[6:10:45 PM] Poke: probably should've asked this before I did it but [6:10:55 PM] Poke: is it a good idea to clean a desktops back heatair-exit vents with a tissue [6:11:02 PM] Poke: like, I just wiped it on the holes things and a **ton of dust came off them I'm trying to find ways to clean my desktop without having to take it apart, by the way. If you have any other ideas, please share. But yeah, was it a good idea to just wipe it with tissue? Also, how far from a wall should the back of the desktop be, since there shouldn't be blockage of the vents? edit: Also, how much help would it have been, cleaning the vents with the tissue?
You should clean your computer at least once a month. The only way is by opening the tower and using a can of air or a vacuum that also has a hookup for blowing.
I asked my dad to use his air compressor, but it works the same as an can of air spray, the only difference being you don't get any of that crud that drips from the can. You can also use a vacuum that has one of those brush attachments
Never stick a vacuum in a computer, unless you want to fry your components. Pick up a can of compressed air and blow out the dust. You'll have to remove the side window but you don't have to uninstall any hardware unless the dust buildup is really bad.