236Chapter 15: Upgrading Your Notebookwww.gateway.comPreventing static electricitydischargeThe components inside your notebook are extremely sensitive to staticelectricity, also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).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) andattach it to a bare metal part of your workbench or other groundedconnection.■ Touch a bare metal surface on your workbench or other grounded object.■ Unplug the power cord and the modem and network cables.■ Remove the battery. For more information, see “Changing batteries” onpage 145.■ Disconnect all peripheral devices and remove any PC Cards.Warning ESD can permanently damage electrostaticdischarge-sensitive components in your notebook.Prevent ESD damage by following ESD guidelines everytime you install memory or replace the hard drive.Warning To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages andmoving parts, turn off your notebook and unplug the powercord and modem and network cables before opening thecase.Warning To prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any objectinto the vent holes of the notebook.
