Working Safe
Safety should be the number one priority when servicing your own PC. All of the parts of a computer use electricity to function and therefore present a certain level of risk when worked with.
In addition to being an afternoon of great fun, PC repair can save you loads of time and money. No amount of fun, money or time is enough, though, to compromise your safety.
No discussion of technology related safety is complete without a mention of ergonomics. Proper posture is extremely important at all times to prevent damage to your body. This wonderfully illustrated guide from the About Guide to Ergonomics will set you straight.
Static electricity, the kind that makes your hair stand up, can cause irreparable damage to sensitive computer components. Learn what to do to help minimize this very real risk.
Laura Pratt elaborates on a number of safety concerns in this excellent article on Microsoft's website.
Being aware of causes of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), or static electricity, is very important when working with PC parts. This article spells out exactly what you need to do to avoid damaging your computer.