Controlling the speed of cooling fans for multiple computer systems based on altitude/fluid density measurements from a centralized sensor

The present invention can include an automated method controlling the fan speed of computer system cooling fans with altitude and/or fluid density data from a centralized sensor. Such a method can utilize a centralized sensor to determine the altitude/fluid density within an enclosed area. The centralized sensor can be positioned so as to be unaffected by extraneous activities within the enclosed area. The determined altitude/fluid density can be conveyed to a computer system containing one or more cooling fans. The computer system can be located within the enclosed area. Then, the computer system can determine the need for adjusting the speed of the cooling fans based on the altitude/fluid density. When the need for adjustment exists, the speed of the cooling fans can be adjusted in accordance with the altitude/fluid density.