Dell OptiPlex GX240 - Manual (Page 13)

Setup and Quick Reference Guide 11
1 Turn off your computer and any peripherals.
2 Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the
chassis, such as the metal around the card-slot openings at the back of
the computer, before touching anything inside your computer.
While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the
computer chassis to dissipate any static electricity that might harm
internal components.
3 Disconnect your computer and peripherals from their power sources.
Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the
computer.
Doing so reduces the potential for personal injury or shock.
In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:
• To avoid shorting out your computer when disconnecting a network
cable, first unplug the cable from the network interface controller
(NIC) on the back of your computer, and then from the network jack
on the wall. When reconnecting a network cable to your computer,
first plug the cable into the network jack, and then into the NIC.
• When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-
relief loop, not on the cable itself. Some cables have a connector with
locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the
locking tabs before disconnecting the cable. As you pull connectors
apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins.
Also, before you connect a cable, make sure both connectors are
correctly oriented and aligned.
• Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the
components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its
metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a microprocessor
chip by its edges, not by its pins.