Setting up a computer starts with opening big boxes. If one box screams "Open me first!" open it first. It probably contains instructions. Otherwise, open the console box and look for the setup instructions. After you find the instructions, locate the sheet that lists all the parts that came with your computer. Try to find all the parts to make sure that you have everything.
If you bought any expansion options - extra memory or a network card, for example - the dealer will have installed them. You don't have to plug them in on your own.
Also, don't panic if you can't find some small computer part (like the keyboard) when you're unpacking your computer. These beasts come in lots of boxes and in boxes within boxes. Look everywhere before calling your dealer.
- You have no easy way to ensure that the stuff installed inside the computer is really what you paid for. Generally speaking, however, news of improperly installed hardware, or "switcheroos," travels quickly. Your computer guru can quickly tell you whether your computer's console contains all the stuff you have paid for.
- Some dealers install internal components in the console and then place those components' empty boxes inside the console box to demonstrate that the gizmo has been installed. Don't think that you have been ripped off if you find an empty network card adapter box; it probably means the adapter was installed and they just tossed in the box.
- Always keep the phone numbers of your dealer and computer manufacturer handy. Also, look out for special support numbers; some manufacturers offer a 24-hour, toll-free support number.
"What do I do with all this stuff?"
You can unpack most of the material in the boxes now, if you like, and set each item aside. You probably have several stacks:
- The monitor, with its cables
- The console
- The power cable
- The mouse
- The keyboard
- A stack of disks
- A stack of "free" offers and other paperwork
- Reference material
Just keep everything in its stack for now. You need each item as you build your computer. Eventually, after a few days or weeks, you can review all the stuff that came with your computer and decide what you want to keep. Some "free" offers can get tossed right away, but wait before throwing anything out until you know what it is.
"Should I keep the boxes?"
Computers are shipped with a great deal of packing material: plastic bags, twist ties, rubber bands, and so on. For now, keep everything. You have two reasons to keep the boxes and packing materials: to return a bum computer to the dealer and for when you move.
If the computer dies on you, you need something in which to ship it back. In many cases, it's worth it to keep the original boxes. Some dealers claim that not shipping the computer in its original box voids your warranty. That's not good.
If you move frequently, you should keep the boxes. Many moving companies don't insure your computers unless they're in the original packing material.
- Also, be on the lookout for boxes within boxes! Don't toss out any box until you've examined it thoroughly for anything you may need.
- The boxes do make for clutter. You may decide to discard your boxes after a year. A year is usually well past the time a computer or monitor may turn sour, so then it's okay.
"Do I have to read the manuals?"
You should at least look over all the manuals, just to see what you have. Keep all the manuals together in one spot so that you can read them later.
- Most computers don't come with real manuals any more. If any information is to be found, the computer itself displays it. (This doesn't help you much when the power goes out, though.)
- Consider getting one of those folder-organizer boxes from an office supply store. You can put your computer's manuals, disks, and other stuff in one of those for long-term safekeeping.
Putting it together
Now that you know where the computer goes and you have everything situated for optimal computer use, go ahead and put it together. How? Although each computer is different, you put everything together in some standard ways.
The whole operation takes about half an hour, or more if you have additional items, such as printers or scanners, to install.
- Be patient. Give yourself plenty of room and time.
- Keep pets and small children at a distance when you set up your computer. If you keep a cold beverage handy, put it in a safe place, where spilling it won't be a problem.
- You may need a flashlight to see behind your computer after it's set up.
