I am not doubting the fact that static has a lot of power and can ruin components, but has anyone ever in real life fried something by not using a special wrist strap and floor mat or whatever. \nI used to sit on the carpet with my cat milling about to build computers and never had anything happen. I now do it on a tile kitchen floor on a counter and touch the case before I do stuff, isn't that enough?
217019
You are just lucky. 10 years ago memory was especially sensitive and we had lots of problems with equipment being sent back. The stockroom people were so dumb they didn't know the difference between conducting foam and shipping peanuts.\nNow there are diodes manufactured with the components to protect them. Doing repairs on the carpet with your cat is similar to putting cigarettes out with gasoline,or wiring with the electricity on. Most of the time it works, so that is proof to some. Still a bad idea and you won't progress beyond home puttering with that technique.
129799
Bad idea because there is a higher probability that the board might create a short circuit and "fry" you processor, RAM, and other fragile hardware. It's always best to secure the board to the case chassis because it not only creates stability - it also ensures proper grounding.
617219
A lot of static electricity in the air can cause "dry lightning".  I assume that is what happened.
124358
I would say no.  ;-)  You're talking about nervous fidgeting, right?  I'm not sure why anyone would think that's dangerous.
447003
ever heard of ultra sound.  It can be used.  But the frequencies and power needed to produce results in some things would actually cause damage to surrounding tissue.
591095
When you use a computer, there should not be any electrical charge because the computer is grounded at the power supply within the computer cabinet.  If you do get a charge built up, you have to be "ungrounded" - no connected to metal. The computer is not properly connected to mains power.  You can discharge by touching metal that is connected to earth.  You can not discharge this energy by herbs, diet, fruit or vegetables.
4530
Sounds like static electricty, which tends to develop in windy dry conditions.  Check it out.
16274
Static electricity. You need to be careful about this as it can severely damage your system. You may need one of those bracelets that help to discharge the static electricity before you get on your computer during the winter months as the weather & walking around on carpets is part of what helps to create the build-up...
539877
EMP can also travel along anything that conducts electricity, not just through the air. Examples of this include phone lines, power lines and network lines . With that being said, any electrical device that is turned off but plugged in, can be "fried".\n\nEven devices not plugged in can also be fried, depending on the intensity of the EMP pulse.\n\nSince there are also wires and many electrical and computerized components in modern cars, the same can also be said for modern cars that are turned off. The same can not be said for older, carborated cars with fewer electrical and little to no computerized components.\n\nUltimately, it really depends on how powerful the EMP pulse is.\n\nI also watch Jericho and had the same questions you did, so I looked up the answers on the internet and posted my source with my answer.
161177
you are almost right, electrical ground is allways relative to a higer potential source like a live wire and the current flows toward ground from the higer source, when you ar isolated (you have rubber shoes, you have a high resistance in the way of the current), there still a current flow, but it is so small (nano amperes) that you body cant feel it
79327
I've heard it could cause health problems because of the electromagnetic energy. Doctors are also concerned because so many kids are using cell phones now. I only use mine when I have to. I really do hate them.
469902
I sounds like static electricity.\n\nLeave the  mouse, lick the tip of your finger and slowly touch the pointer before it moves, you might get a little shock but you'll get all the energy out of it and it should stop its nonsense.
23078
The human body can generate electrostatic discharge up to 30,000 volts.  (Take care when handling electrostatic sensitive equipment.)\n\nExamples:\nWalking across a carpet with leather shoes and low-humdity can raise the human body capacitance charge up to 25,000 volts.\n\nWalking across a linoeum floor can generate up to 5,000 volts.
438295
Don't touch anything metal that is connected to the outside - i.e. plumbing, wiring.  \n\nMake sure you unplug your computer and tv sets (and anything else electronic) because a direct hit close by will fry the circuits in these things - or at least get some good surge protectors if you forget to unplug or aren't around.
274796
omg! I can't believe this! XD\nWell... If the cat is very thropid, it will land on it's back and will ruin the sandwich... You shouldn't do it! >_<\nBut the cat always lands on it's feet... And by the way, you should also think of a tie between the two forces! lol
227674
... the belt on the vaccuum cleaner causes static electricity ... causing the motherboard to surge ... then causing it to shutdown ... to protect itself ... its common for that to happen ... especially with belt turned vaccuum cleaners ... have fun
90539
I have wore a hematite necklace around a computer and flat panel screen for years.  I dont' notice anything.  IF you have a CRT monitor, that woul be a different story, as they are harmful by themselves.