What are the do's and don'ts of opening my computer?

Question

Well, I assume the inside of my computer is full of cat fur and dust. I know I need to open it and clean it out. I have opened computers before, I know how to do it. But what is this I hear about making sure you are grounded so as not to cause a shock? What are the do's and don'ts when opening my computer?

Answer 1

Grounded, you are unable to cause shock and/or conduct electric current. Your body is a conductor for electric, so to be grounded the computer should be  turned off and unplugged before you begin to work on it. Before you turn on the computer, after you work on it make sure  everything is conected properly; all screws, screwdrivers, metal objects are away from you and the computer. Water is another conductor of electricity that's why you should not take a shower in a storm , nor have liquid libation around you computer or anything electrical.

Answer 2

ground yourself by simply touching some piece of metal before you go poking around the inside of your pc.  Remember how when you shuffle along a carpet and then touch someone you shock them? That's what you don't want happening when you fiddle around the inside of your computer.  So just touch a piece of metal (like the computer case or something) before touch any of the electronics inside.

also if you're going to be poking around inside, unplug it from the wall. It's always better to be safe than sorry.  

other than that, just use a can of compressed air (you can get it from most any office supply store) and blow all the dust bunnies and cat hair out as best you can.  I don't recommended "vacumming" the iniside as your vacuum could suck up some wires and disconnect them. Just blow the c**p out with compressed air.