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Partial dusting of a computer

Discussion in 'Techno-Magic' started by SlickRCBD, Apr 9, 2016.

  1. SlickRCBD Gems: 29/31
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    I just had to do an evening repair of a computer for a relative. It was fairly simple, but the computer was VERY dusty. My can of compressed air ran out when I only got the most of the dust out. There was still a thin bit of dust covering almost everything, as I had only a little bit of air left in the can. Anybody who has blown out a really dusty computer should understand, you do an initial blow that gets most of it out and then blow all the dust still clinging. I didn't blow off the fan blades or heat sinks however.

    The computer is fixed, and everything is working, but do I need to go back there after I get a new can of air, or is it OK to leave it? They aren't comfortable messing around with the inside of the computer to blow it out themselves, and they live 45 minutes away so it isn't a short trip.
    I figure I could wait until next year, mark it on my calendar, and then offer to do it for them, but do you guys think I need to go back to be safe?

    It was too late to run out to the store to get a can at 9pm, though I just realized I probably could have found a Wal-Mart since most of them close at 10 or midnight these days.
     
  2. xosmi Gems: 20/31
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    If you got rid of the bulk of it you should be fine tbh - just close it up and let them use it again.
    chances are that if you're going to clean it up next year again, a new layer of dust will have built up anyway; regardless if some dust is left now or not.
     
  3. Keneth Gems: 29/31
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    If I'm dealing with a really old computer, I prefer to just wash everything. It means having to re-apply cooling paste on heatsinks, but it beats trying to blow dust off with compressed air, which is messy and not particularly effective once the components are literally caked in dust.
     
  4. Taluntain

    Taluntain Resident Alpha and Omega Staff Member ★ SPS Account Holder Resourceful Adored Veteran Pillars of Eternity SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!) New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!) Torment: Tides of Numenera SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!) BoM XenForo Migration Contributor [2015] (for helping support the migration to new forum software!)

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    I don't get the whole exploding dust routine... all I ever use is a vacuum cleaner and a paint brush to get to the spots I can't reach otherwise and coax the dust out from there. Infinitely cleaner and tidier, especially if you're doing it inside.
     
  5. Keneth Gems: 29/31
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    Some people think that computer parts are delicate things that can break at the slightest touch. Compressed air is certainly effective and non-destructive, but it's also unnecessarily cautious.

    That said, if you're gonna use any kind of brush, it's probably best to use one without synthetic bristles. Static electricity can do some funky things to certain computer parts.
     
  6. SlickRCBD Gems: 29/31
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    I did use a soft paint brush and a standard household vacuum cleaner on my Apple IIGS from 1988 until around 1994. As of 2009 the Apple IIGS still works, but since 2009 it has been disconnected and sitting in my mother's house. I don't know if it still works or not. Presumably it does because I took care to box it up and put it in storage.

    In 1994 my dad got a job at a company called Clair Manufacturing and at one point they had some damaged but usable cans and he brought me 3 of them they were going to throw out. They were dented but usable.
    I found it was faster and easier to clean the computer than with the vacuum cleaner's brush and paintbrush.
     
  7. Taluntain

    Taluntain Resident Alpha and Omega Staff Member ★ SPS Account Holder Resourceful Adored Veteran Pillars of Eternity SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!) New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!) Torment: Tides of Numenera SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!) BoM XenForo Migration Contributor [2015] (for helping support the migration to new forum software!)

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    You're doing this outside, I presume? Since doing it indoors would blow that dust all around the room...
     
  8. SlickRCBD Gems: 29/31
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    Nah, just use a kitchen table and a bunch of newspapers to catch the dust.
    See, newspapers still have a use in the digital age!
     
  9. Keneth Gems: 29/31
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    Catch it where? It flies all over the place and doesn't stick to the paper, so how does that help in any way?
     
  10. SlickRCBD Gems: 29/31
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    Most of it winds up on the table, but some does go into the air. That's all I can say.
     
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