by Technophobes;the Kicking;Screaming Is This Thing On?: A Computer Handbook for Late Bloomers
TAKE YOUR TIME
These suggestions for getting the most out of your salesperson hold true if you’re purchasing by telephone as well. Let the salesperson know you have all the time in the world to make the right decision.
If You Still Aren’t Sure
If after all your research you still haven’t decided which computer you want, ask the salesperson to show you the top two computers that interest you. Then ask to see the models just higher and lower in price to give you a better feel for what’s right for you. Don’t deviate from your budget, but do make sure you’re buying a computer that meets all your needs.
Review What You’re Interested in Buying
Before you set foot into your local computer store to buy a machine, decide on the following:
• Laptop vs. desktop (Review Chapter 4)
• Mac vs. PC (Review Chapter 6)
Here are a few other things that you should have done by now:
• Checked out computers of friends and family
• Researched computer magazines for their recommendations
• Gone for a test-drive
• Reviewed your filled-in Test-Drive Form
Return Policy
What is the store’s return policy? There may be a certain number of days that you can return your computer for no better reason than you’ve changed your mind or you don’t like the color. However, if you want to take advantage of this, you’d better get the new machine up and running in that amount of time. No procrastinating on this or you will be in the soup! Be delicate with the packaging. Some stores won’t accept returns if the package is damaged.
Keeping Track of Things
Be sure to ask your salesperson for a couple of business cards. If you have any questions down the road, his or her telephone number will be at your fingertips. Also ask the salesperson to fill in the blank Test-Drive Form. This will prove a helpful record of the computer and peripherals you have bought.
At this point, the success of your shopping trip is not based on luck. You have all the information that you need to make a wise computer purchase. I wasn’t as well informed when I bought my first computer, and it served me well for seven years. Go to your computer store confident that you know more about computers than the average customer. When you get home with your new machine and you want to set it up, I will be waiting for you in Chapter 10.
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Q: How long should I wait to buy a new computer when I hear something new is coming out?
A: It is hard to know. I don’t like to jump on the new technology right after it’s been released. I want someone else to figure out the flaws and have the manufacturer update it accordingly, and then I start shopping around.
Q: I’ve been offered a used computer. Should I buy it?
A: Someone with more computer experience than you should definitely test-drive the machine for you first. A used computer can prove a very nice startup machine for someone, but you may outgrow it sooner than you think. There is a reason it’s being sold, and it may be that the computer is slow. Is it worth the hassles of uncertainty when you can buy a new computer for close to $500?
Q: What criteria do you use to choose a salesperson?
A: I want a salesperson who can explain things clearly and who I get an instinctively good feeling about. If there isn’t anyone around who fits that description, it may not be the store where I want to shop.
BABY’S FIRST DAY HOME
CHAPTER 10
Counting Fingers and Toes
Taking your new computer out of the box and connecting all the parts
You are now in all likelihood the proud owner of a computer. Congratulations on the new addition to your home! Give yourself a pat on the back (or a pink cigar) from me. Not unlike the arrival of a newborn, you might be feeling a little nervous about whether you’ll have what it takes to be a good computer parent. Don’t give it another thought. You’re a natural… you just don’t know it yet.
From this point forward, we’ll be doing hands-on work with your computer. Don’t worry, I know you’ll do great. You can read through the chapter if you want, but then come back to the beginning and follow the instructions step by step. Illustrated setup instructions may also be included with your new computer. (Be forewarned—these may be harder to follow than your tax return.) The instructions here will help simplify the process. Read them along with the instructions that come with your computer.
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“Some people may feel comfortable setting up their own computer, but I would rather spend the money to have someone come and do it for me.”
—Kathy
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Set the Scene
There are three things that you must do before you even open your computer boxes.
1. Find a large (at least 8” × 12”) mailing envelope or a gallon self-sealing plastic bag that can be closed securely. Label it “Computer Information.” Put all your sales receipts and any other paperwork from the computer store into the envelope or bag. If your salesperson filled out the Test-Drive Form when you made your purchase, you can skip the next steps. If you don’t have a filled-out computer Test-Drive Form, take a clean piece of paper and write down the following information on it:
• The date of purchase. (If you do have a Test-Drive Form, write the date of purchase at the top.)
• The store where you made your purchase, as well as the phone number and name of your salesperson (or staple the salesperson’s card to the piece of paper).
• The length of the warranty and extended warranty, if you purchased one.
