Swamp Coolers and Computers

Swamp Coolers and Computers

This question was answered on June 15, 1999. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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As the weather gets warmer, a lot of folks are stoking up their swamp coolers in anticipation of those thousand degree days And there's nothing finer than kicking back in the shade of the 'ol homestead playing a game on the computer

Well, guess what? Swamp coolers can be one of the nastiest environments for your computer, especially your monitor Many people will begin to hear a snapping or popping sound coming from their monitor This is the damp air causing your monitor to arc against the metal frame inside the monitor case

Can this hurt your system? You betcha buddy!

Look at it this way, your monitor is connected directly to your video card on your computer In some cases the monitor will eventually stop working as it did with one of our listeners in Apache Junction While in others, the video card will take the damage In some cases, the motherboard can get damaged.

What can you do? If your machine is close to one of the swamp coolers air vents, try relocating your machine This may help, but the absolute best thing is to get yourself a fluffy towel and cover your monitor with it when you are not using it It also helps if you sprinkle a tiny bit of talc or baby powder into the towel Your computer system is your personal investment so watch it closely this summer

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Posted by Ken Colburn of Data Doctors on June 15, 1999

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