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Chapter 15: Upgrading Your Notebook
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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 installing memory or replacing the hard drive, follow these guidelines:
Turn off the computer power.
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 your computer.
Unplug the power cord and modem and network cables.
Remove the battery.
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.
Caution 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 your notebook.