Dr.

Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University A’bad

Project on
COMPUTER BASICS
Submitted by

Nitin Uttam Jadhav

BCA (3rd yr)

Under the Guidance of

Dr.Vikrant Panchal sir

Head Department of CS-IT 2020-21

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 DECLARATION
I hereby declare that.The project entitled is an outcome of my own efforts under
the guidence of prof. Dr.Vikrant panchal.The project is submitted to the University of the
BAMU.For the partial fulfillment of the BCA examination 2020-21.

I also declare that this project report has not been previously submitted to any other
university.

Nitin Jadhav

Place:Aurangabad

Date:

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 SBES COLLEGE, AURANGABAD

Certificate
Department of cs & it
2020-2021

Certified that____Mr.Nitin Uttam Jadhav___________________

Std BCA (6TH SEM) Roll No. ___00___

has succesfully completed and submitted the project to the Department of CS &IT,
Sbes college Aurangabad.Under my guidence and supervision.

Date:__________ ________________
Head of Department

Dr. Vikrant Panchal

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 Acknownledgment

I would like to express my speacial thanks to gratitude to our project guide

Dr.Vikrant Panchal Sir for their able guidance and support in completing my project.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to principle sir for providing us with an
opportunity to prefer a project report.
I would also like to thank my friends who helped me lot in finalizing this project
within the limited time frame.

Nitin Jadhav
BCA final Year

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER PAGE ..................................................................................................................................... 1

DECLARATION................................................................................................................................... 2
CERTIFICATE ...................................................................................................................................... 3
ACKNOWLEDGMENT ...................................................................................................................... 4
ABSTRACT.......................................................................................................................................... 7

1.INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER 8

1.1 What are Computers ?

2.WHAT ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMPUTER ? 18

2.1 Desktop computer

2.2 Laptop computer
2.3 Tablet computer
2.4 Server
2.5 Other types of computer
2.6 Pcs and Macs

3.BASIC PARTS OF COMPUTERS 32

3.1 Introduction
3.2 Computer case
3.3 Monitor
3.4 Keyboard
3.5 Mouse
3.6 Mouse alternatives

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4.BUTTONS AND PORTS ON COMPUTER 35

4.1 Introduction
4.2 Front of computer case
4.3 Back of computer case
4.4 Other types of port

5.INSIDE A COMPUTER 36

5.1 Motherboard
5.2 CPU/processor
5.3 RAM
5.4 Hard drive
5.5 Power supply unit
5.6Expansion cards

6.LAPTOP COMPUTERS 37

6.1 What is laptop computers?

7.MOBILE DEVICES 37
7.1 What is mobile devices?

8.UNDERSTANDING OPERATING SYSTEM 38

8.1 What is OS ?

9.UNDERSTANDING APPLICATION 42

9.1 What is an application ?

10.SETTING UP A COMPUTER 42

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ABSTRACT -
This project will help you understand how computers work and how to use them. We'll talk
about how to set up a computer, the difference between hardware and software, and the types of
computers you can use. We'll also explore operating systems, applications, the cloud, and a whole
lot more.

Whether you're getting started with your first computer or are just looking to learn more about how
they work, you'll find all of the information you need in our written lessons, videos, and interactives.
When you're done, you'll have a fundamental understanding of how to use a computer. You'll also
be ready to learn even more about computers with some of our other projects.

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 Lesson 1: what are computer?

1.1 What are Computers ?

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability
to store, retrieve, and process data. You may already know that you can use a computer to type
documents, send email, play games, and browse the Web. You can also use it to edit or
create spreadsheets, presentations, and even videos.

Hardware vs. software

Before we talk about different types of computers, let's talk about two things all computers have in
common: hardware and software.

Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such as the keyboard or mouse.
It also includes all of the computer's internal parts, which you can see in the image below.

Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do and how to do it. Examples of
software include web browsers, games, and word processors.

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Everything you do on your computer will rely on both hardware and software. For example, right
now you may be viewing this lesson in a web browser (software) and using your mouse (hardware)
to click from page to page. As you learn about different types of computers, ask yourself about the
differences in their hardware. As you progress through this project, you'll see that different types of
computers also often use different types of software.

