Tech Support Pits:

From Rosalind===
Dear Webby
Have to install an ether port in the tower and the book 
says I should wear an grounding wrist strap available 
at most electronics stores.  Before I spend the money  
I would like your opinion as to the necessity of wearing 
one.
 
Thanks for your newsletter, pictures and always 
dependable advice.

Rosalind

Dear Dear Rosalind
Double your money.
Just fold it in half and stick it back into your wallet.

With today's electronics, static is not really a problem 
any more. However, if you routinely get zapped when you 
touch door knobs or the back of the computer, then take 
a couple of feet of any flexible wire, strip the insulation of 
the last few inches, tie one end to bare metal at the back 
of the computer, and loop the other end through your watch 
band o around your wrist. 

When you work on the computer, always leave it plugged in, 
so that it is properly grounded. Anybody who tells you to 
unplug the computer is a clueless idiot.

Turn the switch on the power supply in the back to OFF. 
It will cut off all power, but will leave the ground securely 
connected. 

When done, remember to turn the power supply switch 
back ON.

Sounds like "DUH!"  ?
Show me one tech who has never forgotten that step and 
started cussing! It's no joke, we have all done that :-)

Make sure that your Ethernet cable is long enough, plug it 
into the port, and secure the cable to any vent holes in the 
back with a tight nylon quick-tie.
That way no strain is put onto the delicate socket and plug, 
and it is not damaged when somebody trips over the cable 
or somebody pulls on it while trying to straighten out the 
cable mess behind the computer.

Have FUN!
Dear Webby