Your computer requires constant cooling to keep the temperatures inside the case low. There are multiple sources of heat within the case, and proper ventilation is necessary to allow cooling. It is common for a computer case to have multiple fans blowing air into, and out of, the case. With air comes dust. This dust builds up on anything that it is able to. I am going to tell you about a few issues that can arise from the build-up of dust, and how to prevent these issues.

The processor for your computer generates a large amount of heat. Heat is carried away from the processor by a heat-sink and fan. Dust accumulates within the gaps between the metal on the heat-sink and traps the heat. When this happens, your computer may begin to run more slowly, overheat, and in extreme cases, shut down sporadically. Additionally, static electricity can build up from dust accumulations, which can cause all sorts of electrical issues with a computer.

I recommend cleaning your computer at least twice a year, and more often if you can. The use of a static-free computer duster is preferable. The spray cans can be used to blow dust out of fans, computer components, and heat-sinks quickly and efficiently. You do not want to wipe your computer components with a damp cloth, as any type of liquid on your electronic components is a recipe for disaster. You may want to unplug all of the cords and cables from your computer so you can carry the case into a garage or outside while dusting. There is usually a large amount of dust that needs to be removed, especially if the case does not receive regular cleaning.

Some computer case fans have foam filters which keep much of the dust out of the case. These need to be cleaned or replaced as well. When the filters become clogged, the airflow into or out of a case is drastically reduced, which will also lead to the problems listed above.

Regular cleaning and dusting of the air flow paths in your computer case can help keep your computer running better, and increase the life of your investment. Cleaning out the dust can typically be accomplished in less than five minutes. You will find that regular maintenance of your computer case and components will provide you with a more enjoyable online and offline experience, as well as keeping costs down since you will not need to replace computers or components nearly as often.

That’s right. Indra’s Net has left the building at 2525 28th St…. and entered the building at 5435 Airport Blvd! While the move is not nearly complete, Phase 1 of opening for business here with employees, phones, computers, and desks is underway this week.

The primary reason for the move – upgrading to phenomenally powerful datacenter facilities – will be addressed in the coming weeks as we prepare to move much of our infrastructure from the still-operational datacenter at the old location to our new digs.

In the meantime, stay tuned for periodic updates and enjoy a few diverse early-morning views we have from out here of the mountains, spectacular sunrises, and our next-door neighbors… Boulder Municipal Airport.

And it’s been a good year for Indra’s Net. Despite an economy that could still be best described as “down” we are growing.  The strong startup scene on the Front Range mean more demand for services like co-location, virtual servers, and business grade internet access.  So much so, that we’ve had to move to a larger data center.

The new year will bring lots of challenges as we build out that new data center and expand our offerings.  But, these are good challenge  and we look  forward to taking them on. It will also bring a big data center warming party, watch this space for details.

I hope your year was good, and that the next is even better. From all of us at Indra’s Net, Happy New Year!