How To Protect Your Computers From Extreme Environments

Most computer users focus on protecting the internal components of a computer through anti-virus software and firewalls. However, depending on where you work on your computer, you will also need to protect it from physical damage that results from the environment. Ideally, you will want to purchase durable computer parts, such as rugged monitors. You will also want to take other protective measures.

Excessive Heat

Computers are vulnerable to heat, and the internal hard drive is the first component to be ruined. Therefore, you will want to have a cooling fan powerful enough to protect the computer and you should try to keep the temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Corrosive Air

If you are working in an area with corrosive sea air, your computer may develop internal problems because computers are designed to draw nearby air in to keep the computer cool. A case with restrictive air access will help protect a computer from moist or corrosive air that could damage the internal computer. The case will also need an inlet filter that traps outside air, which will need to be changed regularly.

Moisture

Humidity is usually not harmful to a computer unless it is exposed to an excessive amount. For example, working on a computer in a tropical region might lead to corrosion without the use of a dehumidifier. Another problem is working with computers in a very cold environment. If the computer is very cold and you then turn it on, the heat from the computer will cause condensation. This can cause excessive moisture inside the computer, which can cause enough corrosion to damage internal components and ruin the computer.

If a computer is turned off and it is exposed to excessive moisture, it is not necessarily ruined because PCs are designed to have some moisture resistance. As long as the PC is completely dried before it is turned on, it might still work.

Rugged Computers

Nothing beats rugged components intended to resist shock and extreme environments. Rugged computers can be designed for challenging situations, such as when there are explosive gases that a normal electronic device would ignite. Some computers are even resistant to electromagnetism. The operating temperatures are higher and lower than conventional computers and the storage temperatures are even higher.

Rugged computers are also designed to resist shock. For example, if it might be dropped or run over, the internal components will be more protected and better able to survive. This will ensure that you can use your computer when you need it, regardless of the severity of the environment.


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