A+ Hardware Service Technician: Computer Hardware, System Boards, and Storage Devices

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Safety and Care

Before we launch into a lengthy tutorial on the insides of a computer we should discuss care and safety when working inside a computer. I know you’re itching to jump right in and start taking apart a computer at your desk but without the right precautions, you can easily break your computer or worse, hurt yourself.

Luckily for you – not only do you get to learn about safety and the precautions to take when dealing with electronic equipment – but you also get to learn something useful as these items are a portion of the CompTIA hardware service technician exam.

Electro-Static Discharge

Electro-static discharge can cause damage to electronic components as you work on them. Note: ESD may be in several questions on the exam. ESD can be caused by static electricity your body picks up as you move, rub against your clothing, or can be picked up by things you touch.

While working on a computer or any components, you should always wear an ESD wrist strap which grounds you. Also, it is recommended that you do not wear synthetic clothing. Synthetic clothing can cause a buildup of static electricity as your body rubs against it.

You should also always touch the case of the computer prior to touching components inside, this will help to ground you.

The ESD wrist strap should not be used when working on monitors though, the stored voltage can kill you.

When shipping or storing electronic components, you should send them in antistatic bags. Antistatic bags do not conduct electricity and can be reused.

Generally speaking, if you are disassembling computers, the environment you are in should be relatively dust free. It is also not recommended you work on electronic devices in a room which is carpeted.

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