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Lesson 2: what are different types of
computer

When most people hear the word computer, they think of a personal computer such as
a desktop or laptop. However, computers come in many shapes and sizes, and they perform many
different functions in our daily lives. When you withdraw cash from an ATM, scan groceries at the
store, or use a calculator, you're using a type of computer.

2.1 Desktop computer

Many people use desktop computers at work, home, and school. Desktop computers are designed to
be placed on a desk, and they're typically made up of a few different parts, including the computer
case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

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2.2 Laptop computers

The second type of computer you may be familiar with is a laptop computer, commonly called a
laptop. Laptops are battery-powered computers that are more portable than desktops, allowing you
to use them almost anywhere.

2.3 Tablet computers

Tablet computers—or tablets—are handheld computers that are even more portable than laptops.
Instead of a keyboard and mouse, tablets use a touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation.
The iPad is an example of a tablet.

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2.4 Servers

A server is a computer that serves up information to other computers on a network. For example,
whenever you use the Internet, you're looking at something that's stored on a server. Many
businesses also use local file servers to store and share files internally.

2.5 Other types of computers

Many of today's electronics are basically specialized computers, though we don't always think of
them that way. Here are a few common examples.

Smartphones: Many cell phones can do a lot of things computers can do, including browsing the
Internet and playing games. They are often called smartphones.

Wearables: Wearable technology is a general term for a group of devices—including fitness

trackers and smartwatches—that are designed to be worn throughout the day. These devices are
often called wearables for short.

Game consoles: A game console is a specialized type of computer that is used for playing video
games on your TV.

TVs: Many TVs now include applications—or apps—that let you access various types of online
content. For example, you can stream video from the Internet directly onto your TV.

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2.6 PCs and Macs
Personal computers come in two main styles: PC and Mac. Both are fully functional, but they have a
different look and feel, and many people prefer one or the other.

PCs

This type of computer began with the original IBM PC that was introduced in 1981. Other companies
began creating similar computers, which were called IBM PC Compatible (often shortened to PC).
Today, this is the most common type of personal computer, and it typically includes the Microsoft
Windows operating system.

Macs

The Macintosh computer was introduced in 1984, and it was the first widely sold personal computer
with a graphical user interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). All Macs are made by one company
(Apple), and they almost always use the Mac OS X operating system.

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Lesson 3: Basic Parts of a Computer

3.1 Introduction
The basic parts of a desktop computer are the computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power
cord. Each part plays an important role whenever you use a computer.

Watch the video below to learn about the basic parts of a computer.

3.2 Computer case

The computer case is the metal and plastic box that contains the main components of the computer,
including the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), and power supply. The front of the case
usually has an On/Off button and one or more optical drives.

Computer cases come in different shapes and sizes. A desktop case lies flat on a desk, and the
monitor usually sits on top of it. A tower case is tall and sits next to the monitor or on the floor. All-
in-one computers come with the internal components built into the monitor, which eliminates the
need for a separate case.

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3.3 Monitor

The monitor works with a video card, located inside the computer case, to display images and text
on the screen. Most monitors have control buttons that allow you to change your monitor's display
settings, and some monitors also have built-in speakers.

Newer monitors usually have LCD (liquid crystal display) or LED (light-emitting diode) displays. These
can be made very thin, and they are often called flat-panel displays. Older monitors
use CRT (cathode ray tube) displays. CRT monitors are much larger and heavier, and they take up
more desk space.

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3.4 Keyboard
The keyboard is one of the main ways to communicate with a computer. There are many different
types of keyboards, but most are very similar and allow you to accomplish the same basic tasks.

Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn about the different parts of the keyboard.

3.5 Mouse

The mouse is another important tool for communicating with computers. Commonly known as
a pointing device, it lets you point to objects on the screen, click on them, and move them.

There are two main mouse types: optical and mechanical. The optical mouse uses an electronic eye
to detect movement and is easier to clean. The mechanical mouse uses a rolling ball to detect
movement and requires regular cleaning to work properly.

