Upgrading a Computer, Part 3
So… you’ve looked around, found your needs, discovered which ones suit your computer best, found a supplier with a good rep and a decent price and you’re wondering who you can pay to do the upgrade.
Relax, it’s not that hard. If you try not to worry about the complexities of what a computer actually does, there are only a few parts to see in the box and they are easy to identify. 
But first, read and meditate on the following…
Rule number one – nothing can kill a computer faster than electric sparks. If you touch anything, and I mean anything inside your computer box, you should first touch something metal and preferably grounded. This allows you to discharge your body static before touching anything vital inside the box.
Rule number 2 – don’t force anything. If it doesn’t come out or go in with a moderate amount of pressure, you’re doing it wrong. Ask someone who knows, even if it means going back to the computer store. You may feel a bit foolish but imagine how much more you’re going to feel that way if you break your main board or rip out the memory slot by using too much force. Helpdesk people call that an ID-ten-T error… that’s ID-10-T.
Rule number 3 – DO NOT start any upgrade procedure late at night or when you are short of time. Murphy says that just guarantees something will go horribly wrong. Changing your computer innards is something that requires dexterity, patience and the equanimity of a Zen master.
So shop around, find your upgrade parts, ask for advice and take your time. There are plenty of sites on the internet that can help and it is much better to check them BEFORE the unrecoverable disaster point.
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