Thanks for your response, I had read that leaving the computer plugged in rid the chance of static electricity damage because of the grounding of the plug.
You seem to have read all posts and are aware of the concerns expressed here. But, I believe you are raising a valid point about the grounding provided having the cord plugged into an outlet. However, I agree with the concerns expressed in this discussion about leaving a computer plugged in while working on it. The essence of the comments is that it's not safe to trust that a computer power switch, alone, and maybe the power supply box inside the computer, can not be relied upon for safe handling of internal components while the computer turned "off".
So, an option, one I sometimes use, is to connect the computer to a surge protector - and, of course, you should always have this protection anyway - and to turn the switch on the surge protector off. I believe this still provides grounding but cuts the power.
BTW, I always unplug both computers, but then again, I am an ESD expert and it's all 2nd nature to me. ESD (Electro Static Discharge) has nothing to do with grounding. It has everything to do with putting your body at the same Electrical Potential as the computer. It's easier to say "grounding" because most can understand that.
Computer_Commando, can you state exactly what you mean by that high lighted phrase? I suspect you mean touch the computer chasis somewhere before poking around inside. Am I right?
