Summary

20 IT Essentials: PC Harware and Software Companion GuideNoteTechnicians should roll up their sleeves and tuck in their shirts to prevent interference from clothes.Also, ensure that earrings, necklaces, and other loose jewelry are properly secured.CautionNever wear an antistatic wrist strap if you are repairing a monitor or CRT.Demonstrate Proper Use of an Antistatic MatYou might not always have the option to work on a computer in a properly equipped workspace.If you can control the environment, try to set up your workspace away from carpetedareas. Carpets can cause the buildup of electrostatic charges. If you cannot avoid the carpeting,take great care to ground yourself to the unpainted portion of the computer case thatyou are working on before touching any components.Antistatic MatAn antistatic mat is slightly conductive. It works by drawing static electricity away from acomponent and transferring it safely from equipment to a grounding point, as shown inFigure 2-9.Figure 2-9Antistatic MatLay the mat on the workspace next to or under the computer case. Clip the mat to the caseto provide a grounded surface on which you can place parts as you remove them from thesystem. Reducing the potential for ESD reduces the likelihood of damage to delicate circuitsor components.NoteAlways handle components by the edges.