
                   SMOKING KILLS YOUR COMPUTER

                        H. George Dean

This is a compilation of facts and studies  from  several sources.
Studies are still being done, so it is by no means complete.


60% of data loss on floppy disks (not due to actual damage like bends 
or creases) is due to cigarette smoke.

90% of general read error failure in a floppy drive is due to  collected
smoke on the drive heads.

15% of floppy drive failure is due to smoke.

80% of data loss on a hard drive (not due to physical failure) is caused
by smoke and 25% of hard drive failure is due to smoke. If you have 
company records on a central computer it is recommended that it be in  a
SEALED 'Clean Room' to prevent loss of data.

Erratic behavior of a computer is often due to the power supply.  30% of
power supply problems are believed at this time to be caused by smoke.
(it appears likely this is conservative).

Smoke is believed to cause failure of other components in your computer.
Wherever there are contacts there may be a failure. The 'acid' content 
of smoke may also eat away at circuit boards and components. Studies are
still in progress on this.

It is recommended that your hard drive be replaced once a year to prevent
data loss from smoke. At a minimum, at least once every two years.

Smoke is carried throughout a facility by fans, central air conditioning
and central heating. Even when you cannot smell it, enough smoke is
present to do damage to your computer equipment.

     "A stitch in time...."
                                   HGD