5-4 Adding OptionsStatic electricity and improper installation procedures candamage computer components. Protect your computercomponents by following these safety instructions.n Leave an option, such as a board or chip, in its anti-static packaging until you are ready to install it.n Dissipate static electricity before handling any systemcomponents (boards, chips, and so on) by touching agrounded metal object, such as the system’s unpaintedmetal chassis.If possible, use anti-static devices, such as wrist strapsand floor mats.n Always hold a chip or board by its edges. Avoid touch-ing the components on the chip or board.n Take care when connecting or disconnecting cables. Adamaged cable can cause a short in the electrical circuit.Misaligned connector pins can cause damage to systemcomponents at power-on.When you install a cable, be sure to route the cable so itis not pinched by other components and it is out of thepath of the system unit cover. Prevent damage to theconnectors by aligning connector pins before you con-nect the cable.When you disconnect a cable, always pull on the cableconnector or strain-relief loop, not on the cable.
