Tweaking Tips: Make Sure You Have the Tools You Need
Photograph: Marc Simon
Head off upgrade anguish by having these low-cost tools on hand before you start.
>> An inexpensive ($10 to $30) precision tool kit can simplify your life. Thin-handled screwdrivers make reaching inconveniently situated screw holes much easier. Tweezers or long-nose Pliers are good for picking up fallen screws, and a magnifying Glass helps you see small parts. A regular-size Philips-head screwdriver and standard needle-nose pliers will help you get by.
>> Keep a cup or small container nearby to hold screws, jumpers, spacers, and other small parts. A shallow tin with a cover (approximately the size and shape of an Altoids tin) works best.
>> Use sticky labels or a wax pencil to mark every drive, card, bracket, and cable you remove from your PC, to enable you to keep track of which part it is, where it connects, how it should be oriented, and so on. Being methodical is especially hair-saving if an upgrade balks and you need to put everything back the way it was.
>> Keep a can of compressed air or a computer vacuum brush attachment at the ready. If you're opening your case anyway, take time to remove harmful dust. See "How to Keep Your PC Cool."
>> Take full advantage of your collection of old antistatic bags, extra cables, power connector splitters, and other pack rat gear. Having the right miscellaneous extras helps you avoid aggravation.
>> Use an antistatic wrist strap. It's good insurance, though it isn't essential if you remember to touch the metal PC chassis frequently and if you take care not to scoot your shoes on the carpet.
>> Get invaluable backup by consulting reliable reference materials. My faves for upgrading include PC Hacks, Windows XP Annoyances for Geeks, and Repairing and Upgrading Your PC (all from O'Reilly Media).
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