Which type of ESD damage is known to potentially reduce the long-term lifespan of computer components?

Latent damage refers to the long-term effects that electrostatic discharge (ESD) can have on electronic components. This type of damage may not be immediately evident and can compromise the reliability and lifespan of the affected components over time. When a component experiences ESD, it may suffer from microscopic internal damage that weakens its performance, but this damage may take time to manifest as failures.

In contrast, immediate damage typically results in immediate failure of a component, which is easily identified. Combined damage is not a recognized term in the context of ESD, and while static discharge is the phenomenon causing ESD, it does not classify the type of damage. Thus, understanding the significant impact of latent damage is crucial for service technicians, as it underlines the importance of implementing proper ESD control measures to protect the integrity and longevity of computer components.