| Background noise from computers and peripherals can | | | | electronic devices like cell phones (mobiles) or baby |
| distract and irritate you, and ultimately reduce your | | | | monitors are near. Keep these devices well away, and |
| creativity and productivity. This article outlines simple | | | | or the speakers turned off. |
| inexpensive ways of reducing PC noise. Computers | | | | 8/ You can reduce the sound overall with the Volume |
| and peripherals are noisy beasts, from the clack of | | | | Control, (whether you use speakers or headphones) or |
| keyboards, to the whirr of cooling fans, hum and whine | | | | mute the Windows sound files that sound when you |
| of drives and motors, and vibration of chassis and | | | | carry out virtually any task on a PC - see Windows |
| panelling. | | | | Help. (Click on a blank area of the Desktop, press F1 |
| This can interfere with your concentration, and cause | | | | key, then use 'Search' facility or 'Index' in the top bar. |
| irritation and stress. | | | | Look for 'Sounds and Audio Devices'. Follow the |
| Unfortunately, the latest PC models are often noisier, | | | | instructions)9/ Most computer systems have power |
| because the extra processing power requires extra | | | | management features. Again look at 'Help'. You can |
| heat removal hence more powerful fans. However, in | | | | reset the 'Standby'(low power - won't save data) or |
| older models, parts gradually wear and loosen, creating | | | | ''Hibernation', (low power - automatically saves |
| ever more annoying computer background noise. | | | | data)features , so that that the computer will slow right |
| The World Health Organisation recommends an | | | | down after a period of inactivity. This will definitely |
| ambient noise floor (background noise level) of | | | | save power and help reduce the noise level of the PC |
| 35dB(A) so we can speak and hear easily, and not | | | | when not immediately in use. |
| have to struggle 'filtering out' background noise. | | | | 10/ If you have a tower type PC, store the tower on |
| Most of us don't mind some sound in the background , | | | | the floor below you, making sure it isn't an obstruction, |
| but please, not this endless distracting machine | | | | and air can circulate around it. Buy extension cables if |
| noise!Sadly, it seems unlikely that manufacturers will be | | | | you need to. |
| producing silent computers until they are driven to it. | | | | All the sound reducing equipment mentioned is readily |
| You can buy ' noiseless' computers, but at present | | | | available off the Internet, or locally. |
| they are bulkier and much more expensive than | | | | If you have a little more money or are buying |
| standard 'noisy' PCs, and may also require specialist | | | | computers, here are a few more options. |
| installation. | | | | - You can buy new replacement PC cases designed |
| Therefore, here are 10 cheap and easy tips for | | | | to be quiet. They may be acoustically lined to cut |
| reducing PC noise: | | | | sound or constructed so you can do away with any |
| 1/ Place your PC on a hard reasonably thick surface. | | | | internal fans so reduce noise- Keyboard noise can be |
| Angle the back (where the noisy cooling fans situated) | | | | particularly wearing. Pick a model with the keys touch |
| away from you if you can. | | | | dampened. |
| 2/ Make sure the PC is standing level and flat on its | | | | - Consider a quality second hand or reconditioned |
| feet' Mount the feet on a firm rubber base or rubber | | | | model. Do you really need high processing power |
| foot supports to deaden any vibration. | | | | creating more background noise? Alternatively |
| 3/ Fix acoustic noise dampening pads on the walls | | | | consider lower specification models, with (probably) |
| around the PC. Concentrate on surfaces near it, that | | | | smaller quieter fans. |
| might amplify or reflect sound You may also consider | | | | - Ask for computers that comply with international |
| acoustic foam pads to block any unused disc bays, | | | | noise reduction standard ISO 9626. If it also quotes |
| this will also reduce internal volume and promote | | | | sound pressure levels, this is a fair way of comparing |
| cooling. | | | | the noise outputs of different PCs. |
| 4/ Make sure outer panels aren't loose, and nothing is | | | | - Additionally, have a couple of new models run for |
| touching the PC casing. Bind any dangling cables into | | | | you in the showroom. preferably in a quieter area. Or |
| bundles with plastic coated wire ties or plastic cable | | | | maybe you can get a home demonstration. All other |
| tidies. | | | | things being equal, go for the quietest PC. |
| 6/ Have your PC serviced and internally cleaned at | | | | Whatever you plan, don't suffer - experiment to create |
| least annually. Dust build-up inside a PC can cause t | | | | a more silent PC environment. Remember, less PC |
| fans to become louder, as well as being a potential | | | | noise can only boost your healthy computing through |
| cause of allergen creation and early computer failure. | | | | 2006 and beyond! |
| 7/ Speakers often give out noises especially if other | | | | |