How to Set up a Computer

This is how to set up a PC for use with Windows and Linux operating systems. Make sure you have everything to use the PC.

Steps

  1. 1
    First, purchase a Desktop PC from companies such as Dell and PC World. Make sure that the PC does what you want it to do.
  2. 2
    Next, open the box to find the components purchased with the desktop (monitor, mouse, keyboard).
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  3. Image titled Set up a Computer Step 3
    3
    After that, place the desktop where you think it should go (near or on a desk is good).
  4. Image titled Set up a Computer Step 4
    4
    Now, connect the cables. You should have a VGA or DVI cable for the monitor, a 3.5 mm cable for the speakers, A PS/2 or USB cable for the keyboard and mouse and a power cable.
  5. Image titled Set up a Computer Step 5
    5
    After that, connect everything to an extension cable and connect that to an AC outlet.
  6. Image titled Set up a Computer Step 6
    6
    Next, turn on the PC.
  7. Image titled Set up a Computer Step 7
    7
    You're all set up!
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    How can I change the display size on the desktop?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    For Windows, go to Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Display > Change display settings or Adjust screen resolution.
  • Question
    My computer is prompting me to check the video cable. Where and what is that?
    Denneisk
    Denneisk
    Top Answerer
    The video cable is the cable that sends video (and sometimes audio) information to the monitor. Depending on what kind of cable you used, it could look different. Look for something blue, white or black. In step four of this article, the blue connector is a 'male' VGA connector, which is a video cable.
  • Question
    Should I choose auto setup or custom setup?
    Denneisk
    Denneisk
    Top Answerer
    In most cases, all you need is automatic setup, but some people prefer custom setup because they want to change certain variables. If the custom option is overwhelming, back out and choose automatic or choose the default settings.
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Warnings

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Things You'll Need

  • A desktop computer
  • Peripherals such as monitors, speakers, keyboards and mouse
  • Optional extras such as cameras and iPods

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About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 63,015 times.
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Co-authors: 8
Updated: February 2, 2023
Views: 63,015
Categories: Setting Up Your Computer
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