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3.6 Mouse alternatives
There are other devices that can do the same thing as a mouse. Many people find them easier to
use, and they also require less desk space than a traditional mouse. The most common mouse
alternatives are below.

Trackball: A trackball has a ball that can rotate freely. Instead of moving the device like a mouse, you
can roll the ball with your thumb to move the pointer.

Touchpad: A touchpad—also called a trackpad—is a touch-sensitive pad that lets you control the
pointer by making a drawing motion with your finger. Touchpads are common on laptop computers.

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Lesson 4: Buttons and Ports on a Computer
4.1 Introduction
Take a look at the front and back of your computer case and count the number of buttons, ports,
and slots you see. Now look at your monitor and count any you find there. You probably counted at
least 10, and maybe a lot more.

Each computer is different, so the buttons, ports, and sockets will vary from computer to computer.
However, there are certain ones you can expect to find on most desktop computers. Learning how
these ports are used will help whenever you need to connect something to your computer, like a
new printer, keyboard, or mouse.

Watch the video below to learn about the buttons, ports, and slots on a desktop computer.

4.2 Front of a computer case

Click the buttons in the interactive below to become familiar with the front of a computer.

4.3 Back of a computer case

The back of a computer case has connection ports that are made to fit specific devices. The
placement will vary from computer to computer, and many companies have their own special
connectors for specific devices. Some of the ports may be color coded to help you determine which
port is used with a particular device.

Click the buttons in the interactive below to become familiar with the back of a computer.

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19
4.4 Other types of ports
There are many other types of ports, such as FireWire, Thunderbolt, and HDMI. If your computer has
ports you don't recognize, you should consult your manual for more information.

Now you try it! Practice connecting the cables with the interactive game below.

Peripherals you can use with your

computer
The most basic computer setup usually includes the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse,
but you can plug many different types of devices into the extra ports on your computer. These
devices are called peripherals. Let's take a look at some of the most common ones.

Printers: A printer is used to print documents, photos, and anything else that appears on your
screen. There are many types of printers, including inkjet, laser, and photo printers. There are
even all-in-one printers, which can also scan and copy documents.

Scanners: A scanner allows you to copy a physical image or document and save it to your computer
as a digital (computer-readable) image. Many scanners are included as part of an all-in-one printer,
although you can also buy a separate flatbed or handheld scanner.

Speakers/headphones: Speakers and headphones are output devices, which means they send
information from the computer to the user—in this case, they allow you to hear sound and music.
Depending on the model, they may connect to the audio port or the USB port. Some monitors also
have built-in speakers.

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Microphones: A microphone is a type of input device, or a device that receives information from a
user. You can connect a microphone to record sound or talk with someone else over the Internet.
Many laptop computers come with built-in microphones.

Web cameras: A web camera—or webcam—is a type of input device that can record videos and
take pictures. It can also transmit video over the Internet in real time, which allows for video
chat or video conferencing with someone else. Many webcams also include a microphone for this
reason.

Game controllers and joysticks: A game controller is used to control computer games. There are
many other types of controllers you can use, including joysticks, although you can also use
your mouse and keyboard to control most games.

Digital cameras: A digital camera lets you capture pictures and videos in a digital format. By
connecting the camera to your computer's USB port, you can transfer the images from the camera
to the computer.

Mobile phones, MP3 players, tablet computers, and other devices: Whenever you buy an electronic
device, such as a mobile phone or MP3 player, check to see if it comes with a USB cable. If it does,
this means you can most likely connect it to your computer.

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Lesson 5: Inside a Computer
Inside a computer
Have you ever looked inside a computer case, or seen pictures of the inside of one? The small parts
may look complicated, but the inside of a computer case isn't really all that mysterious. This lesson
will help you master some of the basic terminology and understand a bit more about what goes on
inside a computer.

Watch the video below to learn about what's inside a desktop computer.

5.1 Motherboard

The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board. It's a thin plate that holds the CPU, memory,
connectors for the hard drive and optical drives, expansion cards to control the video and audio, and
connections to your computer's ports (such as USB ports). The motherboard connects directly or
indirectly to every part of the computer.

