Musty computer? Use UV

Hazards are part of the job when you volunteer to collect and restore old computers. When electrolytics, Rifas, and Vartas aren’t exploding, you may still risk shocks from CRTs, an Australian spider, and contending with odours. Such was the case with a smoker’s 486 which I discussed on a BSD Now, which I only had the misfortune of discovering upon powering it on and letting the power supply stew for a few minutes. Mould and mildew are other common problems. Old computers tend to be stored away in damp, dark conditions for many years, which are the perfect location to cultivate funk… and not the good kind. My first recent experience with this was a PAL Commodore 64C I bought from eBay. The seller claimed it was in working order and good cosmetic condition, which it was, but conveniently didn’t disclose it had Eau de Attic. I noticed almost immediately after picking it up, but it permeated the entire room within minutes of powering on. Now I’m willing to admit I have above average…