• Look on the outside of your computer’s packing box. It will probably have a description of your computer. If it does, copy down the brand name of your computer and any numbers or letters that follow—this indicates the model. Most likely the speed of your CPU, size of your hard drive, and speed of your RAM will also appear on the outside of the box. Note these as well. Next, write down the speed of your modem. Last but not least, write down any peripherals you bought—printer, scanner, or modem (include brand and model). If this information isn’t on the packing boxes, you can get the details when you set up the computer.
Put all this documentation inside your “Computer Information” packet.
2. The next thing you have to do is make space. Don’t try to set up the computer in an area where there’s a lot of clutter. A clean, open workspace not only makes for a pleasant work environment, but the computer also needs proper ventilation. Look at the workspace that you want to use for the computer, and move everything that’s in your way to the other end of the room. You can move things back eventually, but it’s much easier to keep track of what you’re doing (and much less frustrating) if you have plenty of space to work in. If you are unsure of your workspace, go back to Chapter 5 for a quick review of some factors to consider in choosing one.
3. Finally, have a pair of scissors, box of rubber bands, wastebasket, roll of masking tape, and small box or an available section of a bookshelf at the ready.
Before you connect all the parts, feel free to ask a computer-owning friend or family member to help you. This is not a test of your ability to last four days in the forest alone. If someone in the know is willing to set up your computer, it’s perfectly fine to let them do it. Maybe you’ve even convinced someone from the computer store—or a high school student—to help. Just be sure that you pay attention to what’s done. Take notes if you want to. There may come a time when you’ll move the computer, and it will be helpful to understand how it’s all connected.
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“I wanted to put it together myself. I figured it was the best way to get to know the machine. I did it very slowly.”
—Ralph
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The Moment We’ve Been Waiting For
If you’ve bought a laptop computer, the unpacking stage is quite simple. There will only be your computer, an electrical cord, and a few incidental items to unpack. However, if you’ve bought a deskto
p, there will be several large items—a monitor, the computer case, the keyboard, and several cords to connect everything.
1. Use scissors to cut open the box. Be gentle. Not only is your investment inside, but if you do have buyer’s remorse, you’ll have to return the computer in its original package. Try not to destroy the box or the big pieces of packing materials. My sister saves all her equipment boxes. She has moved several times, and it gives her great comfort to have her computer happily secure in its original boxes—safe from the dangers of careless movers.
2. If you’ve bought a desktop, be aware that the computer case and the monitor can be quite heavy and unwieldy. It is a good idea to set the box gently on its side and drag the piece of equipment out of the box along the floor. If you think it’s too heavy for you, do not try to take it out of the box yourself. You don’t want to hurt yourself or damage the computer. If it all seems manageable, gently remove the computer parts from their boxes and set them carefully on the floor.
3. Each packing box will also contain the proper cords. As an extra precaution, you can stop now and label each cord with masking tape. For example, mark “Monitor to outlet” on the cord that plugs into the wall and “Monitor to computer case” on the other cord. “Keyboard to computer case,” and so on. That way, if you move the computer, there’ll be no confusion about which cord goes to which part.
• Labeling the cords that connect the parts of the computer proves helpful if you ever have to move the computer.
4. Until all the parts are situated, it’s safest to have them where they can’t be knocked over. The instructional books, warranties, installation disks, and small parts included with your computer should be placed by the parts they came with and kept together with a rubber band. It’s very important that you don’t misplace any of the CDs or DVDs that came with your equipment. These are the installation disks for the operating software and are used as backup if your computer breaks down. It is unusual, but there is always the chance that your computer might have a major failure and lose everything stored in its memory. If for some reason the software (either operating or application) is affected, you will use these disks to reinstall. Eventually all these things will be stored in the box that you set aside or on the available space on your bookshelf. If there is anything really tiny that might get lost, put it in your “Computer Information” envelope.
• The main components of your desktop computer are the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
5. On each piece of equipment (whether it is a laptop or a desktop) there is a serial number (usually on the back or bottom). Take the piece of paper with all your computer information on it and jot down these serial numbers. Be clear about which serial number goes with which item. It’s much easier to record these numbers now than after the computer has been set up. This is also the time to record the brand and model if it wasn’t on the box.
Once all the parts of your computer are out of the box, sit down. Take a few minutes and just look at everything. Admire your purchase. Soon you’ll be working with it.
Also set aside any registration cards that came with your equipment. They should be filled out and sent in after you’re sure everything is in working order. The piece of paper where you recorded all the serial numbers will be your resource to complete the registration cards.
Take time to look over the written material that came with your computer, including the illustrated brochure on how to set everything up. No matter how tempting it is to forge ahead and hook everything up, don’t. It is very important that you follow the instructions that the manufacturer has given, along with the steps here. Once a mistake has been made and something is hooked up improperly, it is a bear to backtrack and make a correction.
