KNOWING YOUR COMPUTER

Hooking Up a Computer

Computers are getting relatively easy to hook up.   The computer owner used to have to keep a technical manual at his or her side to make sure which wire connects to which port.  Each of the peripheral devices has a cable that needs to be connected to the back of the computer.  Most of these cables have a special connector type that is designed to fit one and only one type of port.   You may hear or read about "serial" ports, "parallel" ports,   25-pin connectors, 9-pin connectors and the like.  Each of these descriptors refers to a special wiring configuration.  Each of the connectors normally fits one and only one port on the back of the computer. 

Both the CPU housing and the monitor will have conventional household  power cords.  These are the 3-prong variety and it is strongly recommended that you plug the computer and monitor into a grounded outlet instead of using the 2-prong converter (or just cutting the grounding prong off).  It is also recommended that you purchase a high quality, grounded, multi-outlet power strip that offers a good measure of surge protection.  During an electrical storm, the best thing you can do for your computer is to unplug it from the power source.  Most insurance claims on electrically damaged computer equipment results from lightning damage that originated from the telephone line connected to the modem.  It is a wise computer owner who not only "unplugs" his computer, but disconnects the phone line, as well.

Most new computers come with simple, easy to follow instructions for connecting the cables.  If you ever plan to detach the cables and move the computer to a new location, it would be wise to get out a few bottles of coloured nail polish and paint some identifying marks on the cables and above the ports so that you can easily tell which wire belongs in which socket.  Many manufacturers are beginning to colour-code their connectors to make setting up the computer easier.

 

Starting and Stopping Your Computer

Starting

Like all electronic devices, the computer has an ON-OFF switch to bring power into it.  You will find either a pushbutton switch located  on the front of the CPU housing, or a toggle switch located on the back of the CPU housing.  

Chances are that the monitor and the computer are not powered by the same switch.  It the monitor has an ON-OFF switch, it should be on before the CPU is brought to life.  The same is true for any peripherals that the computer will be using.  It is best to have them turned on so that the computer can find them as it runs through its start up instructions. 

The operating system of a modern PC is very complex and may take over a minute or two to completely prepare itself for use.  Be patient.  Once the computer has completed the startup procedure, it is ready to take orders from its master....you!  Most of what you will do with the computer after it starts can be accessed using the "Start" button at the lower left corner of the screen (in Windows 95). 

Stopping

When you are ready to stop using the computer, you must take it through a shutdown procedure.  Fortunately, this only involves selecting the "Start" button and choosing the lowest selection on the menu. . ."Shutdown".  The following dialogue screen will appear:

Wait for the computer to complete its internal shutdown instructions before switching off the power.

Care and Feeding of Your Computer

To keep your computer running smoothly and to ensure that it has a long and productive life, follow these tips.

	Keep the computer away from heat sources (like radiators and heat registers).  Heat is a computer's enemy.
	There is a fan built into the back of the CPU case.  Keep this unobstructed and clean.   A vacuumcleaner nozzle with a brush attachment is a useful fan cleaning tool
	Don't spill liquids on any part of the computer.  Liquids spilled on the keyboard or mouse might cause all kinds of electrical problems.
	Clean the keyboard with a vacuum cleaner nozzle equipped with a brush tool.
	Periodically clean the air vents on the side and back of the monitor with the vacuum brush.
	Keep the monitor screen clean with a soft cloth.  Use no detergents, chemicals or soaps.   It works best if you clean the monitor when it is off.  Otherwise, static electricity can compete with your cloth for the dust and grime.
	Wipe off the keyboard keys with a soft cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol or other mild cleanser.  Washing your hands before using the keyboard will keep it cleaner.   Eating greasy finger foods while using the computer is not recommended.
	About once a year, unhook the CPU case, take it outside (on a nice clear warm day), remove the case cover and take a look inside.  If it has accumulated a lot of dust, cobwebs, and grit, you might want to invest in a can of compressed air and give it a good blast to clean it.  Unless you know what's what, you shouldn't probe around with your fingers.   Static discharges can zap sensitive electronic components.