Advice on keeping laptops cool, working with computers and phones in a heatwave.

It’s getting hot, and depending on where you’re listening, possibly very very hot.

 

And IT equipment doesn’t really like intense heat.

 

Most technology will carry warnings about avoiding direct sunlight and keeping them in areas where the temperature is below 25 degrees.

 

If you’re going to be working outdoors, consider backing up essential files before you go and don’t walk from a cool indoor space to a hot outdoor area with the laptop on. Let it adjust to the new temperature before starting it up.

 

Heat can do permanent damage to a hard drive.

 

Be careful about what is going on around your equipment - make sure air outlets are free from any obstruction, keep dust away from air vents and don’t put anything on top of computers while they’re running.

 

In hot weather, keep laptops OFF your lap. Lift them up, on a professional stand, a range of suppliers make ‘cooling stands’ which let air circulate all around the machine, some even have additional fans.

 

And remember working outside will be a challenge if you can’t see what is happening on your screen.

 

Consider a ‘hood’ for your laptop or an anti glare screen.