Connecting the different parts of a computer is the very first thing you want to do as part of a computer setup process. A lot of users find it to be an intimidating or toilsome job. Well, that happens when you don’t know which part needs to be connected to which part. In practice, the task is easier than it seems since most computers can be set up adhering to the same procedure regardless of the brand and/or model.
If you can’t just do it properly or don’t have a good idea about the parts, this guide can be of great use as it includes every detail so you can understand how to connect computer parts together.
How to Connect Computer Parts Together for First-Time Use?
Following is a step-by-step guide that discusses the entire procedure in brief while ensuring that you don’t miss anything important. Please note that this guide assumes that you need to do it for a desktop computer.
Step 1: Unpacking the Items and Placing Them Properly
Open the box and unpack the computer case and monitor. They might be wrapped up with some kind of protective/ plastic tape or cover. Get rid of any such thing. Make sure the place where you’re doing the assembly is appropriately ventilated with good flow of air. You don’t want to work in a low-light condition and/or have your computer overheated.
Step 2: Connecting the Monitor Cable
You should start with the monitor cable. Monitor cables come in different types with different level of strength and durability. For first-time users of a computer, finding the monitor cable might be difficult. In this case, you can check the instruction manual or ask anyone among your friends.
These cables typically have the same type of end; meaning that one end of your cable should be attached to the monitor port which is located on the back part of your computer case while the other end of the cable needs to be attached to the monitor.
With a VGA cable, you need to work on the screws. Just tighten them a little to secure the cable. Some computer cables usually fit in a specific way. Upon seeing that the cable isn’t fitting properly, you should avoid forcing it because by doing that, you’ll only damage its connectors. The plug needs to be in a perfect alignment with the port as you attempt to connect it.
Step 3: Connecting Some Peripherals (Keyboard and Mouse)
Unpack both the keyboard and the mouse. Then, check whether they have PS/2 (round) or USB (rectangular) connectors. Your CPU has multiple PS/2 and USB ports. Both the keyboard and the mouse may have either a PS/2 or a USB connector. So, remember using the PS/2 ports for PS/2 connectors and USB ports for USB connectors.
Sometimes, having both keyboard and mouse with USB or PS/2 connectors can be a problem. Same connectors may not work properly for all computers. So, one USB and one PS/2 connector should be the right combination for your keyboard and mouse.
With a wireless keyboard or mouse, you’ll have to proceed with a different approach. Wireless devices usually come with a Bluetooth dongle or USB adapter. Connect that USB to the front ports of your computer.
Then, you can use that wireless device. If your computer comes with a built-in Bluetooth system, you won’t need any adapter. Establishing the Bluetooth connection using the specific procedure should be enough.
Step 4: Connecting the Audio Devices
You might want to use external headphones or speakers. With those gadgets, you have to locate the audio ports of your computer which is available either on the front or the back part of a computer case.
The ports are usually color-coded so that you can understand which port accepts which jack. Headphones or speakers can be connected to a green port. Microphones can be connected to the pink port. There’s another port which is blue. It can be used for other devices.
You may have noticed USB connectors on some microphones, speakers, and headphones and the absence of an audio plug. You can connect these devices to any of the USB ports. Some computers come with internal microphones or speakers built into the computer monitor.
Step 5: Connecting the Power Supply Cables
The power supply system comes built-in inside the CPU case. All you need to do is connect the power supply cables to the CPU. You should have a couple of power supply cables. Plug one cable into the designated part on the back of your computer case. Then, plug it into the surge protector. Use another cable to connect your monitor to a surge protector.
Many users rely on uninterruptable power supply (UPS) systems which are designed to work as a surge protector. They provide the computer system with temporary power in the event of a power outage. Then, plug your surge protector into the closest wall outlet. You can try turning on that surge protector only if it comes with a power switch.
Having no surge protector, the only thing you should do is plug your computer into a wall socket. You should avoid this practice because frequent occurrences of electrical surges may damage the computer. So, a surge protector is a good thing to have.
Step 6: Connecting Other Peripherals
Some devices aren’t mandatory for the operation of your computer, but those devices can be the must-haves for specific people. For example, offices usually need printers and scanners on a daily basis. If you’re interested in video communication, a webcam becomes useful.
Most of these peripherals are plug-n-play versions. It means that your computer should recognize them immediately after you plug them in. Some of these may require the installation of specific software before letting you work with them. These appliances come with detailed instructions on the setup procedures. Follow them minutely to complete the process correctly.
So far, you’ve learned how to connect computer parts together, but you may need more than that, especially if you have little to no idea about the operations of a computer. There’s a list of other adjustments, installations, customization’s, and settings involved. If you’re aware of those, this guide should be enough to get you started with your computer.
Contact Mobile Computer Repair today for more information about the setup and installation of a computer or a free quote for our repair services.