GEEK-TO-YOU: How to safely troubleshoot, clean, and repair a computer

Step 3: How to prevent ESD

So how do you prevent ESD? You can take a number of preventative measures:

These first few pertain to your environment:
- The hazard of ESD is most prevalent in cool, dry areas: good example, the winter. You must be most cautious during that time of year.
- DO NOT place your computer on carpet, fabric, or any other fibrous surface.
- DO place it on a clean, dry table or maybe a hard wood floor (though, not the best option)
- DO NOT stand on carpet, especially if you are wearing socks. If you have no other option, try not to move around a lot. Moving around (especially with socks on) will build up static
- Keep your furry little friends away. This mostly pertains to cats, they like to climb in, on, and around things. Don't feel too bad about it, after all, your local garbage company doesn't like you in, on, or around dumpsters.

The next section includes some products:  

Purchase an ESD strap...an ESD strap is a "bracelet" that you put around your wrist. It has a cord attached to it (an insulated wire) with an alligator clip at the end that attaches to part of the computer you are working on. That is the most important part! You MUST have the clip attached to a metal part of the computer: the case, a mounting inside of the computer, but not on any components.

Another product you can buy is an ESD mat. This is something you can stand on or place your computer on as an alternative to an ESD strap.

What if you don't have an ESD mat or strap? Do not fear. One alternative is to periodically touch the metal case of your computer to discharge static build up. Also do this once before you start working. My teacher has gotten into the habit of keeping his elbow on the case, which serves the same purpose of an ESD strap. It is a good idea to get into the habit of periodically touching the case of the computer you are working on, that way you will never forget to do it.

Individual components:
Once you take out a component, place it inside an ESD bag. ESD bags are made out of a special material that protects components from ESD. There is no safer place to put your components when outside of your computer.