A. Installing the Keyboard
Installing a keyboard is very straightforward and easy to do, but first you need to determine if the keyboard uses a PS/2 or USB connector. The PS/2 connector for keyboards is round and typically colored purple to match the connection on your computer although not all connectors are color coordinated. If your keyboard has a USB connector, the connector will be flat and rectangular in shape.

B. Installing the Mouse
Installing a mouse is very similar to installing a keyboard. You will still find mice with either USB or PS/2 connectivity. To complete the installation, simply plug the mouse into the proper port, (typically colored green for the PS/2).

C. Installing the Monitor
Installing a monitor (also known as a “display”) requires a free power outlet and identifying the connection port you will use to connect the monitor to your CPU (Computer). On the CPU, this port is typically colored blue.

D. Installing the Printer
Most printers on the market today will also use a USB connection; however, parallel port printers are still fairly common. You can also set up a printer over the network if you have another computer on a local area network (LAN) with a printer attached and shared. This method is beyond the scope of this tech tip.

Typically, you will either be connecting your printer via USB or parallel line printer (LPT) ports (usually colored red). Printer installation typically requires that you install the drivers (printer operating software) first then plug the printer in via USB or parallel port. The OS (operating system) will finish up the install for you after that.

E. Installing a Scanner
Installing a scanner is almost identical to installing your printer. Again, you will simply need to install the drivers and then plug the USB cable in.

Remember, when available, read the installation instructions to be sure that you are following the correct installation method.

Adopted from an article by Shane McGlaun: http://www.geeks.com/techtips/2006/techtips-24aug06.htm