Installing and Adding Hardware

It is best to ask your dealer to install the software drivers of the hardware that is already installed inside the computer’s cabinet. For example, he can install Windows
and then install the drivers for the CD-ROM drive and the internal modem if you have one. If you have external modem, you may wish to install its software driver after you have set up the computer in your home. The same goes for your printer and other peripherals you may have such as a Zip drive or a scanner.

In this discussion, we will study the installation of an external modem and a printer to illustrate the process. You can use the same basic steps for any other hardware peripherals that you may wish to add to your system.

We will assume that your computer has been powered up, you have logged on to Windows and the Windows opening screen is displayed on your monitor’s screen.
Install Modem

Make sure that your modem is properly connected to your computer, to the power supply and to the telephone line. The modem’s power supply will usually be through a transformer/rectifier (battery eliminator) that supplies 6or9 volts DC your modem. Make sure the power indicating lamp on the front panel of the modem is on, indicating that power is being received by the modem. Now proceed as follows:

1.Click on the Start button at the left bottom corner of the Windows opening screen.
2.Select Control panel from the dialogue box that will now open.
3.Click on the icon marked Add hardware.

Follow the instructions on the monitor’s screen, inserting the CD-ROM containing the drive software for your modem when the computer asks you to do so.
After the installation is complete, you can test that the computer is able to communicate with your modem as follows:

1.Follow the instructions given earlier to open the control panel.
2.In the control panel given dialog box, click on the Modem icon.
3.In the dialogue box that opens, select Modem properties.
4.This opens a new dialogue box will appear a few seconds showing the results of the modem test.

Close all the dialogue boxes by clicking on the Close button at the top right hand corner of the dialogue box. You can also click on the OK button at the bottom of the dialogue box.

If your modem is a current model and recognized by Windows, it is what is called a plug-and-play model. Installation is simpler then. For details, see the procedure for printer installation in the following section.