Gateway 450 manual Preventing static electricity discharge, 246

Chapter 15: Upgrading Your Notebook

Preventing static electricity discharge

The components inside your computer are extremely sensitive to static electricity, also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).

Caution

ESD can permanently damage electrostatic discharge-sensitive components in your notebook. Prevent ESD damage by following ESD guidelines every time you install memory or replace the hard drive.

Warning

To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your notebook and unplug the power cord and modem and network cable before opening the case.

Before installing memory or replacing the hard drive, follow these guidelines:

■Turn off your notebook.

■Wear a grounding wrist strap (available at most electronics stores) and attach it to a bare metal part of your workbench or other grounded connection.

Warning

To prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object into the vent holes of the notebook.

■Touch a bare metal surface on your workbench or other grounded object.

■Unplug the power cord and the modem and network cables.

■Remove the main battery (and secondary battery, if installed). For more information, see “Changing batteries” on page 143.

■Disconnect all peripheral devices and remove any PC Cards.

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