Are you thinking of getting a dust cover for your desktop computer? Do you really need one? This article examines all the undesirable things that might happen to your computer if you don't invest in a dustcover for it. But what kind of dust-cover should you get?
What Kind of Computer Dustcover should You Buy?
If you’re looking around at desktop computer covers with a view to getting one, you will have noticed that there’s no shortage of them around. Just do a search on Google products and you’ll come up with something like seven pages of results, with similar findings if you try Amazon.com. But what exactly are your requirements, and what should you be looking for?
A quick search via Google Scholar for the terms ‘desktop dustcover patent’ has brought up around ninety-two results for me, and variations on those search terms can elicit many more. On closer inspection these throw up both fine and fundamental variations on a basic dust-cover – ones to leave on while in use, to remove while in use, soft covers, hard covers, fans included, decorated, translucent, transparent etc.1,2
What Can Happen if You don't Have a Computer Dust-Cover?
Why would you need a dust-cover? As a preventive measure you might say everyone needs a computer dust cover. It's amazing the level of dust and grime attacking a desktop PC on a daily basis, and use of a filter brings home just what it is that a cover may be protecting your machine from.2, 3 More dramatic crises can also strike your computer: if your coffee cup is resting by your mouse as you read this, then it’s just an accident waiting to happen.4
Insects may also be a problem for an unprotected machine. Exploded insects have been found inside computer casings, leading to interesting problems for a computer owner, and that's not the worst by a long way.2, 5. Still think you can do without a dust cover for your desktop computer?
In some environments the requirement for a cover is still more pronounced. In a workshop or kitchen environment it would be foolhardy not to protect your machine as far as possible6,3 and some covers are specifically designed for a harsh environment.10
Costs and Problems Associated with Desktop Computer Dust Covers
In terms of cost there can be considerable variation between different models. A simple cover will provide change from ten U.S. dollars (and might be had for still less if you shop around), but a more advanced model could make more of a dent in your wallet.
Are there any problems with acquiring a desktop computer dust cover? Covers which are not designed to be left on while in use require effortful removal and re-application, while those left on may be annoying due to the lack of hand-to-keyboard contact.1 If this is sufficient to act as a disincentive to use then possession of a cover isn't likely to do much good without usage.