Computer Tips

PC Setup – How to Set Up a PC

PC Setup

After taking delivery of a new desktop PC – whether you bought a branded (ie HP Acer, ASUS, etc) desktop or not – you need to spend some time to perform an initial or first-time PC setup in order to get it running. This includes plugging in all necessary cables, a monitor (if applicable), mouse and keyboard (wired or cordless), speakers, a printer/scanner, in addition to setting up the Windows operating system and productivity software like MS Office.

Before you start setting up your PC, make sure you have all the necessary items:

  • PC tower or case: this houses the core components of any computer system and is critical in setting up your PC;
  • Monitor: If upgrading you may already have a monitor and it should work on your new PC, but ensure that it supports the input connection types compatible with your new system. Your new computer may be an all-in-one system, where the monitor/ display and speakers are combined as a single integrated device;
  • Mouse and Keyboard: A mouse and keyboard that is connected via USB to control the computer. These can be wired or corded, wireless (including Bluetooth);
  • Other peripheral devices such as speakers and webcam;
  • All essential cables such as power for monitor and PC and video connector for a monitor.

Connecting Cables

Connecting the various cables for a PC is an easy part of a PC setup. Included in the box that your new PC came in should be a power cable. This cable plugs into a wall socket or power board and into the power supply on your desktop which is usually located at the rear of the case – usually at the bottom, but sometimes at the top. It is fairly easy to spot. Sometimes, there is also an on and off switch next to the plug, which you will need to ensure is in the ON position once fully plugged in.

Monitor Setup

Next step in the PC setup, is the monitor setup. Depending on what sort of monitor you get there are multiple different cables that go from the PC to the monitor. This includes Display Port, HDMI, DVI and VGA.

Each connection has its advantages and disadvantages; HDMI is restricted to 60 Hz and is generally used for TV’s but works perfectly fine for the usual 60 Hz monitor. Display Port is used for 144 Hz displays, and DVI is an older connection that works fine with 1080p monitors, but usually limited to monitors up to and including 24 inches with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1600. Keep in mind that all of these cables are digital so they all have the same quality it is just some extra features that make the difference, but the common user sees one.

Using cables featuring any of these connection types is straight forward. One side of the plug goes into the monitor and the other into the back of the PC, it is generally pretty easy to tell which plug goes whereas they all have rather distinct features. Once plugged in, make sure the monitor is plugged in and working.

Connect Peripherals

After this you must plug in your mouse and keyboard, this is again fairly easy as they will both be USB and plugged into the back of the PC. Universal Serial Bus or USB has been around for a number of years and is one of the best and most reliable connections and is the only one you available for wired and wireless mice and keyboard. Some computers, especially custom-built systems, may still include 1 or 2 older style PS2 connectors (coloured green and purple and circular in shape) for older style mice and keyboards.

Lastly, don’t forget to connect your speakers if you have these as well. Usually, there is a small round socket at the rear of case – often coloured light-green – for you to connect your speaker cable.

Boot Up

After you have done all of this, boot up the computer and make sure that the monitor is working. If something is not working check that all the cables at the back of the PC have been correctly and fully plugged into the right socket and restart the computer. If a problem still persists contact us at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service.

Windows Operating System Setup

You then need to follow the on-screen dialogue which will guide you through the Windows operating system setup. The Windows OS setup can be fairly easy as there are simple questions such as what language and keyboard setup you want. After a few minutes, Windows will complete the setup/ installation on your new PC, and you will be successfully up and running.

Connect to the Internet

At this stage of the PC setup, you will need to connect to the internet. To do this you have two options, wireless or Ethernet. If your PC has Ethernet only then you must run a cable from your router to your PC and plug it in. If you have wireless capabilities, simply find your WI-FI router under the list and input the password. Once connected, make sure that your PC is completely up to date as there may be some vital updates that could cause your PC to not work as expected.

Our recommendation is that you opt for a customised setup. That way, you can decide whether to set up your new PC using a Microsoft account, a user password, etc. We strongly recommend that you update the Windows operating system first before installing your other applications and copying across your data.

Affordable Computer Repairs and Service

This advice was provided by a Brisbane computer repair business, Affordable Computer Repairs and Service.

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