What should be worn when working inside a computer to prevent ESD damage?

Wearing an antistatic wrist strap is crucial when working inside a computer to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage. ESD can cause significant harm to sensitive electronic components such as processors, memory modules, and motherboards, which can result in malfunction or complete failure.

An antistatic wrist strap works by grounding the user, allowing any static charge that may have built up on their body to dissipate safely. This grounding keeps the voltage at a safe level, ensuring that it does not discharge onto the components being handled, thereby providing a protective measure while conducting repairs or upgrades.

While standard gloves, rubber-soled shoes, and a regular wristwatch may provide some degree of physical protection or comfort, they do not offer the same level of protection against ESD as an antistatic wrist strap. Therefore, choosing to wear the wrist strap is the most effective method to safeguard electronic components from potential ESD damage during computer servicing.