It seems like ages you have been waiting for the components to arrive. They are finally here and you are itching to get started. STOP. Before you start taking things out of their packaging there are a few things you need to know.

Anti Static Precautions.

The plastic bags the your drives motherboards etc have arrived in are not just plastic bags. They are antistatic plastic bags. Static electricity can be vaguely amusing when it comes to sticking ballons to the ceiling or zapping people on the ear after rubbing you feet on the new carpet, but it is very unamusing when you mix it with electronic components. All you really need to know is that by touching components a minute amount of static electricity that you cannot even feel may be enough to turn your $200 video card into a worthless piece of trash. You should take the following precautions.

• Cut open the bags that devices arrive in carefully exposing the insides.(On some bags, the outsides can act as a magnet for static). This will allow you to have the cards/devices sitting on the bag and not on the static friendly bench, ready to use.
• Try to touch circuit boards, and plugs/connectors leading to them as little as possible. When you are lifting a motherboard for example handle it by the edges.
• Earth yourself, by touching something else that is earthed a few seconds before touching something that is static sensitive.
• Workers in the electronic industry wear footstraps and/or wrist straps that keep you permanently earthed.

Electrical precautions.

Remember, you are working with electricity here. As well as damaging devices if you connect it up incorrectly it can kill you. Be sensible. The power supply in particular will be a source of high voltages. Do not attempt to dismantle it. Even after the power is switched off, some components can store charge for several minutes. Keep the case closed when you have the power on except during testing.

Other precautions

The case when fully loaded with power supplies, cards and drives can get quite heavy. CRT monitors also weigh a lot and can have all the weight at the front. Lift them both carefully so you don't damage your back.

Don't stick your finger or tongue in a fan......need I say more.

Don't connect anything to the mains yet!! This can be dangerous both for you and your PC. eg powering up you processor without the cooling fan in place will have it overheated and probably damaged in a few minutes.Another minute and it will probably have damaged you motherbaord too.

Don't let these put you off, if you are sensible, then most of the above items will be obvious.

Tools

• One standard flat head screwdriver -
• One standard star head screwdriver +
• A well lit bench or table that allows you to place you case flat on it's side with enough space to set some or all of your components around it.
• A torch. Sometimes it can be difficult to see in a dark corner of the case.

That's it, you don't exactly need a huge tool chest.

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