Module # 2.1.1

Set up a Computer

Getting there

So you finally got a computer. Now how do you make it go?

1. Find a good location. This means someplace away from extreme temperatures and moisture. It should also have plenty of space.

1A. Think about ERGONOMICS. This is the study of work. In English, this means "make sure it is comfortable to work at the computer. The center of the monitor screen should be just below eye level for the user (remember children are shorter than adults). The keyboard should be at a height so that the user can have their wrists straight and their elbows bent at about 90 degrees while using it.

1B. The controls should be easily within reach. The disk drives should be easy to get to.

Exercise 1

Look at the computer you are using, look to see if it is set up ERGONOMICALLY. Then think about a child using the computer and answer the question again. Turn on any peripherals (like printers or other external hardware)

Getting There 2

2. Now comes the fun part. Each piece of a computer is connected with wires to the other parts.

2A. Plug the power cord from the CPU into a grounded outlet (it is best if you use a surge suppressing power strip. These strips have built in protection that helps protect your computer in case something funny happens to the power coming into your building).

2B. Plug the power cable from your monitor into a surge suppresser. Plug the other monitor cable (it has a lot of wires) into the back of your computer.

2C. Plug the keyboard into the CPU. There is usually a jack on the back of the computer with a picture of a keyboard.

2D. Plug the mouse into the computer. There is usually a jack on the back of the computer with a picture of a mouse.

Exercise 2

Look at the cords and plugs on the back of the computer you are using. See where they plug in and how you would tell which is the right place to plug them in.

Getting There 3

3. Now you are ready to turn the computer on. Make sure you have some time to do this. Once you start, you really shouldn't stop until the computer has finished walking you through the first steps. Follow the directions that the computer gives you.