How to Open a Desktop Computer

Setting Up a Computer

1. Remove the computer from the box. If you're trying to set up a new computer, the first step is to remove the computer from the box. Do this in a safe area. It may be a good idea to remove the computer from the box somewhere low to the ground to minimize damage in the event you drop the computer.^[11]

   1. Make sure to remove any plastic wrap on the computer. The monitor may have a layer of plastic wrap over the screen that needs removal before you can use the computer safely.^[12]
   2. Place your computer and monitor in the area where you'll be working. You want to find a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating.^[13]

2. Find and connect the monitor cable. Once you've removed your computer from the box, you can begin set up. To start, you'll need to connect the monitor cable.

   1. There is no single kind of monitor cable. Their appearance varies by size and shape depending on your type of computer. The monitor cable may be labeled in its packaging. You can also consult your owner's manual to find an image of the proper cable.^[14]
   2. Once you find the cable, connect it to the back of your computer. You should be able to tell, based on the plug's shape, which portal the cable goes into. If there are screws around this portal, tighten them by hand.^[15]

3. Set up the keyboard. From here, you should set up the keyboard. The keyboard will usually be in the box your computer came in, so you'll need to unwrap it first and remove any plastic wrap. From there, see what kind of connector it uses.

   1. Keyboards may use a USB connector, which is a rectangular connect. USB connectors are generally plugged in on any USB ports found on the back of the computer.^[16]
   2. Keyboards can also use round connectors, referred to as PS/2 connectors. These connectors are plugged into a purple port found on the back of a computer.^[17]

4. Plug in the mouse. Next, plug in your mouse. Like the keyboard, it may be packaged and wrapped, so remove any plastic wrap accordingly. A mouse will also either use a PS/2 or USB connector. PS/2 connectors are plugged into the green portal in the back of the computer. USB connectors are plugged into any USB port found on the back of the computer.^[18]

5. Install speakers or headphone. If you have speakers of headphones you want to install, you can do so after setting up the keyboard and mouse. These are usually connected to the audio port, found on the front or back of a computer case.^[19]

   1. Some audio ports are color coded. A green port is where you would connect a headphones. A microphone would be connected using a pink port. The blue port would is used for any other type of device, such as speakers.^[20]

6. Plug in the computer. Once you have everything plugged into the ports, you can now plug in your computer. Most desktop computers come with two power supply cables.

   1. Plug the first power supply cable into the back of a computer case. Then, plug it into a surge protector. Use the other cable to connect your monitor with your computer.^[21]
   2. When you're done, you can plug the surge protector into the wall. If you do not have a surge protector, you can plug the computer directly into the wall. However, this is not recommended as electrical surges can cause potential damage to your computer.^[22]

7. Turn on the computer and monitor. Once everything is connected, turn your computer on. If you connected everything correctly, your computer should start up without trouble. If your computer does not turn on, go back and double check to make sure everything is plugged in correctly. If you're still having trouble, call the help number listed on the manufacturer's instructions. Someone at Tech Support can help you sort out the issue.

8. Finished.