Quick Reference Guide

xi
":)


1. Turn off your computer and any peripherals.
2. Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the chassis, such as
the metal around the card-slot openings at the back of the computer, before
touching anything inside your computer.
While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer
chassis to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.
3. Disconnect your computer and peripherals from their power sources. Also, dis-
connect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
Doing so reduces the potential for personal injury or shock.
In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:
 When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not
on the cable itself. Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are dis-
connecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before disconnecting
the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bend-
ing any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, make sure that both
connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
 Handle components and cards with care. Don’t touch the components or con-
tacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a
component such as a microprocessor chip by its edges, not by its pins.
 ')
%(
*
+

Static electricity can harm delicate components inside your computer. To prevent
static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of
your computer’s electronic components, such as the microprocessor. You can do so
by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.
As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an unpainted metal
surface to remove any static charge your body may have accumulated.
You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge
(ESD):
 When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not
remove the component from the antistatic packing material until you are ready to
install the component in your computer. Just before unwrapping the antistatic
packaging, be sure to discharge static electricity from your body.