Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Some components may have a protective plastic fi lm over them, such as the monitor
screen or the corners or logos on a case. Pull these off and discard them.
Set the case either on a solid desk (not a wobbly card table or TV tray) or on the fl oor,
so there is no danger of the case being knocked off or falling. If the case will be in a
cubbyhole, drawer, or cabinet where there is limited airfl ow, consider what you can do to
increase airfl ow to that area so the computer doesn't overheat.
Don't plug in the computer's power until you've plugged in all the other components;
power should be the last cable to be connected. (You'll learn about the plugs for other
components in the next section.)
As you position the desk and the computer, think about where the cords will run. Set
the keyboard, mouse, and monitor where you think you'll want them, and note whether the
cables will reach to the case, and whether those cables will be draped across any areas where
they may be in danger of getting yanked or dragged accidentally.
Verifying Voltage and Power Requirements
The power supply in a PC serves two purposes: fi rst, it steps down the voltage from the AC
wall outlet from its default to the much lower voltages required by the PC's components.
Second, it converts the alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), which is what the
PC needs.
Personal computer power cords plug into standard household electrical outlets.
Depending on where you live, this could be either 230v (such as in most of Europe) or
120v service (such as in the USA). When you buy a computer, the company that sells it to
you confi gures your PC for the correct voltage based on your location. If you move to a
country that uses different voltage, you must have your computer modifi ed or use a power
outlet voltage converter. Many desktop PCs have a voltage switch on the power supply box
that you can fl ip to change between voltages. (You'll need a new power cord, of course,
because your old one won't connect to the differently shaped AC outlet socket.) Laptop PCs
typically require a power cord replacement when you change regions.
Look at
http://electricaloutlet.org/
, and compare the electrical
voltages and outlets of your nation to that of others in your region or
internationally.
In the United States and most other places that use 120v power, desktop PCs (well, at least
the non-Macintosh ones) use the three-prong Type B power cord type shown in Figure 4.8.
Figure 4.9 shows the connector on the back of a power supply for attaching such a power
cord. Also note the voltage switch in this fi gure. In the United Kingdom, a three-prong Type G
power connector is used. In most of the rest of Europe, a type C or F connector is used.
