Yea -- that's what I'd recommend:

Turn off as much background processes as you can (iPodservices seems to break just about everything) -- even boot in safemode if possible. Download everything on to the rendering terminal then open up the console.

If you really want to be safe -- remove all unnecessary cards, remove all cords but mouse/keyboard/monitor/power, etc.

Hell -- I've even had a scanner lock up my computer... basically you want as LITTLE on as possible.