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5.2 CPU/processor

The central processing unit (CPU), also called a processor, is located inside the computer case on the
motherboard. It is sometimes called the brain of the computer, and its job is to carry out commands.
Whenever you press a key, click the mouse, or start an application, you're sending instructions to the
CPU.

The CPU is usually a two-inch ceramic square with a silicon chip located inside. The chip is usually
about the size of a thumbnail. The CPU fits into the motherboard's CPU socket, which is covered by
the heat sink, an object that absorbs heat from the CPU.

A processor's speed is measured in megahertz (MHz), or millions of instructions per second;

and gigahertz (GHz), or billions of instructions per second. A faster processor can execute
instructions more quickly. However, the actual speed of the computer depends on the speed of
many different components—not just the processor.

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5.3 RAM (random access memory)

RAM is your system's short-term memory. Whenever your computer performs calculations, it
temporarily stores the data in the RAM until it is needed.

This short-term memory disappears when the computer is turned off. If you're working on a
document, spreadsheet, or other type of file, you'll need to save it to avoid losing it. When you save
a file, the data is written to the hard drive, which acts as long-term storage.

RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). The more RAM you have, the more things
your computer can do at the same time. If you don't have enough RAM, you may notice that your
computer is sluggish when you have several programs open. Because of this, many people add extra
RAM to their computers to improve performance.

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5.4 Hard drive

The hard drive is where your software, documents, and other files are stored. The hard drive is long-
term storage, which means the data is still saved even if you turn the computer off or unplug it.

When you run a program or open a file, the computer copies some of the data from the hard
drive onto the RAM. When you save a file, the data is copied back to the hard drive. The faster the
hard drive, the faster your computer can start up and load programs.

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5.5 Power supply unit

The power supply unit in a computer converts the power from the wall outlet to the type of power
needed by the computer. It sends power through cables to the motherboard and other components.

If you decide to open the computer case and take a look, make sure to unplug the computer first.
Before touching the inside of the computer, you should touch a grounded metal object—or a metal
part of the computer casing—to discharge any static buildup. Static electricity can be transmitted
through the computer circuits, which can seriously damage your machine.

5.6 Expansion cards

Most computers have expansion slots on the motherboard that allow you to add various types
of expansion cards. These are sometimes called PCI (peripheral component interconnect) cards. You
may never need to add any PCI cards because most motherboards have built-in video, sound,
network, and other capabilities.

However, if you want to boost the performance of your computer or update the capabilities of an
older computer, you can always add one or more cards. Below are some of the most common types
of expansion cards.

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Video card

The video card is responsible for what you see on the monitor. Most computers have
a GPU (graphics processing unit) built into the motherboard instead of having a
separate video card. If you like playing graphics-intensive games, you can add a faster
video card to one of the expansion slots to get better performance.

Sound card
The sound card—also called an audio card—is responsible for what you hear in the
speakers or headphones. Most motherboards have integrated sound, but you can
upgrade to a dedicated sound card for higher-quality sound.

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Network card

The network card allows your computer to communicate over a network and access
the Internet. It can either connect with an Ethernet cable or through
a wireless connection (often called Wi-Fi). Many motherboards have built-in network
connections, and a network card can also be added to an expansion slot.

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Bluetooth card (or adapter)

Bluetooth is a technology for wireless communication over short distances. It's often
used in computers to communicate with wireless keyboards, mice, and printers. It's
commonly built into the motherboard or included in a wireless network card. For
computers that don't have Bluetooth, you can purchase a USB adapter, often called
a dongle.

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Lesson 6: Laptop Computers
6.1 What is a laptop computer?
A laptop is a personal computer that can be easily moved and used in a variety of locations. Most
laptops are designed to have all of the functionality of a desktop computer, which means they can
generally run the same software and open the same types of files. However, laptops also tend to be
more expensive than comparable desktop computers.

Watch the video below to learn about laptop computers.

How is a laptop different from a desktop?

Because laptops are designed for portability, there are some important differences between them
and desktop computers. A laptop has an all-in-one design, with a built-
in monitor, keyboard, touchpad (which replaces the mouse), and speakers. This means it is fully
functional, even when no peripherals are connected. A laptop is also quicker to set up, and there are
fewer cables to get in the way.

