Setting up Your Computer

by Alden Smith

A computer is no better than the peripherals that are connected to it. Without them, the computer is nothing but a black, stupid box incapable of doing anything except take up space. There are many different types of keyboards, mice, monitors and other things, such as external backup modules and uninterrupted power supplies that are essential for a computer's working health. Here, we will discuss these items, the different types and how they are used.

The Basics

We will assume you know absolutely nothing about a computer, and just have this huge box sitting in front of you. It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to always follow manufacturer's instructions to the letter. Doing so will save you a lot of headaches further down the road.

Begin by unpacking the box, and laying out everything that come with your purchase. Take out the manual and physically identify each part. A very basic package will include the CPU, or "black box", the necessary cables, a keyboard and a mouse. Monitors are usually sold separately unless you have bought a package deal.

Familiarize yourself with the back of the computer, where connections are made for the mouse, keyboard and monitor. These connections are always color coded, and it is almost always universal.

Making the Connections

First determine the placement of your CPU and input devices. Take some time here = as someone who spends 8-12 hours a day on a computer, I can tell you that this is an important step. The CPU should NEVER be placed inside a cabinet or tightly confined area, but in a position where it gets plenty of air circulation. A lot of people will put the CPU in cupboards or pie safes, thinking it is a nice decorative touch. That may be so, but your CPU will suffer from heat failure if you do so.

Before you even consider turning on the CPU, read the instruction manual. I realize this sounds like old advice, but for a first time user, nothing is more important. There are some connections to be made, such as installation of a printer, when the CPU needs to be either off, or on. Don't make the common mistake of blowing something in the CPU by making these errors.

When you have familiarized yourself with the manual, begin to make your connections. A very good piece of advice for new computer owners is to take the time to color code both the cable and the port it attaches to. If you use a number of USB devices, you'll thank me later.

The First Connections

First, you should make only the connections needed to fire the CPU. Don't try adding all sorts of things here - if you run into a conflict, it is twice as hard to figure out. It is also highly recommended that you use an Uninterrupted Power Supply, or UPS, to hook up your computer. The UPS protects the computer and operating system in case of power failure. Do this in this order:

Connect the power cord to the receptacle on the back of the
computer - almost always at the top left. It will be a 3 prong plug that came with the computer.
Connect the other end to the UPS in one of the battery protected receptacles. Refer to the instruction manual that came with the UPS to determine which plugs are protected.
Connect the power cord to the monitor, and connect to a protected plug on the UPS.
Determine what the VGA cord is, and fasten it to the monitor, and then the CPU. Be sure to tighten the connector nuts - don't over tighten, however.
Look at the end connector of the mouse cord - it should be purple. There will be a connector on the top left to connect to.
Connect the keyboard. The connector will be green. Connect to the matching green connector on the back of the CPU.

When you have insured that all your connections are correct, it is time to turn the CPU on. A side note here - if you live outside the continental US, then you must set the power switch to reflect the different voltage. The switch will be on the receptacle on the back where the main power cord plugs in.

Turn on the CPU. You should see the Welcome screen, and the operating system will guide you through the initial settings for your particular preferences. Happy computing!