CLEANING A DUSTY DESKTOP MAC

I just cleaned the dust out of my (G4 desktop) mac--I'm amazed how much there was! My computer over the past year has started this thing where it would kick on some super loud fan, and it had me worried that the computer was gonna blow up or something. It definitely sounded overheated. So, I decided to do some home dusting, and lo and behold the computer now doesn't turn on that super loud fan anymore!

During the process, I came to find out that my ancient 3 year old G4 desktop has this vent where it collected tons of dust, its underneath the computer, under the four little vent holes on the front of the computer (see photo below). Its easy to remove the dust underneath, just pull it out or better yet have a vacuum suck it out so you don't push any dust further up the vent and into the computer.

Also, I opened the thing up, very carefully, by pulling on the handle on the side of the computer. Then I got two of those compressed air canisters and was VERY CAREFUL not to tip them while spraying, because liquid comes out and could damage the inside of the computer. So, holding them upright, I shot air throughout the inside of the computer at a distance of maybe 6-12 inches. I had an air purifier sitting next to the table that I had the computer up on, which served to catch the dust flying out.

I also had a little mini vaccuum (link) to use to vacuum up any difficult areas. I did NOT touch any of the card or circuitry. I focused on what looked like the various ventalation areas, and the little dust bunnies laying around.

But, again the most important area is that area under the computer (once it is all closed up) right below those front panel vents. The little mini vaccuum was really helpful throughout this process, so was alternating the compressed air blower cans (they get cold and slow after a little bit of spraying so you'll want another one to pick up and spray--remember NOT TO TIP THEM AND DO NOT SHAKE THEM or you'll get freezing liquid pooring out!)

What else, I was REALLY careful throughout this process not to touch any of the cards or circuitry. Um, that's all...