Connect the printer to the computer
If you have a printer, you can connect your printer using a standard parallel printer cable to
the parallel printer port. Other peripheral devices such as scanners or zip drives can also be
connected via the parallel port. As well as the printer being physically connected to the
computer, you will also have to setup the software which communicates with the printer; this
will be covered later in the section on
Printing.
Equipment check
Be sure to check that there are no trailing wires or cables which might cause obstruction or
pose a possible risk of tripping anyone (even if a person is not injured, equipment can be
pulled off desks and damaged easily). Try to keep cabling neat and tidy - it is easier to
manage and less likely to cause accidents. Also it is a good idea to ensure you have easy
access to the mains power switch on the wall in case of extreme emergency.
Allow space around your computer equipment for cooling ventilation.
Connect the computer to the mains power supply
If the plug supplied is not suitable for the power supply in your country, please consult your
supplier. Do not attempt to repair or replace the mains cord yourself - refer to your supplier
instead. Do not operate this equipment if any cables are damaged.
Once your peripherals are connected, connect the computer base unit to the mains electricity
using the cable supplied. When the cable is connected and the mains power is switched on,
there is a small voltage permanently fed to the motherboard to allow certain parts of the
computer to remain live. This will be evident by the green power light flashing
intermittently.
Even before you press the 'power-on' switch it can be 'woken' at any time by an appropriate
signal via the keyboard, the network, the modem (if present), or the power switch (of course)
, as desired and configured. When the computer is powered up fully, the green light will be
on continuously.
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