Computer Repairs

Link: http://www.bristol-and-bath-home-computers.co.uk/

I have covered the dangers inside a computer, I have also covered the precautions that our engineers take when working inside your equipment, now I will give you some information about how you can work inside your computer with relative safety.

If you have read our previous posts you will be aware that there is little inside a computer that can harm you and that there is more chance of you damaging your computer, I will first cover aspects to protect your computer and then how to protect you.

Protecting your computer
It would make sense to explain how to protect yourself first after all you are far more important than a computer, the reason I do it this way is so you minimise damage to the computer while you are putting into effect your personal protection measures.

Static is a major contributing factor in the breakdown of computers, eliminating the damage from ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) can not only save money by not needing to purchase replacement components but also the annoyance of not being able to use the computer, this is a pain for for the home gamer but has more financial consequences for business users.

For the home computer repair amateur a static strap is essential, for the professional a static mat is preferable but the less conscientious engineer would only use a strap, Anti-static straps can cost very little around £5 but can save an enormous amount of money in the long run.

The following product is ideal for the occasional upgrade of your own computer.

This product is ideal for the more enthusiastic home computer hobbyist and essential for the computer professional.

The use of electrostatic straps and mats
Its a good idea to attach a strap to the computer before opening the case, I find a convenient spot being the fan grill, take care not to put the clip in too far in case you switch the computer on later and it prevents the fan from moving, using a mat, stand the computer on part of the mat attach the clip to the computer again the fan spot is ideal, try to avoid removing the strap while you are working on the computer.

When working on your computer and you remove a component, that can be a video card, hard disk or cpu etc never put the item down on the table, carpet and especially do not put it on top of an anti-static bag, it can be safely put down on the computer case because that is at the same potential as the component and you, if you use a mat items can be put down on the mat without risk of damage.

Never use a normal vacuum cleaner to clean dust from a computer, doing so will dramatically degrade your components, normal vacuums cause a great deal of static and putting this near a computer is almost guaranteed to degrade or destroy your system.

Physical connections in a computer are normally keyed so they only go in 1 way, sometimes it takes pressure to push the connection in, if it does need pressure you must ensure that it is the correct way around as using pressure on an incorrectly keyed plug will sometimes make it fit and can cause damage when power is applied.

Always handle components by the edges or expansion slot metal bracket, do not touch any integrated circuits or edge connectors on the board with bare board.

Ensure the power cord is removed, switched off or power is isolated on the power supply before removing any components, use of the power button on the front of the computer is not sufficient to isolate all power from the internal components.

Protecting you
Computers can have sharp edges, the case edges and internal components can pose a danger and is well worth looking out for before commencing any activity inside, attach your anti-static strap then check out the edge of the case, take cover off and check around the casing for sharp metal edges, any sharp metal places can be protected with the use of insulating tape, the metal case is earthed to prevent electromagnetic radiation and interference to other equipment try to avoid insulating the side panel or case top.

Removing components can require some force, ensure you will not damage your hands when removing tightly fixed components when they come free if possible use a flat blade screwdriver to break the seal before removing components.