According to PC World magazine, electrostatic discharge ("static") can ruin your computer. Small amounts of static electricity can irreparably damage the circuits inside your computer's components. This static electricity can be transferred from you to your computer whenever you open the computer case and touch any of the components. You can virtually eliminate this risk by wearing an anti-static wrist strap whenever you touch the computer's internal components. PC World recommends anti-static wrist straps as the "easiest way to dissipate static electricity."
Instructions
1. Place the wristband of the anti-static wrist strap around your bare wrist.
2. Secure the wristband so that the metal plate on the inside of the band is firmly pressed against the underside of your arm. The metal plate should have as much contact with your skin as possible, so place it in the spot where you have the least amount of hair.
3. Connect the strap to the wristband. The strap and wristband usually connect via a simple snap mechanism.
4. Clip the alligator clip on the end of the strap onto an anti-static mat or any bare metal surface that is touching the ground (e.g., the computer case).
Tags: anti-static wrist, static electricity, your computer, anti-static wrist strap, computer case
