home	basic computing

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Plug it in, load it up

Following some basic guidelines will allow you to set up a new computer smoothly. (Updated October 2002)

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Topic links:

the exceptions

installing software

the latest windows

connection checklist

10 tips for worry-free computing

 

Not all computers are created equal. When it comes to setting up your computer system, whether it's a chore or a pleasure will depend on the brand you've bought.

Some systems, especially those provided by mail-order or Web-based merchants such as Dell and Gateway or by leading manufacturers such as Hewlett-Packard and IBM, are carefully designed to be easy to install. Such systems come with posters or charts that show you all connections plus colour-coded plugs to make sure you insert everything in the correct place. These systems also come with all software pre-installed and ready to roll. The only thing you should need to do is make sure your printer is connected and working and then get yourself connected to an online service.

At the other end of the spectrum are the no-name brands that come with little or no documentation, software which you must install yourself, and a mass of connectors just waiting to trip you up.

If your system falls into the second category, the key rule when setting it up is never force plugs into sockets. Almost every plug has one, and one only, socket designed to receive it. Insert plugs carefully and, if you encounter resistance, check that you are, indeed, inserting it in the right socket and that you have the plug rotated in the correct fashion. It pays to connect your computer where there is ample room for you to move around and ample light and then push it gently into its final position.

The exceptions

There are a couple of connectors that are exceptions to the one plug-one socket design. If you have speakers that connect to a soundcard, the speaker plug may fit in two or three sockets on the soundcard. Look for a socket labelled Line Out or, especially for speakers with their own power supply, Speaker Out to make sure you have the correct socket.

You may also face a decision if you have both a PS/2 mouse and keyboard. See whether the connections are colour coded or labelled on the back of your computer. If not, you'll usually find the top-most or left-most connector is for the keyboard and the other for the mouse.

Installing software

Your system should come with standard applications already installed. At a bare minimum, your operating system should be fully installed. That means Windows should come up when you start the PC and it should function correctly, as far as you can tell. If Windows fails to load or it doesn't appear to work properly (you may need the assessment of a knowledgeable friend or colleague), return your system to the dealer and insist they set it up properly.

If your other software isn't pre-installed, it's not hard to install it yourself. All standard Windows applications come with an installation or setup routine. With most, you simply insert the appropriate disc in your CD-ROM (or DVD) drive and the installation routine will launch automatically, a feature called AutoPlay. You then follow the prompts and, if in doubt when presented with options, stick with the recommended options.

If AutoPlay fails to work, use Windows Explorer to look at the contents of the CD and search for an application called Install, Setup or something similar. Run that application to install the software.

The latest Windows

If you're buying a new system, make sure you get the latest version of Windows. Each new version has knocked out a bunch of kinks from previous versions and Windows XP, in particular, is easier to install, more reliable and more forgiving than any of its predecessors.

Make sure, too, that your retailer includes the full version of Windows: It should come on CD with a manual and certificate of authentication. Shy away from any company which pre-installs the operating system – or applications software, for that matter – but fails to give you the original discs. In the past, Compaq has been a major offender in this, although not the sole offender.

Connection checklist

These are the standard connections you'll find in most computer systems:

• Power in. Connect the main power lead from the powerpoint (or surge protector) to this connection. This should be the very last connection you make.
• Power out. Used for connecting the monitor's power cord. Many PCs don't have this connector; instead, you plug the monitor's power into a socket on your surge protector.
• Video connector, for connecting your monitor to the computer. Don't worry if the plug appears to have several pins missing – that's how it's supposed to be.
• Parallel port, for connecting your printer to the computer. A largish socket with 25 holes arranged in two rows. Many modern printers use a USB connection instead of the parallel connection, but most PCs still provide a parallel port for attaching older printers.
• PS/2 connector(s), for the keyboard and mouse. Small circular sockets. Some mice and keyboards use the USB connections instead of PS/2 connectors. Most new computer provide both types of connection.
• Serial port, for connecting devices such as an external modem and some mice, digital cameras and PDAs (handheld computers such as the Palm and Pocket PC, for instance). Similar to but smaller than the parallel port, it contains 9 holes in two rows. Once again, serial connectors are being put out of work by the faster and smarter new USB connections, but you should still find both types of connections available on new computers.
• USB connector(s), for connecting USB-capable peripherals including USB mice, printers, keyboards, scanners, PDAs  digital cameras, and so on. Small, rectangular connectors.
• Soundcard connections, including a microphone jack, line in, line out, speakers, and a joystick port.
• Network connector. If your computer has a network card installed it will have a network connector which looks rather like a large RJ-11 phone jack. The network card is used to connect two or more computers on a local area network, or to connect your computer to a high-speed cable or digital subscriber line (DSL) Internet service.
• Phone line connections. If you have an internal modem, you'll need to connect it to the phone line via the connection labelled Line. If you use a high-speed Internet connection, you don't need an internal modem.

10 tips for worry-free computing

1. When purchasing your system, look for one that comes with simple installation instructions, full documentation (preferably in printed form), Windows fully installed, all software supplied on its original discs, and a minimum one-year (preferably next business day, on-site) warranty. Next business day warranties guarantee that a service person will appear the next business day after you put in a service call, provided your problem cannot be fixed over the phone or using other automated resources.
2. Plug your computer and other hardware into surge-protected power boards to minimise the possibility of damage or data loss from power fluctuations. However, don't depend on this protection during a thunderstorm. If a storm approaches, switch off your computer, disconnect it from the wall outlet, and ensure your modem phone cord is also disconnected.
3. Don't switch your computer on and off frequently as it will stress the components. If you're going out for a few hours but intend to return and use your computer, leave it switched on (unless thunderstorms are threatening).
4. Provide adequate ventilation for your computer. Don't cover the back of the system unit as it contains a cooling fan.
5. Minimise dust and smoke in your office. Both are anathema to floppy disks and your computer. Similarly, avoid eating and drinking around your computer. If you get liquid in your keyboard, chances are you'll have to replace it.
6. Keep floppy disks and CD-ROMs in a safe, dry place and avoid touching the surface. Return CDs to their jackets or boxes.
7. Keep floppy disks away from any equipment (modems, phones, hard disks) that create a magnetic field.
8. Don't overstretch cables. You can buy extension cables for your mouse, keyboard, monitor, speakers and other equipment if needed.
9. Create regular backups. For critical information, it's good practice to keep two sets of backups: one stored off-site and the other kept in your office.
10. Install anti-virus software to protect your computer from infection. This is particularly important if you use the Internet. Keep your anti-virus software up to date.
    

© 2002  Rose Vines