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Maintaining Your Computer
Cleaning Components
Internal fans cool the computer by drawing in air through air vents in the front of the computer and blowing it
out the rear-side panels. Dust and other debris is drawn in with the air and, if allowed to build up, will interfere
with the operation of various system components and insulate components, preventing heat from dissipating.
To prevent this, an air filter has been installed in front of the air vents in the front panel to block dust and other
debris from entering the computer.
Dust and debris builds up on the air filter over time. When the air filter becomes very dirty, it is difficult for
cooling air to pass through the air filter and enter the computer. So, the air filter must be cleaned to prevent
the computer from overheating. Remove and clean the air filter on a regular basis following the steps
described in the "Air Filter" section of Chapter 2. Also, regularly vacuum the exterior of the chassis to remove
dust that has accumulated around the air vents.
Environmental Factors
Temperature
The ambient temperature within an enclosure may be greater than room ambient temperature. Installation in
an enclosure should be such that the amount of air flow required for safe operation is not compromised.
Consideration should be given to the maximum rated ambient temperature. Overheating can cause a variety
of problems, including premature aging and failure of chips or mechanical failure of devices.
If the system has been exposed to abnormally cold temperatures, allow a two-hour warm-up period to bring it
up to normal operating temperature before turning it on. Failure to do so may cause damage to internal
components, particularly the hard disk drive.
Humidity
High-humidity can cause moisture to enter and accumulate in the system. This moisture can cause corrosion
of internal components and degrade such properties as electrical resistance and thermal conductivity.
Extreme moisture buildup inside the system can result in electrical shorts, which can cause serious damage
to the system.
Buildings in which climate is controlled usually maintain an acceptable level of humidity for system
equipment. However, if a system is located in an unusually humid location, a dehumidifier can be used to
maintain the humidity within an acceptable range. Refer to the "Specifications" section of this user's guide for
the operating and storage humidity specifications.
Altitude
Operating a system at a high altitude (low pressure) reduces the efficiency of the cooling fans to cool the
system. This can cause electrical problems related to arcing and corona effects. This condition can also
KEEX-2010 Series User Guide
Maintaining Your Computer
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