In many modern computers, the basic input output system (BIOS) - typically accessible by pressing Del or F2 when your compute boots up - contains settings that allow enthusiasts or experimenters to overclock the CPU, memory, and graphics card.
Unless you know what you're doing and have taken steps specifically to provide extra cooling to your computer, avoid the temptation to overclock. If your cooling fails, your components will overheat much faster than otherwise - and may even be damaged permanently.
Where you situate your computer is important when it comes to keeping your computer cool. Place desktop computers on the floor, if possible, since it's cooler down there - and move them close to an air conditioning vent, too, if one is available. Do not place them close to other heat-generating devices.
With notebook computers, there's often less choice about where to sit them, but try to keep them off your lap, which will make both you and your computer less comfortable.
"Always on" computing is great in principle, but computers that stay on constantly in the summer are more susceptible to failure, if the heat rises or cooling fails. So turning your computer off when you're not using it will save not only electricity but potentially your PC as well.
Monitors, too, generate a lot of heat when turned on - even when they're not displaying an image. Just put your hand near the back of your monitor - CRT or LCD - to find out. Get into the habit of turning off your monitor when you step away from the computer for extended periods of time.
These days, some computers come with software programs that allow you to monitor the temperature of your computer. These can be handy, for even if you don't know what temperature is considered acceptable, the utilities will display warning signs when components get too hot.
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