72 www.gateway.comChapter 6: Upgrading Your NotebookPreventing 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 theseguidelines:■ Avoid static-causing surfaces such as carpeted floors, plastic, andpacking foam.■ Remove components from their antistatic bags only when you areready to use them. Do not lay components on the outside ofantistatic bags because only the inside of the bags provideelectrostatic protection.■ Always hold components by their edges. Avoid touching the edgeconnectors. Never slide components over any surface.■ Wear a grounding wrist strap (available at most electronics stores)and attach it to a bare metal part of your workbench or othergrounded connection.■ Touch a bare metal surface on your workbench or other groundedobject.Important Before installing memory or replacing the hard drive, youshould read and understand the information in this section.Warning To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages andmoving parts, turn off your notebook and unplug the powercord, modem cable, and network cable before opening thecase.Warning To prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any objectinto the vent holes of the notebook.
