Computers
possess a number of components that are extremely sensitive to static discharge.
Hard drives, processors, memory and even the motherboard may all be ruined if
they receive enough of a shock. In many cases, the static electricity built up
by your body and other items may be more than enough to cause irreversible
damage. Fortunately, this is a problem that can be easily avoided, possibly
saving you hundreds of dollars and a lot of trouble.
Avoid Walking On Certa
Before
you begin working on a computer, it's a good idea to avoid walking on linoleum
or carpet if you can help it, especially with socks on. Doing so can cause
large amounts of static electricity to build up in your body, which could be
discharged when you touch a component made of metal, such as a hard drive's
casing or the die on a CPU.
Don't Work on Carpet
Avoiding
doing your work on a carpeted or linoleum-clad surface is as important as not
walking on one. If you rub against the carpet or if the computer case slides
around on it, sufficient charge can build up and ruin components once it is
discharged. If possible, try to work on the computer on a wooden or tile floor.
These materials can't build up an electrical charge, which protects your
investment against accidental damage. Another possible option, especially if
your home lacks wood or tile flooring, is to use anti-static floor or bench
mats designed specially for electrical work. You can usually find these at
electronics and home office stores.
Keep Static-Prone Items Away
Any
items prone to developing a static charge, such as clothes, televisions,
appliances with a motor, balloons and some types of plastic, should be kept
away from the computer while you're working with it. It's possible that
accidentally touching these items while you're holding a sensitive component
could discharge the energy into the part and ruin it.
Touch Metal Before Starting
Before
you touch anything inside of the case, it's important that you discharge any
static electricity that you may have stored. You can do this by touching
something made of metal. Most people opt to touch the outer metal casing of
their computer. This is a convenient way to do it and it won't harm the
delicate components inside since they don't sit in direct contact with the
case.
Anti-Static Wristbands
These
devices are often considered essential when you're working inside of a computer
and may be used in conjunction with anti-static mats. They are usually worn on
the non-dominant wrist and feature an alligator-type clamp that fastens a
conductive wire to the computer's case. The purpose of this design is to keep
you grounded at all times so you don't develop a static charge. There are also
anti-static bands that, rather than using a wire connected to the case, claim
to dispel static electricity through ionization. However, buyer beware. This
design is widely considered to be ineffective.
Use Anti-Static Bags
If
you're going to store or pack a computer part, you should never place it
directly in a regular plastic bag, styrofoam peanuts or bubble wrap. All of
these items tend to build up static electricity. Instead, you should always put
it in an anti-static bag first. These bags are made of as special plastic that blocks
electrostatic discharge. They're also convenient for setting items on while
you're working.
Mind Your Cleaning Tools
When
your computer is full of dust, your first impulse is to use a dusting rag. Some
people even use an electrostatic dusting cloth made for dry-mopping the house. This
is a bad idea, though. Because they develop an electrostatic charge easily, you
should save them for dusting the outside of the machine only. To remove dust
from the inside, try using compressed air, cotton swabs or a stiff paintbrush.
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