COMPATIBILITY
It is very important that whatever extras you buy for your computer are compatible with your system. If you get home and discover the salesclerk was wrong, the parts are not compatible, take them back to the store!
Examine the Ports
Before you plug anything in, get acquainted with the ports at the back of your computer. Notice that the cords and ports are designed as pairs; the number of holes in one port corresponds to the number of prongs on one of the cords. If, when you begin plugging things in, you feel any resistance, remove the cord and confirm that it matches the port.
Be aware that the prongs on the cords are very delicate. If you bend one of the prongs, gently, very gently, urge it back to its original position.
• The ports at the back of the computer case are where the cords plug in.
Putting It All Together
If you have chosen a laptop computer, setup is very simple: Set the computer on your desk and plug the electrical cord into the back of the computer. Do not plug it into the wall yet.
If you have a desktop, the procedure for attaching all the parts of the computer is the same, whether you have purchased a Mac or a PC. Before you follow these directions, read the manufacturer’s instructions.
HANDLE YOUR LAPTOP WITH CARE!
The screen of a laptop is very fragile, and some of them are not covered under the warranty. If by chance you damage the screen, that may be the end of the computer. Repairing a screen can cost almost as much as it would to replace the entire computer. Be careful!
1. Gently and carefully pick up the computer case and place it where you want it. (Remember: Don’t place the computer case directly on carpeting because it may generate static electricity that can harm the unit.) Don’t forget you’re going to want the computer case where you can easily reach it. Position it so that the ports at the back are still within reach. You will swing it into its final position once everything is plugged in. Attach the electrical cord to the back of the computer case, but do not plug it into the wall outlet yet.
2. The monitor should be placed either on top of your desk or on top of the computer case on your desk. The monitor is very fragile. If you can’t manage it, leave it where it is and ask someone to help you. Attach the cord that connects the monitor to the computer case. Then take the electrical cord for the monitor and plug it into the back of the monitor. Do not plug it into the outlet yet.
3. The keyboard should be placed on your desk or pull-out shelf and plugged into the appropriate port on the computer case.
4. Set the mouse to the right of the keyboard and plug it in. Usually the mouse plugs into the computer case. If it doesn’t, it will plug into the keyboard or sometimes even the monitor. Refer to the setup page in the instruction book that came with your computer to be sure. If you have a mouse pad, place it under the mouse.
5. If the modem is not built into your machine or you are using a high-speed modem, connect the modem according to its instruction sheet. If you are using a dial-up connection to the Internet, the computer should have come with a phone cord for your internal modem. Plug this phone cord into the hole that looks like a phone jack on the modem. Plug the other end of the phone cord into the phone jack on your wall. If the phone cord isn’t long enough to reach the jack, you may have to buy a longer one.
ATTENTION, SOUTHPAWS
The mouse can also be positioned to the left of your keyboard. However, if you bought a PC, the function of the mouse buttons will be reversed. We’re going to rectify that in Chapter 12. You might want to leave the mouse on the right side of the computer until then. If you bought a Mac, you can set the mouse on either side of the keyboard. I have several students who write with their left hand but manipulate the mouse with their right. Try it both ways to see which you prefer.
• The mouse is positioned with the “tail” pointing away from you.
6. If you have bought a printer, a scanner, or any other peripheral, place it where you want it to be. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation. It is important that you plug in the cords to the computer only when instructed.
Before you plug anything into the electrical outlet, let’s review what we have done so far.
• The monito
r and keyboard are plugged into the back of your computer case.
• The mouse is plugged into either the computer case, monitor, or keyboard.
• The monitor and computer case also have cords that will eventually plug into an electrical source.
Sit back and view your creation. Take a break now and do something else, or if you’re up to it, you can take the next big step of plugging it in, as described in the next section.
OOPS—SOMETHING’S MISSING
Are you missing a cord? Before you call the store, make sure that you’ve looked in all your boxes and on the floor where you unpacked everything. It is unusual for a cord not to be packed with the equipment, but it isn’t impossible. Once you’re sure the cord isn’t hiding somewhere, inform your salesperson that you are missing a cord. It’s a drag, but you will probably have to go back to the store to pick it up.
Plug It In, Plug It In
Okay, are you ready to take the final steps before turning the computer on? Here goes.
• Take the surge protector and position it near all the power cords. Do not plug it into the wall yet.
• Plug the monitor, computer case, printer, and any other peripherals into the surge protector.
• Finally—plug the surge protector into the wall outlet! There may be an indicator light on the surge protector to let you know that it is connected. If that light is not lit, there should be an on/off switch on the surge protector; flip the switch and the light should go on.
