Computers and peripherals are noisy beasts, from the clack of keyboards, to the whirr of cooling fans, hum and whine of drives and motors, and vibration of chassis and panelling. This can interfere with your concentration, and cause irritation and stress. Unfortunately, the latest PC models are often noisier, because the extra processing power requires extra heat removal hence more powerful fans. However, in older models, parts gradually wear and loosen, creating ever more annoying computer background noise.

The World Health Organisation recommends an ambient noise floor (background noise level) of 35dB(A) so we can speak and hear easily, and not have to struggle 'filtering out' background noise. Most of us don't mind some sound in the background , but please, not this endless distracting machine noise! Sadly, it seems unlikely that manufacturers will be producing silent computers until they are driven to it. You can buy ' noiseless' computers, but at present they are bulkier and much more expensive than standard 'noisy' PCs, and may also require specialist installation.