Save the protector card and reinsert it whenever you move the computer. If you don’t plan to use your computer for a week or more, reinsert the card to help prevent dust from entering the disk drive.

2 Choosing a Location

Before you set up your computer, it is important to choose the right location. Select a spot that provides the following:

A large, sturdy desk or table that can easily support the weight of your system, including all its components. Make sure the surface is hard and flat. Soft surfaces like beds and carpeted floors attract static electricity, which can erase data on your disks and damage the computer’s circuitry. Soft surfaces also prevent proper ventilation.

Good air circulation. Air must be able to move freely under the system as well as behind it. Leave several inches of space around the computer to allow ventilation.

Setting Up Your System

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