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