The CPU (processor) in most contemporary notebook computers gets hot. Very hot. So hot that, left alone, the processor would self-destruct in under a minute. Computers are therefore equipped with elaborate systems of temperature-controlled fans, heat sinks, thermal conduits, radiators, and cooling ducts, whose sole purpose is to keep your computer nice and cool. In most cases, these cooling systems work quite well - at least for a while.
But after a few years of use, your laptop's cooling system might become completely choked with dust. Mr. Hoover would be proud. Don't believe me? Here's a photo I took of a cooling radiator removed from a failed Dell notebook computer. You can see a thick layer of dust is completely blocking the radiator inlet. This blockage literally resembled a piece of felt glued across the inlet:
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The majority of notebook computers that fail in service, fail due to thermal stress caused by overheating. Over time, this excess heat will shorten the life of various components in your computer, and can even affect the solder points on a motherboard, causing a circuit to disconnect or become intermittent. If you're lucky, your cooling fan may continue to provide adequate cooling by spinning continuously at its maximum speed, reducing its lifespan while making lots of noise.
To ensure your notebook computer lasts for as long as it was designed, regular maintenance of the cooling system is a must. While a few computers have small access panels that enable the owner to clean out the accumulated dust and pet hair, most require nearly a complete dis-assembly by a service technician. In either case, I'd recommend having your notebook's cooling system cleaned every year or so, depending on how dusty your environment is. It's worth every bit of your time and money.
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