Why would an enduced over voltage occur and what damage may occur if this happened while working on an unprotected computer

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Originally Posted by loopo

why would an enduced over voltage occur and what damage may occur if this happend while working on an unprotected computer

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Even though this sounds like homework, I think it has been long enough that I can answer.

I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that you are talking about electrostatic discharge (ESD). Everything around us possesses a voltage. These voltages may vary greatly and be changed by various stimulus. When something resting at one voltage comes in contact with something at a different voltage, there is an ESD event where charge is transferred from the object at a higher voltage to the object at a lower voltage until they approximately equalize. This is what happens when you get a shock from static electricity. When these ESD events happen, there is a very brief moment of high electric current. This high electric current can damage sensitive electronic components (specifically integrated circuits).

ESD is often underestimated and overestimated at the same time. The simple act of pulling off a piece of scotch tape can cause over 100 volts of static electricity that could damage a highly sensitive component. Furthermore, you won't even feel or see an ESD event until the voltage approaches 1000 volts. However, most circuit boards and ICs are designed with a fair amount of protection against such events, and damage is not imminent.