The other day, my neighbour purchased a new desktop computer and didn’t know how to set it up and connect it. It was that day I knew that many people didn’t know how to do this. Setting up a new desktop computer could be a little bit technical for some people. And that’s why this article is written to help you that’s reading now.
To set up your new computer, follow the following steps:
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Unpack
First, bring out the monitor, CPU, and all of the other parts of the computer out of their boxes. Be sure that you keep aside any manuals or documentation included in those boxes. You may refer to the documentation later. After unpacking everything, you’ll have power cords, monitor, processing unit (CPU), mouse, and keyboard.
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Position the Computer
Set your computer monitor on the table and put the Central Processing Unit (CPU) on or next to the table depending on the type. Most often, the CPU sits on the floor or even on a shelf next to the table. Place the keyword and mouse in front of the monitor on the table.
Connect all Cables
• Monitor
Put the monitor data cable into the CPU in only one place. Many monitors use either a VGA DVI or HDMI connector and then plug into the corresponding port on the back of the CPU. If your monitor happens to only have a VGA plug and your CPU has a DVI connection or vice versa, then a video converter will be needed to connect your monitor.
After you must have connected the data cable to the CPU, then connect the power cable from the monitor to the surge protector.
• Keyboard and Mouse
Usually, the keyboard and mouse are connected to the CPU with a PS/2 or even USB connector. These connectors are usually at the back of the CPU.
• Computer Power Cord
On the CPU, locate the power cord and then plug one end into the back of the CPU (only one end fits). Then, plug the other end of the power cord into a power outlet.
It’s highly advised that both the CPU and the monitor be powered via a surge protector to protect it from any power surge. If your house does experience frequent blackouts, then consider using a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to help protect your computer system.
• Speakers
If you have speakers and wish to use them with your desktop computer, simply plug it at the back of the computer. Plug the speakers into the power socket. Locate the 3.5mm jack connected to the cable at the back of the speakers. You’ll use this plug to attach them to your computer tower. On the back of the computer tower are a number of small, round, colored-coded sockets. The one to plug your speakers into is usually green. It may also be marked with a headphones symbol or be labelled ‘Audio out’. Push the jack into this socket firmly to get a good connection
Internet
• Network cable
Lastly, if you happen to be using a wired Internet connection, connect it to a category 5 Ethernet cable at the back of your computer. Or, simply use Wi-Fi to connect to the Internet, the Wi-Fi router needs to be within the range of the computer.
Turning on your Computer
After the connection, turn the computer on and allow it to load. After the computer must have booted, a few questions will pop out for you to ask like your name, location, and network settings to help in finalizing the setup.
Connect Printer and other peripherals
If you bought a printer or any other computer peripherals, install the drivers for each of the devices after the computer has started running properly.
Install Important Software
A computer system does come with some pre-installed software. However, to be able to use the computer beyond the pre-installed software. You can then install the software (e.g., games and programs) that interest you.
