Before working on a computer, a technician should take several important preparatory steps to ensure safety, protect the computer, and prepare for effective troubleshooting or maintenance:
- Remove any watches, jewelry, or loose items such as ties or name badges to avoid accidental damage or interference with components.
- Check the surrounding area for trip hazards to ensure a safe working environment.
- Remove all cables except the power cable to reduce clutter and risk during work.
- Ensure the computer is free of viruses as part of preparation for safe handling.
- Perform a data backup to prevent data loss during repairs.
- Document findings and identify the problem to establish a plan of action.
- Secure the work environment by cleaning the area and making sure the computer and peripherals are accessible.
- In some cases, use antistatic wrist straps to prevent static damage to sensitive components.
- Have all necessary software install disks and product keys ready for reinstallations if needed.
These steps help protect both the technician and the computer hardware/software, minimize risks, and facilitate an organized service process.
