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