Step-by-Step Computer Destruction

Unixrevolution writes "Dan's Data has an excellent article on how an enterprising user (or repair tech) can easily destroy their computer. Most of us don't destroy nearly enough hardware, so this should be helpful."

Jumper cable connecters

[Felinoid]

any place you should be using a plug especally into a streight edge connecter (like old ISA bords) use a jumper cable. There is a very good chance the jumper will slip off the power and on to a naboring data connection sending full power into a system that can't handle it for the breaf moment the jumper is connected to both... ZAP.

Static discharge rare?

[fpp]

"Unfortunately, static discharge damage is actually a fairly rare cause of computer problems."

OK, what is this guy smoking? Static discharge is certainly NOT a rare cause of computer problems, especially in dry areas. The problem is that it's rarely blamed for hardware problems, because there's no way to tell why a board just "died".

I work as a production engineer on a high tech assembly line, and our service calls due to "dead" boards dropped by 55% after we instituted tight anti-static measures on both the assembly line and in the service department.

Anti-static precautions are not taken very seriously in some computer industries, especially the "mom and pop" stores which sell individual components. I can't tell you how many so-called computer "experts" I've seen handle RAM with their bare hands, and with no anti-static bag.

Re:From the article:

[1u3hr]

Very timely indeed.

Blast from the past:"If the computer is an 80486-based system, the Central Processing Unit (CPU) can be plugged into its socket in more than one way....Inserting Single Inline Memory Modules (SIMMs) should be relatively simple..."

Re:Where have I seen this before?

[lostchicken]

Um...it wouldn't look familiar to you, judging by your user ID. (not that I was around either, just saying.)