Whether you use a laptop, a desktop computer or a smartphone, hot weather means they have to work harder to maintain the correct operating temperature.

You can help by making sure that your devices aren't in direct sunlight and by maintaining a comfortable room temperature.

To a certain extent, devices can cope with higher temperatures by increasing the fan speed or by working more slowly, but in the long term this will reduce the device's lifespan. You may also find the constant whirring of the fan annoying.

It's important that air is able to circulate around the device. You should check that the fan outlet on computers and laptops isn't dusty as this reduces performance.

The underside of a laptop can heat up significantly so you're advised against using them in bed or on your lap.

If the underside gets very hot, you can elevate the laptop so that there's some air flow underneath it. Getting a fan or opening a window also helps increase the air flow in a room.

 - dpa