You'll also have to the option to connect a regular mouse, larger monitor, and other peripherals. This
basically turns your laptop into a desktop computer, with one main difference: You can easily
disconnect the peripherals and take the laptop with you wherever you go.

Here are the main differences you can expect with a laptop.

Touchpad: A touchpad—also called a trackpad—is a touch-sensitive pad that lets you control the
pointer by making a drawing motion with your finger.

Battery: Every laptop has a battery, which allows you to use the laptop when it's not plugged in.
Whenever you plug in the laptop, the battery recharges. Another benefit of having a battery is that it
can provide backup power to the laptop if the power goes out.

AC adapter: A laptop usually has a specialized power cable called an AC adapter, which is designed to
be used with that specific type of laptop.

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Ports: Most laptops have the same types of ports found on desktop computers (such as USB),
although they usually have fewer ports to save space. However, some ports may be different, and
you may need an adapter in order to use them.

Price: Generally speaking, laptops tend to be more expensive than a desktop computer with the
same internal components. While you may find that some basic laptops cost less than desktop
computers, these are usually much less powerful machines.

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Lesson 7: Mobile Devices

7.1 What is a mobile device?

A mobile device is a general term for any type of handheld computer. These devices are designed to
be extremely portable, and they can often fit in your hand. Some mobile devices—like tablets, e-
readers, and smartphones—are powerful enough to do many of the same things you can do with a
desktop or laptop computer.

Tablet computers
Like laptops, tablet computers are designed to be portable. However, they provide a different
computing experience. The most obvious difference is that tablet computers don't have keyboards
or touchpads. Instead, the entire screen is touch-sensitive, allowing you to type on a virtual
keyboard and use your finger as a mouse pointer.

Tablet computers can't necessarily do everything traditional computers can do. For many people, a
traditional computer like a desktop or laptop is still needed in order to use some programs.
However, the convenience of a tablet computer means it may be ideal as a second computer.

E-readers
E-book readers—also called e-readers—are similar to tablet computers, except they are mainly
designed for reading e-books (digital, downloadable books). Notable examples include the Amazon

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Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and Kobo. Most e-readers use an e-ink display, which is easier to read
than a traditional computer display. You can even read in bright sunlight, just like if you were
reading a regular book.

You don't need an e-reader to read e-books. They can also be read on tablets, smartphones, laptops,
and desktops.

Smartphones
A smartphone is a more powerful version of a traditional cell phone. In addition to the same basic
features—phone calls, voicemail, text messaging—smartphones can connect to the Internet over
Wi-Fi or a cellular network (which requires purchasing a monthly data plan). This means you can use
a smartphone for the same things you would normally do on a computer, such as checking your
email, browsing the Web, or shopping online.

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Most smartphones use a touch-sensitive screen, meaning there isn't a physical keyboard on the
device. Instead, you'll type on a virtual keyboard and use your fingers to interact with the display.
Other standard features include a high-quality digital camera and the ability to play digital music and
video files. For many people, a smartphone can actually replace electronics like an old laptop, digital
music player, and digital camera in the same device.

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 Lesson 8: Understanding Operating Systems

8.1 What is an operating system?

An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the
computer's memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware. It also allows you
to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's
language. Without an operating system, a computer is useless.

Watch the video below to learn more about operating systems.

The operating system's job

Your computer's operating system (OS) manages all of the software and hardware on the computer.
Most of the time, there are several different computer programs running at the same time, and they
all need to access your computer's central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage. The
operating system coordinates all of this to make sure each program gets what it needs.

Types of operating systems

Operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer you buy. Most people use the
operating system that comes with their computer, but it's possible to upgrade or even change
operating systems. The three most common operating systems for personal computers
are Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Modern operating systems use a graphical user interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). A GUI lets you
use your mouse to click icons, buttons, and menus, and everything is clearly displayed on the screen
using a combination of graphics and text.

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Each operating system's GUI has a different look and feel, so if you switch to a different operating
system it may seem unfamiliar at first. However, modern operating systems are designed to be easy
to use, and most of the basic principles are the same.

