Egregious Examples of Dirty Computers in the Tech Realm
The Hazards of Everyday Mistakes
As a seasoned professional in technology and maintenance, I have encountered my fair share of dirty computers, each as peculiar as the next. From the fattest keyboard to the reek of a rotting mouse, there are some technologies that require more than just a simple wipe down to keep them functioning smoothly.
Cheetos and Crumbs
Working around computers, especially in an environment where there are snacks like Cheetos, can lead to unfortunate consequences. The sticky and greasy residue can accumulate on the internal components of a computer, creating an unsightly mess and an overwhelmingly unpleasant odor. While not life-threatening, cleaning this up can be a daunting task.
Animal Intrusions
The relationship between technology and animals can be particularly problematic. Once, an intern's laptop was left unchecked, and a feline decided to relieve itself directly onto the keyboard. Can you imagine the mess? When the laptop was turned on, the resulting smell was enough to make us evacuate the room. In another case, a mouse had perished within the power supply of a desktop, leading to an ongoing putrid scent.
Industrial Delights
Working in the tech industry, especially in a company that refurbishes computers, can sometimes reveal truly bizarre scenarios. I had a colleague who found a chicken head inside a computer at a chicken processing factory. The sheer disgust of that situation is difficult to describe fully. There are still moments where I shake my head at such findings.
Serious Health Hazards
A particularly distressing incident required me to go to a client's location, where the computer was left in a shed with around a hundred chickens freely roaming. The shed was a toxic environment, filled with feathers, chicken droppings, and nests built by the chickens. One monitor had accumulated so much dust, straw, and bird droppings, it was difficult to even see the back of it. I had to don a mask and Tyvek suit to protect myself and make sure the computer still worked.
Tar and Ash Buildups
Secondhand smoke can be particularly damaging to a computer. The tar and ash can build up in such a way that it can block fans, coat heatsinks, and even contaminate individual chips. Cleaning such a computer requires patience and dedication. The smell can be overwhelming, akin to many wet ashtrays combined. Once cleaned, the computer may survive but will forever carry the scent of a dirty, wet ashtray.
Despite the horrors I've witnessed, many of these computers can still be salvaged. Replacing fans, disassembling the power supply, and thoroughly cleaning heatsinks can often get the job done. Some of the hardest- hit units, like those used in industrial settings, can still be repaired but will always bear the marks of their dirty past. Each one is a lesson in the importance of proper maintenance and caution when handling technology in various environments.