The first step a technician should take before upgrading the Wi-Fi card on a laptop, or performing any internal hardware modifications, is to remove the power cable to ensure the device is not powered on. This is a crucial safety measure to prevent any electrical damage to the laptop or the technician. It also helps in avoiding any unintended changes or data loss that might occur if the device is powered on during the upgrade process. References: * CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Exam Objectives, specifically the hardware domain that discusses best practices for safety and the procedures to follow when upgrading or replacing internal hardware components, such as a Wi-Fi card. * General safety guidelines for performing hardware upgrades or repairs, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the device is powered off and disconnected from any power sources to avoid electrical hazards.