"Experts agree that the best type of computer for your individual needs is one that comes on the market about two days after you actually purchase some other computer." Dave Barry
Note: This week two lectures will be posted as next week will be off.
Getting Started
Setting Up a Computer
You have a new computer and are ready to set it up. While this may seem like an overwhelming and difficult task, it is really very simple. It does not matter what name brand of computer you have, as most computers are set up in a very similar way.
If you are setting up a newly purchased computer that is still in the box, you will probably find a how-to guide in the packaging that includes step-by-step details. However, even if it didn't include instructions, you can still set up the computer in just a few easy steps. In this lesson, we'll go through the different steps that are needed to set up a typical computer.
Watch the video to learn how to set up a desktop computer.
Setting Up a Laptop Computer
If you have a laptop, then setup should be very easy: just open it up and press the power button. If the battery isn't charged, you'll need to plug in the AC adapter. You can continue using the laptop while it charges.
If your laptop has any peripherals, such as external speakers, you may want to read the instructions below, since laptops and desktops generally use the same types of connections.
Setting Up a Desktop Computer
Step 1:
After unpacking the computer and peripherals
Unpack the monitor and computer case from the box. Remove any plastic covering or protective tape. Place the monitor and the computer case where you wish on the desk or work area.
Think about where you want your desk or work area to be located, and where you want your monitor, computer case, and other hardware. Be sure to place your computer case in an area that is well ventilated and that has good air flow. This will help to prevent overheating.
Step 2:
A VGA cable
Locate the monitor cable. It will usually be either a VGA or a DVI cable. VGA cables will often have blue connectors to make them easier to identify.
(If you have an all-in-one computer that's built into the monitor, you can skip to Step 4).
Step 3:
Connecting the monitor cable to the VGA port
Connect one end of the cable to the monitor port on the back of thecomputer case, and the other end to the monitor. Hand-tighten the plastic-covered screws on the monitor cable to secure it.
Many computer cables will only fit a specific way. If the cable doesn't fit, don't force it, or you might damage the connectors. Make sure the plug aligns with the port, and then connect it.
Step 4:
Plugging the keyboard into a USB port
Unpack the keyboard and determine whether it uses a USB(rectangular) connector or a PS/2 (round) connector. If it uses a USB connector, plug it into any of the USB ports on the back of the computer. If it uses a PS/2 connector, plug it into the purplekeyboard port on the back of the computer.
Step 5:
Plugging the mouse into a USB port
Unpack the mouse and determine whether it uses a USB(rectangular) connector or a PS/2 (round) connector. If it uses a USB connector, plug it into any of the USB ports on the back of the computer. If it uses a PS/2 connector, plug it into the green mouse port on the back of the computer.
If your keyboard has a USB port, you can connect your mouse to the keyboard instead of connecting it directly to your computer.
If you have a wireless mouse or keyboard, you may need to connect a Bluetooth dongle (USB adapter) to your computer. However, many computers have built-in Bluetooth, so a dongle may not be necessary.
Step 6:
Plugging the speakers into the audio port
If you have external speakers or headphones, you can connect them to your computer's audio port (either on the front or the back of the computer case). Many computers have color-coded ports.Speakers or headphones connect to the green port, and amicrophone can connect to the pink port. The blue port is theline in, which can be used with other types of devices.
Some speakers, headphones, and microphones have USB connectors instead of the usual audio plug. These can be connected to any USB port. In addition, many computers have speakers or microphones built into the monitor.
Step 7:
Plugging the power cable into a surge protector
Locate the two power supply cables that came with your computer. Plug the first power supply cable into the back of thecomputer case, and then into a surge protector. Then, using the other cable, connect the monitor to the surge protector.
Step 8:
Plugging the surge protector into a wall outlet
Finally, plug the surge protector into a wall outlet. You may also need to turn the surge protector on if it has a power switch.
If you don't have a surge protector, you can plug the computer directly into the wall. However, this is not recommended, as electrical surges can damage your computer.
Set Up Complete
Your basic computer hardware is now set up. Before you start it up, spend a little time arranging your workspace. A workspace that is arranged well can improve your productivity and also promote health.
Beginning to use your Computer
Starting Up a New Computer
When you start up a brand-new computer for the first time, it will walk you through several steps to set up and personalize your computer. These steps usually only take a few minutes, and some of them are optional. The exact steps will vary depending on what type of operating system you are using, but here are a few things that you will usually be able to do:
Selecting a location
- Choose a Language and Location: Your operating system may have many different languages installed, so you'll need to choose the one that you want to use. You may also have the option of choosing your location.
- Watch a Welcome Video: Your computer may play a brief welcome video during the setup process, so it's a good idea to turn your speakers on to get the full experience.
- Create a Profile or Account Name: Your computer will need to have at least one account name that you will use to sign in. You can also choose to create a password for extra security. If other people will be using the computer, you can set up a separate account for each person later on.
- Choose a Wireless Network: If you have an existing wireless network, you can select it during the setup process. If you don't have one, you can skip this step (we'll talk about internet and network settings in Lesson 13: Connecting to the Internet).
- Register Your Computer: You'll probably have the option of registering your computer, which will send yourname, address, and other information to the computer company. If you don't want to register at this point, you can skip it.
If you're not sure what to do at a particular step, read the instructions on the screen carefully. There may be arecommended option that you can choose, which will keep setup as simple as possible. In addition, some steps are optional, so if you're still not sure, you can skip it.
Whenever you're creating a password, it's important to create a strong one that will be hard for other people to guess.
Migrating Your Files and Settings
Windows Easy Transfer
If you have another computer that has all of your files andsettings, you may want to copy them to the new computer. This is known as migrating. It's possible to manually move your files using an external hard drive,DVD-ROM discs, or an existing home network. This can be time-consuming, and you may not be able to move all of your settings to the new computer.
However, your computer probably has a built-in tool to help you migrate your files and settings, and it may appear automatically during the setup process. This tool will let you choose what you want to move, and then it will automatically move the selected items to the new computer. PCs and Macs have different tools for this purpose:
- PCs use Windows Easy Transfer, which will either be on your installation disc or can be downloaded.
- Macs use Migration Assistant, which is built-in on every Mac.
Installing Peripherals
If you have a printer, scanner, webcam, or other peripherals, you can connect them at this point. Many peripherals are plug and play, which means they will be recognized by your computer as soon as they are plugged in. Other peripherals may include software that needs to be installed before you can begin using them. Use the instructions included with the device to install it if necessary.
Generally, peripherals are optional, and you can add new ones at any time - you don't have to add all peripherals during the initial setup of your computer.
Setup Complete!
You have now finished setting up your computer, and you can start using it. In the next lesson, we'll go over the basics of using your operating system so that you can begin to become comfortable with the way your computer works.
