One of the primary natural arch enemies of all computers is heat.  In order for a computer to protect itself from heat most are equipped with an air cooling system that consists of a heat sink and a fan. A heat sink is fitted on top of an electrical component to draw heat away from the component. Fans perform the function of either assisting in moving heat away from components or to force cooler air on top of heat generating components. One of the main heat producing components of a

Dust Bunny

computer is the processor (The brains of the computer). The processor normally reaches an internal temperature range of 100-200 degrees Fahrenheit. If the processor is not properly cooled it can reach temperatures of over 500 degrees Fahrenheit and become permanently damaged. Chipsets and graphic processors are other vital computer components that also require constant cooling.

What does all of this have to do with killer dust bunnies? Just as heat can be deadly for  your computer, the build up of debris can permanently damage your computer just as fast.  The very same fans in your computer that are keeping things cool are also sending out open invitations to dirt, dust, and hair which are hiding in those hard to reach corners behind your desk. Heat sinks have lots of little spaces for dust bunnies to hide out. The fans pull in dirt and debris that block the airflow and reduce the cooling that the system requires.

Computer after Dust Bunny attack.

There are many sources around us every day that generate debris that eventually ends up in your computer. If you live near a newly built subdivision there will be a lot of dirt stirred up from all the construction activity. Pets such as cats and dogs will usually shed hair that can get pulled into computers. If your computer is located around an area where people smoke or near a kitchen where cooking is taking place, smoke and grease can also build up and seize up fans in computers.
 
So what can be done about this dilemma? Every 6 to 12 months you should have a thorough internal cleaning performed on your computer to remove the build up of debris.  This requires your computer case to be opened up, the computer taken to an outside area, blown out with compressed air, and a careful removal of embedded debris in the various nooks and crannies inside your computer.