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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Setting up a desktop computer step 2
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).
Setting up a desktop computer step 3
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.
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.
Setting up a desktop computer step 4
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 purple keyboard port on the back of the computer.
Setting up a desktop computer step 5
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.
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.
Setting up a desktop computer step 6
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.
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.
Setting up a desktop computer step 7
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.
Setting up a desktop computer step 8
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.
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.
Setup complete
Now that you have set up the computer and plugged it in your computer should work.
This video is from the website were I learnt how to use the computer. Watch as it will tell you the steps for setting up your computer...
This video is from the website were I learnt how to use the computer. Watch as it will tell you the steps for setting up 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:
- 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.
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.
Your computers file system
A computer uses folders to organize all of the different files and applications that it contains. A folder looks like a file, except the icon is shaped like a folder. To find a specific file, you will navigate to the correct folder using a specialized application such as Windows Explorer (for PCs - not to be confused with Internet Explorer) or Finder (for Macs).
Opening applications
When you double-click a file, it will automatically open the default application for that file type. However, much of the time you'll open an application directly.
Opening applications
When you double-click a file, it will automatically open the default application for that file type. However, much of the time you'll open an application directly.
hOW DO i CONNECT TO THE INTERNET?
Once you've set up your computer, you'll probably want to get internet access so that you can send and receive email, browse the web, watch movies, and more. Before you can access the internet, there are three things that you need: internet service, a modem, and a web browser.
Which internet service is the best for me?
It all depends on where you live and how much speed you need. Internet Service Providers usually offer different levels of speed based on your needs. If you're mainly using the internet for e-mail and social networking, a slower connection might be all you need, but if you want to download a lot of music or watch streaming movies, you'll want a faster connection. You'll need to do some research to find out what the options are in your area.
router
A router is a hardware device that allows you to connect several computers and other devices to a single internet connection, which is known as a home network. Many routers are wireless, allowing you to easily create a wireless network.
You don't necessarily need to buy a router to connect to the internet. It's possible to connect your computer directly to your modem using an Ethernet cable. Also, many modems now include a built-in router, so you have the option of creating a network without having to buy more hardware.
You don't necessarily need to buy a router to connect to the internet. It's possible to connect your computer directly to your modem using an Ethernet cable. Also, many modems now include a built-in router, so you have the option of creating a network without having to buy more hardware.
Internet hardware needed
Once you have your computer, you really don't need much additional hardware to connect to the internet. The primary piece of hardware you need is a modem.
The type of internet access you choose will determine what type of modem you need. Dial-up access uses a telephone modem, DSL service uses a DSL modem, cable access uses a cable modem, and satellite service uses asatellite adapter. Your ISP may give you a modem (often for a fee) when you sign a contract with them, which helps to ensure that you have the right kind of modem. However, if you would prefer to shop for a better or cheaper modem, then you can choose to buy one separately.
The type of internet access you choose will determine what type of modem you need. Dial-up access uses a telephone modem, DSL service uses a DSL modem, cable access uses a cable modem, and satellite service uses asatellite adapter. Your ISP may give you a modem (often for a fee) when you sign a contract with them, which helps to ensure that you have the right kind of modem. However, if you would prefer to shop for a better or cheaper modem, then you can choose to buy one separately.
Network card
A network card is a piece of hardware that allows computers to communicate over a computer network. Most newer computers have a network card built into the motherboard, so it probably is not something you will need to purchase. The network card will either have an Ethernetport, a wireless connection, or both.
If you have a laptop with a wireless connection, you can access the internet at any place that offers a Wi-Fi connection. Many restaurants,coffee shops, bookstores, hotels and other businesses offer free Wi-Fi. In addition, many cities provide free Wi-Fi in public areas such as parks and downtown areas.
If you have a laptop with a wireless connection, you can access the internet at any place that offers a Wi-Fi connection. Many restaurants,coffee shops, bookstores, hotels and other businesses offer free Wi-Fi. In addition, many cities provide free Wi-Fi in public areas such as parks and downtown areas.
Web browsing
A web browser is the tool that you use to access the World Wide Web. The browser's main job is to display web pages. It also lets you create Bookmarks(sometimes called Favorites) for sites you like, so that you can easily find them again later.
setting up your internet connection
Once you have chosen an ISP and purchased the appropriate modem, you can use the instructions provided by your ISP (or included with the modem) to set up your internet connection. Depending on what type of service you have, your ISP may need to send a technician to your house in order to turn the connection on.
After you have everything set up, you can open your web browser and begin using the internet. If you have any problems with your internet connection, you can call your ISP's tech support number.
After you have everything set up, you can open your web browser and begin using the internet. If you have any problems with your internet connection, you can call your ISP's tech support number.
Home networking
If you have multiple computers at home and want to use all of them to access the internet, you'll probably want to create a home network. In a home network, all of your devices connect to your router. That means everyone in your family can use the internet at the same time, and you don't have to purchase a separate internet service for each computer.
How is a home network used?
Each computer on a network doesn't just connect to the internet - it also connects to the other computers and devices on the network. That means you can easily share files with other computers. Some programs even let you stream music and movies from one computer to another. One example of this is the Home Sharing feature in iTunes. These types of features are easy to set up, but it's up to you whether you want to use them.
Wireless security
A home network can be wired (using Ethernet cables) or wireless(using Wi-Fi). It may also be a mixture of the two, with some devices connecting with Ethernet and others connecting wirelessly. Wireless is generally more convenient; however, you'll need to think about wireless security. Below are some important security terms that you'll need to know:
- SSID: A service set identifier, commonly called the SSID, is the name of a wireless network. You should change the default SSID to something unique that you'll remember. You may not want to use your actual name, but you can use a hobby or other interest (for example, rockclimbing1).
- Encryption password: An encryption password is a series of characters that is used to control access to the network. For even greater security, some people use a passphrase, which is longer (and therefore more secure) than a password. You should choose a password or passphrase that's easy for you to remember, but hard for other people to guess.
- Encryption: Encryption prevents unauthorized people from reading the data that is transmitted over your wireless network. The data is coded into an unreadable form, and it can only be decoded by a computer that has the correct password (or passphrase). The most common types of encryption for wireless networks areWPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2.