if you insist on doing things with it plugged in, yes, having 2 switches off is definitely much safer than only having one off. however, i've never found that to be necessary. generally, as long as you are in contact with the metal chassis you're not going to zap it. i live in wyoming where it's extremely dry, especially in winter. i do suggest not working on the machine when it's super dry and you're getting more static than usual, also, wear cotton, synthetics generate static. i have several shirts i won't wear any where near computers with the case open. silk and panty hose are probably also bad, but i've no personal experience with those... also avoid working in rooms with carpeting, unless it's fairly old carpeting. i've found that older carpet generally has enough worn in dirt to not be a static problem. it's also best to be barefoot if you aren't wearing shoes, many socks are very bad on carpet, even worn carpet. (yes, i am a barefoot freak, especially inside in the summer).
also note, on some of the newer macs, there is some power available even with the machine off, you have to have them unplugged if you are going to switch cards out or you *may* have problems, but as far as i know it's only a problem on macs with pci slots. having said that, i was extremely careful the first time i worked on a g4, just too expensive if things went bad, but i've since become more confident working on them, even though newer machines are potentially much, much more sensitive to static. like i said, the main risk is synthetic clothing and carpets. if you are really worried, you can get a "proper" grounded work mat and wrist strap, i'll have those once my garage is setup, but again it's usually not entirely necessary except on carpet, super dry days, or wearing synthetics/silk, at least not for computers. there are non computer electronics that can be damaged by as little as a 40v charge on the body, at hp when people work on/handle such items they wear a gold plated bracelet with a gold plated chain to ground, reportedly. Darren wrote: > > Philip Stortz didn't write: > > >like i said, that's not how it works. when it's plugged in, the chassis > >is at earth ground, when it's unplugged it still is, after you discharge > >it it still is at earth ground, whether it was plugged in during > >discharge or not. > > > Would you suggest leaving the machine plugged in but switched off at the > power point? Only the active should be switched leaving a proper earth > and avoids the chance of turning on the mac on accidentally. ------------ -- "Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." - Helen Keller, American Blind/Deaf Author & Lecturer... -- Compact Macs is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/>. Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> Compact Macs list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/compact.shtml> The FAQ: <http://macfaq.org/> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive:<http://www.mail-archive.com/compact.macs%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
