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Preparing your work area
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Preventing static electricity discharge
The components inside your computer are extremely sensitive to static
electricity, also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Before opening the computer case, follow these guidelines:
■ Turn off your computer.
■ Wear a grounding wrist strap (available at most electronics stores) and
attach it to a bare metal part of your computer.
■ Touch a bare metal surface on the back of the computer.
■ Unplug the power cord and the modem and network cables.
Before working with computer components, follow these guidelines:
■ Avoid static-causing surfaces such as carpeted floors, plastic, and packing
foam.
■ Remove components from their antistatic bags only when you are ready
to use them. Do not lay components on the outside of antistatic bags
because only the inside of the bags provide electrostatic protection.
■ Always hold expansion cards by their edges or their metal mounting
brackets. Avoid touching the edge connectors and components on the
cards. Never slide expansion cards or components over any surface.
Warning ESD can permanently damage electrostatic
discharge-sensitive components in your computer. Prevent
ESD damage by following ESD guidelines every time you
open the computer case.
Warning To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and
moving parts, turn off your computer and unplug the power
cord and modem and network cables before opening the
case.
Warning To prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object
into the vent holes of the power supply.