Static electricity is an everyday fact of life. When you touch a metal object and you get a spark, that's static electricity at work. Notebook computers are electronic devices. Like all such equipment, under certain conditions, static electricity can interrupt its operation. Some simple practices when using your notebook can minimize the possibility of a static discharge interrupting your use and enjoyment of the system.

1. The environment
It's easier to generate a static charge when the atmosphere is dry, and harder when it's humid. Raising the humidity in your workplace will reduce the potential for static build-up. If it's not possible or convenient to do so, being more aware of your environment can help you to minimize your risk. If you live or work in an arid area, you need to be more careful.

2. Floors and chairs
What you are sitting on and what's under your feet make a big difference in how much static electricity you can generate. Synthetic materials such as polyester when used as chair upholstery can create lots of static electricity when you get up from a chair or adjust your sitting position. Carpets, especially synthetic shaggy ones, act as very good static chargers. (Commercially available fabric softeners and anti-static carpet sprays can help keep the static down on chairs and carpets.)

3. What you're wearing
The shoes you wear help generate static electricity. Leather soles will generate less than rubber soles.  Clothes made from natural fabrics help you to avoid static buildup, making you less likely to shock yourself when touching a door knob or your notebook. (Here anti-static fabric softeners can help.)

4. How you operate the system
Static discharges are more likely to occur around the metal surfaces on electronic equipment, including your notebook. These are such areas as the speaker grilles and connectors. You should avoid touching these metal surfaces as your first point of contact with your computer. In fact, before touching your computer you should touch the surface on which your notebook is located (This is especially good if it's a wooden desktop). You can also touch a metal object, preferably one not connected to a power source, such as the metal parts of your desk, to get rid of your static potential.

Following these simple practices can keep you and your notebook virtually free from undesirable interruptions caused by static discharges.