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Learn how to turn on your first desktop computer.
Today’s world is run digitally, and it is a fact that in order to quickly and most efficiently interact with the digital world, a computer is necessary. Now that you have your computer set up in front of you on your desk and have all of the plugs in their proper places, what do you do next?
This machine may seem intimidating to someone like yourself who did not grow up with the computer as an appliance, but never fear! The guiding principle in modern computer design is simplicity.
Locate the power button
The first step to using your computer is to turn it on. The first step in this process is to locate the computer’s power button, which should look something like this:
If you are using a laptop, this button should be located at the top right or top left of the keyboard with the screen open. If you are using a computer with a CPU and monitor in one (e.g., the whole computer is just a computer monitor), the power button will likely be on the back of the screen, either on the lower-left or the lower-right.
If you are using a tower computer, the power button (or switch) should be on the back of the tower, near the top or the bottom, clearly marked with the icon shown above.
Turn the computer on (and verify)
Once you have located your computer’s power button (or switch), press the button (or toggle the switch). It should be immediately apparent that your computer is now on in a
few ways.
- If speakers are attached, your computer will make a startup sound or chime. This sound is unique between manufacturers but is designed to be hard to miss.
- You will hear noises that you hadn’t previously heard. Depending on your computer, this can include the system’s fan or hard drive activating.
- You will see images on your computer monitor, including the monitor brand’s logo and then, likely, a welcome screen and instruction guide for setup from your computer’s operating system.
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