1. Setting up your computer2 +
Setting up your computer
Step by Step Instructions

2. Congratulations!
You either purchased a new computer, or your ready to set up an old one. This power point will cover both a desktop and a laptop of the PC variety.
Well, let’s get started!

3. Unboxing
Whether you purchased a new computer or are assembling an old one, the first thing you need to do is unbox it. First, carefully remove the base unit from its box along with all cords provided and instruction manuals. Repeat this process for your monitor, mouse, and keyboard. New computers come with a great detail instruction pamphlet that you can use. It is recommended you follow those instructions.

4. Getting to know your computer
Get to know the component of you computer.
Monitor, Base Unit, Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers.
Check to make sure you have all the appropriate cables.
Power, Video, Audio
If possible, now would be a great time to label your cables. You can use bread tabs or tape. Make sure to label each end so you know where they go.

5. IMPORTANT Before going further!
BEST
Make sure you have a surge protector (not a power strip) of some kind. There are a variety of styles. The photo at the top is the best and the photo on the bottom provides minimal protection. Read the package carefully. If it doesn’t state SURGE PROTECTOR, it’s just a power strip. This will help to protect your equipment from power surges (voltage spike). A surge protector attempts to limit the voltage supplied to an electric device by either blocking or shorting to ground any unwanted voltages above a safe threshold.
For more information on surge protectors, we recommend visiting surge-protectors/ OK

6. Place your computer where you want it
Place your monitor(s), keyboard, and mouse on the desk in the position you want them.
Place your base unit either on your desk or on the floor.
*It is NOT recommended to place your monitor on tops of your base unit. Doing so can block essential air vents that help to keep your computer cool.

7. Identify the ports you have in the back
Locate your power supply
Locate the following ports
Monitor Ports (DVI or VGA)
Keyboard (purple) and Mouse (green) ports
USB ports
eSATA ports
Sound Ports

8. Identify Your cables
You should have a power cord for the monitor and the computer. (label which is which).
A VGA/VGA, VGA/DVI, OR DVI/DVI cable for your monitor. You need to find out what inputs you have on both your monitor and base to make sure you can connect your monitor properly. Most computer monitors have both today. Older models usually only have VGA.
Audio cables if you computer comes with speakers.

9. Identify which end goes where
CABLES
FEMALE
MALE
Identify which end goes where
There are two sides to every cable and port. They are called male and female. Males fit INTO females.
If you monitor contains a male port, then it will receive the female end of the cable.
This is why labeling the ends of your cables is important. (to monitor, to base unit, to speaker).
PORTS
FEMALE
MALE

10. Putting it all together
Assemblage

11. GCFLearnFree.org
Published on Mar 9, 2012
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