vacuuming near a computer

[Stephen Larivee]

My computer is on the floor. Often when I am vacuuming the room, I start to
go near the computer and wonder if it is possible to harm the computer with
it on, and the vacuum so near it. Should I shut the computer off? Does it
do any harm to leave it on?

 

[Richard Urban]

Only if you give the computer a hard bump!

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[shakey]

My computer is on the floor. Often when I am vacuuming the room, I start
to go near the computer and wonder if it is possible to harm the computer
with it on, and the vacuum so near it. Should I shut the computer off?
Does it do any harm to leave it on?

Resisting temptation but its hard.

 

[Ron Martell]

My computer is on the floor. Often when I am vacuuming the room, I start to
go near the computer and wonder if it is possible to harm the computer with
it on, and the vacuum so near it. Should I shut the computer off? Does it
do any harm to leave it on?

It is theoretically possible, but extremely unlikely, that the
electric motor in a vacuum cleaner power head might generate a strong
enough magnetic field to disrupt the data contents of the hard drive
(and/or of the RAM chips if the computer is running).


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm

 

[LVTravel]

IMHO the greatest problem with leaving a computer on a carpeted or
uncarpeted floor is that dust that will build up in the system much faster
than if it is raised from the floor.

In my office, before we made sure (upon my insistence) to mount the
computers off the floor, our housekeeper was known to mop the front of all
the computers when he mopped the floors. A few were even waxed to the
floors and were really hard to get up again. Most died from "dirt
inhalation" rather than operator problems or our frequent power surges in
the summer thunderstorms. (We had no dedicated IP people to clean the
cases.) Once off the floor, the number that overheated was reduced from
almost all in a year's time to only a couple each year.

 

[Sharon F]

My computer is on the floor. Often when I am vacuuming the room, I start to
go near the computer and wonder if it is possible to harm the computer with
it on, and the vacuum so near it. Should I shut the computer off? Does it
do any harm to leave it on?

Why not put a couple of 2x4's or a board under the computer? It would lift
it off the carpeting a bit, give it a little bit of breathing room at the
front air intake and would give you some peace of mind. Paint the "props"
to blend with the carpeting.

 

[Richard Urban]

Or get a CPU stand from Staples!

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Stephen Larivee]

Thanks to all who responded.

As far as the location of my computer, I was in error. It actually rests on
a stand I built and is about six inches above the floor. I did that so the
top of the computer would be level with the desk on which I type.

I should have said "close to the floor" and not actually "on the floor" but
regardless of its elevation, I do come near it when I run the vacuum. I was
afraid the vacuum's motor might do some harm by coming so close to the
computer.

Again, thank you to all who contributed to my posting.

 

[Sharon F]

Or get a CPU stand from Staples!

Aww shucks. What fun is that?

 

[Guest]

I am concerned of the potential of a large electrostatic buildup which could
discharge close to the computer. This may result in a wormhole effect
transporting you to a secular 5th dimensional universe where vacumes rule
baby!! Sorry about that answer as it is late and past my bed time...hey Art
Bell should be on the radio...

 

[p.mc]

I regularly hover inside my PC case and that's never caused any problems.

And no I'm not 1 inch high..)

--
Regards
p.mc

For personal replies please leave or type signature
"p.mc" In the body of the message otherwise
posts will not be received.
Thanks

 

[It's Only Me]

I regularly hover inside my PC case and that's never caused any problems.

And no I'm not 1 inch high..)

You hover!!!!!!!!?????? WOW!!! you must be amazing. You should have your own
magic show. Hoovering inside, well, maybe but only when the machine is
disconnected from the power supply.


LOL. Keep hovering.

 

[Husky]

IMHO the greatest problem with leaving a computer on a carpeted or
uncarpeted floor is that dust that will build up in the system much faster
than if it is raised from the floor.

In my office, before we made sure (upon my insistence) to mount the
computers off the floor, our housekeeper was known to mop the front of all
the computers when he mopped the floors. A few were even waxed to the
floors and were really hard to get up again. Most died from "dirt
inhalation" rather than operator problems or our frequent power surges in
the summer thunderstorms. (We had no dedicated IP people to clean the
cases.) Once off the floor, the number that overheated was reduced from
almost all in a year's time to only a couple each year.

And just think how a few extra $10.00 fans could keep the going.