Tip of the Month for July 2000

Summer Heat

Many people forget that long-term exposure to heat can fry circuits just as well as any lightning strike or other power surge. With any piece of electronic equipment, it is extremely important to have it located in a cool, well-ventilated area. Computers, printers and other peripherals located in areas with above-normal temperatures will most likely have to be replaced before their time. Try the following to ensure your computer is getting the cool air it deserves:

Make sure the equipment is located in a well-ventilated area. This means that, even if the computer needs to be locked away (i.e. behind a door under the desk), make sure that the back of the area is cool and open for the CPU fan to work properly.
Do not locate a computer directly next to a window that receives great deals of sunlight. The radiant heat from the solar light can expose the computer to above normal temperatures..
If a server is located in a closet or similar location, be sure that the lights remain off the majority of the time. Just as with the sun, the lighting in that small, confined area, will help fry those circuits!
In any location where there is a great deal of electronic equipment (training center, classroom, office with many cubicles, etc.), make sure the room remains cool, with all of the equipment turned on. This may mean turning down the thermostat during classes or work hours, to ensure that none of the equipment is damaged.

Remember, most new computers have a warranty of three years, but printers, other peripherals and replacement parts generally only carry a warranty of one year. If you believe that your equipment has suffered a problem due to heat exposure, please bring it to M & M Programming, Inc., 110 North Spalding Avenue, Lebanon, KY.

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