How to unpack, set up, and get connected.
Getting a new computer is one of the greatest-and can be one of the scariest things that can happen in your life. It comes in a big daunting box which is full of all sorts of cables, books, software, not to mention the computer itself...where on earth do you begin?
Tip! Before getting started, consider having these items on hand:
- Did your computer come with virus protection software? If not, you'll want some. You can either 1) purchase the software from a retailer, or 2) purchase and download it online once you've set up your computer. Either way, it's an absolute must for your protection when you're the Internet.
- Do you have high-speed or dial-up so that you can access the Internet? These days, it's all about being online. In the set-up process, you'll be asked to register your computer and software-you can do this immediately with an Internet connection or snail mail your information. If you plan on having Internet access in the future, consider getting it before you start the set-up process.
- Do you have any peripherals that you also need to set up with your computer? For instance, do you have a printer, speakers, external hard drives, or a MP3 player you want to connect? Have the set-up software for those devices handy for after you've set-up your computer.
- Get yourself a surge protector! These marvelous little power strips allow you to plug your computer and devices into it. If a power surge occurs, they'll help prevent damage to your computer.
First things first-grab a cookie. For purely medicinal purposes, the cookie is calming and will help you through this process with a happy disposition. Next, you'll want to unpack everything in the box near the computer's new home (your desk, kitchen counter, wherever) and very carefully place everything into neat piles of:
- Software usually in the form of CDs or DVDs or both
- Cables and power cords
- Manuals and other paper items
- The computer itself, whether you have a laptop or a desktop PC with monitor
Now that you have everything organized, you can begin!
Next, look for the quick-start manual. It is often a large, poster-like foldout with beautiful pictures representing the set-up process. Sometimes the pictures are not so beautiful, but you get the point.
Now, follow the instructions! You can do it and it's not as hard as it may appear-this is not like programming a VCR, folks-you no longer have to be a rocket scientist (although you can be). Computers these days are pretty much Plug and Play . You've just got to be sure that everything is plugged in correctly so you can play. Your PC often comes with all the software you need pre-installed. And the software that comes in the box is often just for back-up purposes in case you need to reinstall anything-like your operating system (OS) or drivers for instance.
If you have a laptop...your process is a bit easier. Since the laptop is a fabulously self-contained unit, just grab the power cord, plug it into the laptop (there is only one place it will fit so it's not hard to find), and then plug the other end into your surge protector-voila! You are ready to turn it on. Hit the power button and follow the instructions on the screen. It walks you through the set-up process like tiptoeing through the daisies. And if you have a wireless network and a wireless-enabled laptop, your system will look for that connection when it asks you if you would like to register your system. If you have high-speed or dial-up, be sure your computer is plugged in during setup.
If you have a desktop...you've got a few more things to do, but not much. You'll need to place your desktop PC on its new home, and then place the monitor where you want it. Now you'll want to attach the monitor to the desktop PC, which requires a cable. One end goes into the monitor and one end in the computer.
Now, you should have two power cords-one to power the desktop PC and one to power the monitor-these will look the same. Plug a power cord into each, and then plug the cords into the surge protector. You'll also need to grab your keyboard and mouse. They might be wireless; they might be wired. Either way, both are also Plug and Play devices, and your computer should immediately recognize them allowing them to be used during setup.
You are ready to rock and roll! Turn on your computer and follow the instructions-don't worry, they're not hard. It'll want to know things like your time zone and what you want your computer's name to be-just your simple preferences. It's so easy you'll wonder why you ever needed that cookie to relax and you'll want another one just to celebrate (GadgetGirl highly recommends cookies being used in a celebratory fashion).
You are an updating machine. When you first get up and running and online, your computer will search for updates for your OS and other installed software-critical software patches that come out periodically after your software was released. With your virus software, it's the same thing. I update mine everyday like clockwork to make sure I have the latest virus definitions in place keeping me protected from the bad guys. For more on keeping your computer safe, see Protecting Your System from Viral Invasions.
Now for the fun part. Get to playing! You've now got a computer in working order. It's on. It's plugged in. You'll notice there's a lot of extra fluff installed on your computer: games, free trial offers, and more. Some of these, you might want to get rid of. Some you might want to keep. To learn more about all the bells and whistle, see Computer Extras You Can Do Without But Might Want Anyway.
Got extra stuff to install? Get to installing! Printers and speakers and MP3 players, oh my! This process is also simple, generally starting with installing the software-then plugging in the device. For more on great peripherals, see Just Plug-in the Entertainment.
Pat-on-the-back time. You've done the work and it wasn't as scary as it looked. The only problem you might have now is friends and family wanting you to do the same for them. Just hand them a cookie and guide them through the process like the computer genius you are.
