Temp to see your computer’s current temperature.  This temperature is for the processor alone, and will fluctuate as you run programs.  A good temperature should not exceed 55 degrees Celsius idle and the lower the temperature, the better. Depending on where your computer is located, you may find that you need to clean your computer out more regularly then other locations, for example if your computer is on the floor and you have pets, you will have to clean your computer more than one that is on a desk in a home without pets. Cat and dog hairs are easily sucked into a computer and can smother it’s components.

What if the dust has already damaged my computer?

If you are finding that your computer is running erratically and shutting down continually, you may have early stages of component failure.  A quick look at the fans while the computer isn’t running should be enough to tell you if it’s not clean. Many components can be replaced by a trained PC technician, but you will need to get your computer in quickly.  The more you use your computer in this condition, the more damage you do and the more costly it will be to fix.

My computer is fully enclosed, does it need to be cleaned?

YES!  There is no such thing as a “fully enclosed” computer, all desktop and Laptop computer models need to be cleaned.  Models like the i-Mac may hide their ventilation, but like any other computer, they pull in cool air, and blow out warm air to cool the processor and other components in the computer.  They also need to be cleaned of dust and debris as well.  The outside of your computer may look clean, but never neglect the inside!

What about Laptops / Notebook Computers?  How do they get cleaned?

Laptops can be particularly susceptible to dust and dirt.  Their smaller bodies have less space for airflow in the first place, therefore a small amount of dust can quickly do more damage then it would to a desktop.  Our trained technicians can take apart any laptop for a full internal cleaning and assessment.  We can also dismantle and clean the keyboards to remove dust, dirt and more commonly food particles out from under the keys so that they function properly again.

My mouse is sticky!

Yes, mice can get sticky too. With the cost of a new mouse so low, it’s generally advisable to just purchase a new mouse.  If you are particularly attached to your mouse for some reason, our technician can clean that as well.

Computers need to be maintained both inside and out.  If you find that your computer is running slow or getting hot, those are warning signs that it’s past time for some maintenance.

Dust: Dust can reduce the airflow to your computer, resulting in an overheating computer.  Your laptop or desktop should be opened and cleaned of dust on a regular basis to avoid overheating issues. Skyview deals with these issues on a daily basis for it’s customers. Every computer that comes into our shop is checked for dust issues even it that’s not what it’s in for.  We have the equipment to safely take apart your laptop or desktop computer and clean the dust out of the fans and circuit boards to restore proper air flow.

Dirt and Food: Are your keys sticky?  Is there items hiding under your keyboard?  We can clean your keyboard area and if there are still lingering issues, your keyboard can also be replaced.

Call Skyview today at 905-655-3661 to book your computer in for a cleaning.