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 of its components. Make sure the surface is hard and flat. Soft surfaces like beds and carpeted floors can generate static electricity, which may 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.
Moderate environmental conditions. Protect your computer from extremes in temperature, direct sunlight, or any other source of heat. High humidity also hinders operation, so select a cool, dry area. Avoid dust and smoke, which can damage disks and disk drives and cause you to lose valuable data.
Appropriate power sources. To prevent static charges, connect all your equipment to
If it has the appropriate power cord, you can plug the monitor into the auxiliary power outlet on the back panel of the computer, reducing the number of wall outlets you need. (The current required by the peripheral must not exceed 1 amp.) If you need more outlets, you may want to buy a power