What is the recommended practice for safety from electrostatic discharge (ESD) when working on a computer?

Wearing an ESD wrist strap and using an ESD mat are critical practices designed to protect sensitive electronic components from damage caused by electrostatic discharge. When working on a computer, static electricity can easily build up on your body and discharge suddenly when you touch sensitive components like memory modules or processors, potentially causing irreparable damage.

An ESD wrist strap allows for a direct grounding connection to a reliable earth ground, which helps discharge any static buildup safely. Meanwhile, an ESD mat provides a large surface area that can also be grounded, ensuring that any static charge built up on tools, components, or yourself is dissipated safely. Together, they create a controlled environment that minimizes risk during repairs or upgrades.

While the other options provide varying suggestions, they do not effectively prevent ESD damage. Using rubber gloves might help with insulation but does not specifically eliminate the risk of static electricity transfer. Keeping the computer powered on is a misconception; it can actually increase the risk of shock and does not adequately protect components from ESD. Finally, working on a device when isolated from the power supply does not guarantee protection from ESD; ungrounded conditions can still pose a risk. Thus, employing both an ESD wrist strap and mat together is the recommended and