PCs For Dummies, 13th Edition

Chapter 3

PC Setup

In This Chapter

Putting together your PC

Understanding computer cables

Plugging things into the console

Using a power strip

Managing with a UPS

I could lie to you and say that setting up a PC is so simple that a child could do it. A Vulcan child, perhaps. Even so, setting up a computer isn’t as difficult as assembling backyard play equipment or programming 1980s VCRs. The process does, however, involve a lot of cable plugging, which must be done properly if you want the computer system to work.

Computer Assembly

Consider yourself lucky if your new PC pops right out of the box, ready to run. Many all-in-one PCs work that way — or close to it. Laptops come out of the box ready to go (well, perhaps needing a battery charge). For the rest of the lot, peruse this section on how to get your PC out of the box and assembled.

Unpacking the boxes

Your computer runs faster ...