Turning It On and Setting It Up


Now that you have everything connected, sit back and rest for a minute. Next up is the big stepturning it all on.

It's important that you turn on things in the proper order. Follow these steps:

1.

Turn on your video monitor.

2.

Turn on your speaker systembut make sure the speaker volume knob is turned down (towards the left).

3.

Turn on any other system components that are connected to your system unitsuch as your printer, scanner, external modem, and so on.

4.

Turn on your system unit.

Note that your system unit is the last thing you turn on. That's because when it powers on, it has to sense the other components of your systemwhich it can do only if the other components are plugged in and turned on.

Powering On for the First Time

The first time you turn on your PC is a unique experience. A brand-new, out-of-the-box system will have to perform some basic configuration operations, which include asking you to input some key information.

This first-time startup operation differs from manufacturer to manufacturer, but typically includes some or all of the following steps:

  • Windows Product Activation You may be asked to input the long and nonsensical product code found on the label attached to the rear of your PC (or on your Windows installation CD, if you received one). Your system then phones into the Microsoft mother ship (via the Internet), registers your system information, and unlocks Windows for you to use. (Note that some manufacturers "pre-activate" Windows at the factory, so you might not have to go through this process.)

    note

    Windows registration is optional; product activation is mandatory.

  • Windows Registration A slightly different process from product activation, registration requires you to input your name and other personal information, along with the Windows product code. This information then is phoned into the Microsoft mother ship (via the Internet) to register your copy of Windows with the company, for warranty purposes.

    note

    Some installation procedures require your computer to be restarted. In most cases, this happens automatically; then the installation process resumes where it left off.

  • Windows Configuration During this process Windows asks a series of questions about your location, the current time and date, and other essential information. You also might be asked to create a username and password.

  • System Configuration This is where Windows tries to figure out all the different components that are part of your system, such as your printer, scanner, and so on. Enter the appropriate information when prompted; if asked to insert a component's installation CD, do so.

Many computer manufacturers supplement these configuration operations with setup procedures of their own. It's impossible to describe all the different options that might be presented by all the different manufacturers, so watch the screen carefully and follow all the onscreen instructions.

note

Technical types call the procedure of starting up a computer booting or booting up the system. Restarting a system (turning it off and then back on) is called rebooting.


After you have everything configured, Windows finally starts, and then you can start using your system.

Powering On Normally

After everything is installed and configured, starting your computer is a much simpler affair. When you turn on your computer, you'll notice a series of text messages flash across your screen. These messages are there to let you know what's going on as your computer boots up.

After a few seconds (during which your system unit beeps and whirrs a little bit), the Windows Welcome screen appears, as shown in Figure 2.1. All registered users are listed on this screen. Click your username or picture, enter your password (if necessary), and then press the Enter key or click the green right-arrow button. After you're past the Welcome screen, you're taken directly to the Windows desktop, and your system is ready to run.

Figure 2.1. The first thing you see in Windowsthe Welcome screen.


note

If you have only a single user on your PC and that user doesn't have a password assigned, Windows moves past the Welcome screen with no action necessary on your part.


The Absolute Minimum

Here are the key points to remember when connecting and configuring your new computer:

  • Most cables plug into only a specific connectorand on most new systems, they're color-coded for easier hookup.

  • Make sure your cables are firmly connected; loose cables are the cause of many computer problems.

  • Connect all the cables to your system unit before you turn on the power.

  • Remember to turn on your printer and monitor before you turn on the system unit.




Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics
Absolute Beginners Guide to Computer Basics (2nd Edition)
ISBN: 0789731754
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 261

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