Laptop Fan
Laptop fans are in-built cooling systems that are meant to protect notebook PCs from getting overheated during the course of their running. Prolonged use of the PC often leads to heat generation, and there is every possibility that the PC may get too hot to continue placing it on your lap, as originally designed, or may suddenly shut down without warning, and particularly so, if software like 3D Games, movie players, or video editing software, which makes the processor work hard, has been used. So, if you hear your fans working continuously and at high speed, generating a humming noise, and if you can recognize the symptoms of overheating, then, it is highly likely that your PC is getting overheated and the next step would be to try to identify the cause for it.
Common Causes Of Overheating
Once you are quite certain that overheating is the problem, the reasons for it are most likely to be either due to faulty usage that prevents the cooling system from working efficiently, or due to accumulation of dirt and dust in the cooling system. Both causes are easily fixed and there is no need to go running to the manufacturer or incur big repair bills.
Solutions
The first step would be to allow your laptop to breathe. To ensure this, locate the cooling fan exhaust port of your PC. This is easily done. The fan (usually on the side of the machine) actually blows hot air over your hand when the machine is running. The fan consists of air intake grills, usually a set of slots in the casing that may sometimes be located on the bottom of the machine. The grills suck in cool air and circulate it through the heated parts of the machine. The warm air generated is then sent out through the exhaust port. This is pretty much a routine process in the PC, and happens as long as the machine is running, and ensures that the machine is kept adequately cooled.
Invariably, most users tend to move their heated laptop to a cushion or any other convenient surface when it gets too warm to handle. This inadvertently, worsens the problem as the air intake by the cooling system is impeded, leading to overheating. The best thing under the circumstances would be to move the machine to a flat surface. The second step in helping your laptop fans work well is to ensure they are kept clean. Moving warm air tends to attract dust particles and creates an insulating dust layer that prevents heat from being eliminated from the system.
Keeping The Cooling System Clean
Regular cleaning of the cooling system can circumvent this problem to a large extent. This is a simple procedure and can be done with the help of either an aerosol air duster or a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool, and does not require dismantling the machine. Beanbag lap trays, which provide a stable work surface and allows the cooling system to work efficiently are available in a variety of designs and have become quite popular with laptop fans.