Installing new gadgets on your computer

Many people don’t realize until they open the box that their new scanners, printers or webcams require installation. After being frustrated by the set up process, many people give up and leave their new gadget sitting on the desk until it disappears under a pile of papers. For a Gizmotech, there is nothing more heartbreaking than seeing a piece of hardware sitting on the sideline, not living up to its potential. To help you get it up and running here’s some basic information about installing hardware.

Why can’t I just plug it in?

In most cases adding a new piece of hardware to your computer and expecting it to work straight away is like giving an illiterate person a piece of paper and expecting them to be able to write you an essay. Before that person could write you an essay, they would have to learn how to write.

When you buy a new piece of hardware, it usually comes with an installation disk. This installation disk contains instructions called “device drivers” which tell your computer how to operate your new device. Like teaching someone to write, device drivers tell your computer how to use the hardware you are installing.

Installing new hardware

Installing new hardware is usually as simple as carefully following the instructions which came with your product. If you are lucky enough to have purchased a “plug and play” device then you will not need to install anything. Here are the basic steps:

1. Before running any installation program, make sure you close any programs that are running. This will prevent problems and make it more likely that the process will run smoothly.
2. Pop the installation CD into the CD drive.
3. Most pieces of hardware come with a license agreement you will need to read and accept before continuing with the installation.
4. When you are installing hardware, sometimes Windows will inform you that the device you are trying to install “has not passed Windows Logo testing to verify its compatibility with Windows XP”. If you are interested in what this means, you can click the link to learn more about why this is important. In most instances clicking “Continue Anyway” is quite safe.
5. After installing new hardware you will usually be prompted to restart your computer. We would always recommend doing this when prompted rather than waiting till later.

If you’ve lost your installation CD

Many hardware manufacturers have websites which let you download drivers for their products. Links to most major manufacturers download pages can be found on our website at http://www.gizmo.com.au/infocentre/drivers.html.

Sometimes when you upgrade your computer’s operating system your devices can’t come with you as drivers do not exist for your old hardware on your new operating system. Before you give up hope, check the manufacturer’s website for new releases of drivers for your product. Sometimes drivers will be available.

If you’re stuck

Setting up new gadgets can sometimes be tricky. If you find yourself confused, don’t give up hope. Give Gizmo a shout! Our techs are only a phone call away. We believe you and your gadgets have a long life ahead of you, and we’re here to make sure you don’t miss a second of it.