Your trading computer is vital to your trading day. Your PC is your
world. This means that maintenance and care of your trading computer is
crucial. There are lots of small things you can do to care for your
machine and ensure that the life span is optimized. One thing that
cannot be overlooked is the damage that static can cause to your stock
trading computer.
Typically, your trading computer will be built with the ability to
install more RAM or expand your internal components. Your builder will
do this by leaving open slots to install hardware later on. While this
is very convenient for you, you need to be armed with the knowledge of
how to accomplish this and what can go wrong. Static electricity
discharge can be a major enemy in this case. These shocks can severely
damage the internal components in your trading computer. This isn’t
something you need to normally concern yourself with. However, when
installing new components in your stock trading computer you should be
extra cautious of static discharge. Even your new components will be
packaged in antistatic bags to ensure that there is no static during
transport or while being opened. The biggest culprit here is that you
will not be able to notice visible damage to your RAM or new graphics
card. What will happen is the static will cause electricity overload
that can cause permanent damage.
The good news here is that it
is very simple to avoid causing this damage to your trading computer.
You can make sure that the static is discharged from your hand by
touching a piece of metal before handling any parts or working on the
inside of your trading computer. You can also leave your computer
plugged in with the main power button on the back of the computer turned
off. This allows you to have your machine plugged into a grounded
outlet, but not receiving power. This is very important to turn of the
main power in the back of the computer. Don’t just turn off the power
from the switch in front that you use regularly to power your machine
off and on. If you want to be ultra protected from static, you can also
get an antistatic wrist wrap or anti static mat. This works by placing a
wristband on one of your wrists and connecting this to your computer’s
case. Being connected to your computer’s case will allow you to be
constantly grounded from static. This is a huge advantage because you
don’t have to worry about discharging the static.
The point of all of this information is so that you are aware of your
options to solve static issues. You might get away with not applying one
or several of these suggestions, but you would be lucky to not have
caused damage. Your trading computer is an important part of your
business and income. Not something you want to take risks with.