Microsoft Windows
Microsoft created the Windows operating system in the mid-1980s. There have been many different
versions of Windows, but the most recent ones are Windows 10 (released in 2015), Windows
8 (2012), Windows 7 (2009), and Windows Vista (2007). Windows comes pre-loaded on most new
PCs, which helps to make it the most popular operating system in the world.

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macOS
macOS (previously called OS X) is a line of operating systems created by Apple. It comes preloaded
on all Macintosh computers, or Macs. Some of the specific versions include Mojave (released in
2018), High Sierra (2017), and Sierra (2016).

According to StatCounter Global Stats, macOS users account for less than 10% of global operating
systems—much lower than the percentage of Windows users (more than 80%). One reason for this
is that Apple computers tend to be more expensive. However, many people do prefer the look and
feel of macOS over Windows.

Linux
Linux (pronounced LINN-ux) is a family of open-source operating systems, which means they can be
modified and distributed by anyone around the world. This is different from proprietary
software like Windows, which can only be modified by the company that owns it. The advantages of
Linux are that it is free, and there are many different distributions—or versions—you can choose
from.

According to StatCounter Global Stats, Linux users account for less than 2% of global operating
systems. However, most servers run Linux because it's relatively easy to customize.

To learn more about different distributions of Linux, visit the Ubuntu, Linux Mint,
and Fedora websites, or refer to our Linux Resources. For a more comprehensive list, you can visit
MakeUseOf's list of The Best Linux Distributions.

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Operating systems for mobile
devices
The operating systems we've been talking about so far were designed to run
on desktop and laptop computers. Mobile devices such as phones, tablet computers, and MP3
players are different from desktop and laptop computers, so they run operating systems that are
designed specifically for mobile devices. Examples of mobile operating systems include Apple
iOS and Google Android. In the screenshot below, you can see iOS running on an iPad.

Operating systems for mobile devices generally aren't as fully featured as those made for desktop
and laptop computers, and they aren't able to run all of the same software. However, you can still
do a lot of things with them, like watch movies, browse the Web, manage your calendar, and play
games.

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 9: Understanding Applications

9.1 What is an application?

You may have heard people talking about using a program, an application, or an app. But what
exactly does that mean? Simply put, an app is a type of software that allows you to perform specific
tasks. Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes called desktop applications,
while those for mobile devices are called mobile apps.

When you open an application, it runs inside the operating system until you close it. Most of the
time, you will have more than one application open at the same time, which is known as multi-
tasking.

App is a common term for an application, especially for simple applications that can be
downloaded inexpensively or even for free. Many apps are also available for mobile devices and
even some TVs.

Watch the video below to learn more about applications.

Desktop applications
There are countless desktop applications, and they fall into several categories. Some are more full
featured (like Microsoft Word), while others may only do one or two things (like
a clock or calendar app). Below are just a few types of applications you might use.

Word processors: A word processor allows you to write a letter, design a flyer, and create many
other types of documents. The most well-known word processor is Microsoft Word.

Web browsers: A web browser is the tool you use to access the Internet. Most computers come with
a web browser pre-installed, but you can also download a different one if you prefer. Examples of
browsers include Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari.

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Media players: If you want to listen to MP3s or watch movies you've downloaded, you'll need to use
a media player. Windows Media Player and iTunes are popular media players.

Games: There are many types of games you can play on your computer. They range from card games
like Solitaire to action games like Halo. Many action games require a lot of computing power, so they
may not work unless you have a newer computer.

Mobile apps
Desktop and laptop computers aren't the only devices that can run applications. You can also
download apps for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Here are a few examples of mobile
apps.

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Gmail: You can use the Gmail app to easily view and send emails from your mobile device. It's
available for Android and iOS devices.

Instagram: You can use Instagram to quickly share photos with your friends and family. It's available
for Android and iOS.

Duolingo: With a combination of quizzes, games, and other activities, this app can help you learn
new languages. It's available for Android and iOS.

