How do I Hook This Thing Up?

Most new computer users get very confuzled when they look at their new computers and all the cables, cords, and connectors that came with it. Don't worry. It's not as difficult as it seems.

But Before We Continue...

The most important thing to remember about hooking up your computer is not to force anything. You may have to push firmly when connecting some components, but you should never have to force anything. Computer connectors are very delicate.

What are All those Connections for?

Most computer connectors are color-coded nowadays. Unfortunately, the color coding is not completely consistent, so it helps to be able to recognize the connectors themselves. Click on the picture to the left to see an enlarged picture with the connectors labeled.

Most of the cables will only fit in the proper connectors, but there are exceptions. For example, a telephone cord will fit in an ethernet jack, but it will not work (and it may burn out the ethernet card).

The mouse and keyboard cables will also fit in each other's ports, but they will not work that way.

In addition to making sure that they are in the right ports, be sure that you have the cable properly oriented to the port. There is a little plastic keyway in there to prevent incorrect insertion, but it's very fragile. Also avoid twisting the connectors; the pins bend very easily.

Many computers now come with USB mice and/or keyboards. In most cases, it really doesn't matter which of the USB ports you use for the mouse or keyboard, but sometimes it does. On some machines, only one USB port is active when the system is starting up (before Windows loads). If this is true for your computer, then the keyboard should be plugged into that port.

Isn't Something Supposed to Go in There?

Don't be surprised if there are "extra" ports on the back of the computer when you are done. There should be. The serial port is rarely used anymore, for example; and with the increasing popularity of USB devices, most new computers have a whole bunch of USB ports.

Power Protection

The very last thing you should connect is the power plug, which should not be plugged directly into the wall. Electrical utilities are subject to spikes, surges, and other power events that can harm your computer. Use a UL-Listed surge protector or an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). between the electric company and your computer.