How to Set Up a PC (Personal Computer)

1 April 2009 No Comment

Most manufacturers have made the task of setting up a new computer quite easy. Here are a few reminders about the safest way to get your new computer up and running.

• Make sure your desk or table is near an electric outlet and a phone jack.
• Carefully remove equipment from cartons.
• Make sure you have everything that should have come in the boxes, including power cords for each piece of equipment. Each box should include a packing list.
• Position your equipment on your desk. If the computer is a mini-tower, it can go on the floor, as long as it has space behind it for ventilation.
• Plug the keyboard and mouse into the small, round PS-2 ports on the back of your computer. Plugs and ports are usually color-coded, so match colors on cables to colors on ports.
• Connect the monitor to the computer. The monitor port is unique; find the corresponding size and shape.
• Tighten hand-screws on the monitor plug.
• Connect a printer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Connect any other devices, such as speakers, a microphone, or an external modem or Zip drive.
• Plug in the modem cable that came with the computer.
• Plug the other end of the modem cable into the surge suppressor, if the suppressor has a connector for a modem cable, then plug second cable into wall jack.
• Connect power cords to each piece of equipment and plug them into surge suppressors.
• Turn on the surge suppressor.
• Turn on the monitor.
• Turn on all other powered devices connected to the computer.
• Turn on the computer last.
• Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the installation, or just start playing with your new toy.

Tips & Warnings
• Avoid installing the system on a heavily used electrical circuit.
• Leave room for ventilation around vents on computer and monitor.
• Keep the computer system away from magnetic fields, such as unshielded speakers or microwave ovens.
• Make sure equipment is dry and at room temperature before installation.