Well, it’s that time of year again. No, I’m not talking about the holidays, I’m referring to that most important and most overlooked of computer maintenance items – removing the dust and debris from inside your computer case. However, there are those enthusiasts who do more. And, while I do applaud you, I would also encourage adherence to technological jurisprudence in your cleaning and maintenance endeavors.
Q: You can be real proud of me – I did my annual (at least) computer cleaning – cleaned all fans and vacuumed the mother board, and case, including the power supply from outside fan grills, and the CPU heat sink & fan, disassembled. It’s working, as you can tell by this message and it’s very quiet again. Should I have some new silicon grease to go between the CPU and heat sink? I disturbed that as little as possible.
A: First of all, congratulations! You obviously understand the value of performing a computer cleaning – better air flow for a cooler-running and possibly quieter computer. Before I answer your question, I have a question for you. Did you use an anti-static vacuum? This is important because of the very real possibility of generating static electricity and having it discharged from the vacuum, subsequently shorting out your motherboard and other sensitive components. OK, on to your question. Yes. Anytime you disturb the surface where thermal grease is applied in the CPU assembly, it should be wiped clean with a lint-free cloth – not a paper towel or solvents – and a new, thin layer of thermal grease should be applied evenly across the surface. Thermal grease is available at computer-supply stores such as Best Buy and Computer Stop. You can also purchase it online at www.geeks.com www.buy.com or www.newegg.com If you are interested in learning all there is to know about thermal grease, how to apply it with videos and scientific insights, http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/274 is the place to go.
Q: I keep seeing commercials on TV for an online computer service called FinallyFast.com that is supposed to make your computer run faster and has been written up in Forbes and Wall Street Journal. Is this a good product?
A: I’ve received a few inquiries about this service/software and I can only offer my personal experience with my attempts at downloading and using the software. I will preface my comments by saying Ascentive Software has a decent reputation and I don’t believe there is anything malicious associated with this program. However, my three attempts at downloading and installing the software resulted in an ‘Adware Threat’ warning issued by my Internet Security service, which is ESET NOD32. My advice is to go with who and what you know when it comes to registry and system clean-up software and service.
Wayne Nelson and Jeremy Self own and operate Wired Northwest, LLC in Redmond. Submit your questions to: techtalk@wired-nw.com or, for more information, visit www.wired-nw.com or call 206-788-7975 / 206-788-7898.
