x PrefaceProtecting against Electrostatic Discharge – Static electricity canharm delicate components inside your computer. To prevent staticdamage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch anyof your computer’s electronic components, such as the microprocessor.You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface, such as the metalaround the card-slot openings at the back of the computer.As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch anunpainted metal surface to remove any static charge your body mayhave accumulated. In addition to the preceding precautions, you can alsotake the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge:• When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shippingcarton, do not remove the component from the antistatic packingmaterial until you are ready to install the component in yourcomputer. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging, be sureto discharge static electricity from your body.• When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in anantistatic container or packaging.• Handle all sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, useantistatic floor pads and workbench pads.