TechTayari

S5 · Computer Studies I · Grade 10 · ages 15–16

Setting Up a Computer

Ports, cables and safety

Grade 10 · 1.7 Computer setupCBE strandFree · works offline

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The full lesson adds narration, an interactive mission and a 10-question bank, and the quiz explains any mistakes.

Ports and cables

Each cable fits a matching port. USB (type A is the flat rectangle, type C is small and reversible) connects most accessories. HDMI and DisplayPort carry video and sound to screens; older screens use the blue VGA port. An RJ-45 port takes an Ethernet network cable. The round 3.5 mm jack is for audio.

Power

Desktops and monitors usually take a detachable power cable; laptops use a charger. Kenya has power cuts and surges, so plug into a surge protector, or better, a UPS (uninterruptible power supply), whose battery gives you time to save and shut down properly.

The setup procedure

Place the computer on a stable desk with space around it for air. With everything switched off, connect the monitor, then the keyboard and mouse, then the network cable. Connect power last, switch on the monitor, then the computer. Finally, test it by doing a real task.

Safety first

Never open a computer while it is plugged in. Keep drinks away and cables tidy so nobody trips. Use properly earthed sockets and don't overload them. Before touching parts inside, touch bare metal to discharge static electricity, which can damage chips.

E-waste

Old computers contain useful parts and also harmful materials like lead. Reuse parts that still work, such as a good monitor or keyboard, to set up another computer. Take broken equipment to licensed e-waste collectors; never burn it or dump it with ordinary rubbish.

Key points

  • Every cable has a matching port: USB, HDMI, VGA, Ethernet and audio.
  • USB type C is small and reversible; type A is the flat rectangle.
  • A UPS keeps the computer running during a power cut so you can save your work.
  • Connect everything with the power off, and connect power last.
  • Never open a computer while it is plugged in.
  • Touch bare metal first to discharge static before handling parts.
  • Reuse working parts, and take broken ones to licensed e-waste collectors.

Try it for real: Set it up right

  • With a teacher, connect a computer's monitor, keyboard, mouse and power in the correct order, then switch it on and use it.
  • Identify every port on the back of a desktop or the sides of a laptop.
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