Installing new applications

Every computer and mobile device will come with some applications already built in, such as a web
browser and media player. However, you can also purchase and install new apps to add more
functionality. You can review our lessons on Installing Software on Your Windows PC, Installing
Software on Your Mac, and Free Software to learn more.

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 10: Setting Up a Computer

Setting up a computer
So you have a new computer and you're ready to set it up. This may seem like an overwhelming and
complicated task, but it's actually a lot easier than you might think! Most computers are set up in a
similar way, so it doesn't matter what brand of computer you have.

If you're setting up a new computer that's still in the box, you'll probably find a how-to guide that
includes step-by-step details. Even if it didn't include instructions, you can still set up the computer
in a few easy steps. We'll take you through the different steps needed to set up a typical computer.

Watch the video below to learn how to set up a desktop computer.

Setting up a laptop computer

If you have a laptop, setup should be easy: Just open it and press the power button. If the battery
isn't charged, you'll need to plug in the AC adapter. You can continue using the laptop while it
charges.

If your laptop has any peripherals, like external speakers, you may want to read the instructions
below. Laptops and desktops generally use the same types of connections, so the same steps will
still apply.

Setting up a desktop computer

Step 1
Unpack the monitor and computer case from the box. Remove any plastic covering or protective
tape. Place the monitor and computer case on a desk or work area.

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Be sure to place your computer case in an area that is well ventilated and has good air flow. This will
help to prevent the computer from overheating.

Step 2
Locate the monitor cable. There are several types of monitor cables, so the one for your computer
may not look like the one in the image below.

If you're having trouble finding your monitor cable, refer to the instruction manual for your
computer. (If you have an all-in-one computer that's built into the monitor, you can skip to Step 4).

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Step 3
Connect one end of the cable to the monitor port on the back of the computer case and the other
end to the monitor.

Many computer cables will only fit a specific way. If the cable doesn't fit, don't force it or you might
damage the connectors. Make sure the plug aligns with the port, then connect it.

Step 4
Unpack the keyboard and determine whether it uses a USB (rectangular) connector or a PS/2 (round)
connector. If it uses a USB connector, plug it into any of the USB ports on the back of the computer.
If it uses a PS/2 connector, plug it into the purple keyboard port on the back of the computer.

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Step 5
Unpack the mouse and determine whether it uses a USB or PS/2 connector. If it uses a USB
connector, plug it into any of the USB ports on the back of the computer. If it uses a PS/2 connector,
plug it into the green mouse port on the back of the computer.

If your keyboard has a USB port, you can connect your mouse to the keyboard instead of connecting
it directly to your computer.

If you have a wireless mouse or keyboard, you may need to connect a Bluetooth dongle (USB
adapter) to your computer. However, many computers have built-in Bluetooth, so an adapter may
not be necessary.

Step 6
If you have external speakers or headphones, you can connect them to your computer's audio
port (either on the front or back of the computer case). Many computers have color-coded
ports. Speakers or headphones connect to the green port, and microphones connect to
the pink port. The blue port is the line in, which can be used with other types of devices.

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Some speakers, headphones, and microphones have USB connectors instead of the usual audio plug.
These can be connected to any USB port. In addition, many computers have speakers or
microphones built into the monitor.

Step 7
Locate the two power supply cables that came with your computer. Plug the first power supply cable
into the back of the computer case and then into a surge protector. Then, using the other cable,
connect the monitor to the surge protector.

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You can also use an uninterruptable power supply (UPS), which acts as a surge protector and
provides temporary power if there is a power outage.

Step 8
Finally, plug the surge protector into a wall outlet. You may also need to turn on the surge
protector if it has a power switch.

If you don't have a surge protector, you can plug the computer directly into the wall. However, this
is not recommended because electrical surges can damage your computer.

Step 9
If you have a printer, scanner, webcam, or other peripherals, you can connect them at this point.
Many peripherals are plug and play, which means they will be recognized by your computer as soon
as they are plugged in.

Other peripherals may include software that needs to be installed before you can begin using them.
Use the instructions included with the device to install it if necessary.

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Generally, peripherals are optional, and you can add new ones at any time; you don't have to add all
peripherals during the initial setup of your computer.

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