Ever notice that your computer runs a little less effectively during the summer? Here are some great tips for keeping your computer happy:

• Don’t have your computer on a carpet—it adds heat, blocks ventilation and can be a source of static electricity which will shorten the life of your computer.
• When not in use, turn it off during the summer—it it’s not on, it’s not hot
• Make sure there’s nothing blocking the computer’s fan (usually in the back of your computer and sometimes on the side and front)—it needs the airflow to keep the parts cool.
• Use a “can of air” to blast away dust in the drives, fan and keyboard—dust can create static and can obstruct airflow and connections.
• If you spill that cool class of iced tea on your keyboard, soak it in rice overnight—it won’t always fix the problem, but often times it does. Don’t type or wipe it when it’s wet. Sometimes this will work with your laptop as well (just remove the power cord and unplug it).
• Your computer should always be plugged into an adequate surge protector (not just a power strip) due to household use of air conditioners as well as the occasional grid “brownout.” Never use a power strip, as these are supposed to be for temporary use and not for electronics.
• Remember that if you’re hot, so is your computer. On those super scorchers, think about turning on a fan or the a/c to help your computer stay cool while you’re using it.

Joe Bundschuh has been helping keep computers happy for over nine years as the owner of a full service information technology and home theater company. He’s always interested in new blog ideas so feel free to leave a note on his board.