The back of a computer has a few plugs: one for the video, another for the network cable, additional places for the keyboard and mouse, and no one will get anywhere without attaching the power. But what connection goes where, and does order matter? Other than the power cord, there is no specific order to adhere to when connecting the cables to the computer. Without power nothing will work, yet add power too soon and the other peripherals will not be recognized as the computer boots. Review the visual above in comparison to your classroom computer(s).
- Attach your computer’s video input.
- Bordered in yellow (#1) and blue (#2) above are the possible video ports on any of the district’s computers. The blue port (VGA, #2 right side) is the most common; the white port (DVI, #1 lower) is only available on some computers and is less common; the upper Display port (#1) is the latest video input
- Attach your network cord.
- Encircled in white above, the network cord looks similar to a phone cord, and only has one available slot to plug into.
- Attach your keyboard and mouse.
- You are probably familiar with the USB slots from when a flash/jump drive (i.e. external device) is added to or accessed on your computer. These USB ports are how the keyboard and mouse are added as well.
- Attach the power cord to the computer.
- One remaining unidentified slot on the back of the computer above is the three-prong plug in the upper right-hand corner of the picture. You will have an identical slot on the computers in your classroom. Once power and preceding peripherals are attached, you can begin to use the device.
- Boot your computer(s) to determine its operational status.
- If there is an issue with your device, please submit a work order through the BCS support ticket system.
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