I've seen people mention using compressed air to clean components. I know there are certain risks, even using air, but it seems the safest to me. I got a lotta dust, and it dont budge. Where can I buy a can of compressed air, at a reasonable price? (In the UK)

Personally I would recommend using compressed air at all. You will just end up blowing dust into place it would normally never get into. The best way is just to use a camel haired brush and brush it away. The type used by ladies to put dust on their faces is ideal. If the dust is obstinate, a dab of methylated spirit or denatured alcohol as they call it in the USA will help shift it. Stuart

Hi It depends what you mean by a lot of dust. I've seen a few dusty machines, not all live in air conditioning or concrete floors. Amongst the worst was a system/s in a house with a number of dogs. These pets were clean, but just shed a lot of hair and dead skin cells. As with any cleaning of sensitive electronic parts, follow anti ESD (ElectroStatic Discharge) procedures. An well maintained air compressor can be used. (low amounts of oil vapour. eg suitable for paint spraying) The duster (nozzle) should be metal and grounded, to prevent the buildup of static. For the initial removal of thick dust the air needs to be dry. Towards the end of dust removal procedure, air which is saturated with water vapour is acceptable (sometimes desireable with embedded dust) For the most part the nozzle tip should not need to be any closer than 30cm from the dusted item. With high pressure air streams, which exert a lot of force in a localised area, be mindful of delicate compnents on the boards. Be careful with solvents as well. Boards can be coated with various protective coatings. These coatings may be affected by some cleaning solvents.

The easiest way would be to vacuum it out... However, you'll need a special "computer" vacuum, as normal vacuums create too much EMI and could potentially wreck the computer. AKhalifman@hotmail.com

When my computer gets too dusty inside, I just take it out in the drive way and spray it out with the water hose. :) Seriously tho folks, if you have a lot of dust, I suggest that you take it outside if possible, otherwise you'll be blowing that dust all over the room that you are working in. I did that once (blew all of the dust out in my work room) and was sneezing for a week!

That's a bad idea, for several reasons: 1. Sun light can damage parts 2. If it were to start drizzling, you could ruin the part 3. on a dry day, simply touching the part could ruin it AKhalifman@hotmail.com

Hi All dust problems should be taken outside. The outermost part of the garage is a good work area. Sunlight will not hurt the parts, especially in the couple of hours it might be outside. Eproms need considerable exposure to natural light to be damaged. Not many boards in home pcs use them any more, as eeproms are used instead. During dry conditions, you are more prone to static buildup. Some obvious ESD procedures are: work on concrete, timber floors or earth floors. Use static safe footware, clothing and use a grounding strap. Bare feet make for good static dispersal. The case of the machine should be grounded/earthed with a wire.