Not all desktop computers will have the capability to connect to the internet wirelessly. If this is a computer purchased from Micro Center check the specifications on our product page under the COMMUNICATIONS section. If you see WLAN information, then your computer includes wireless capabilities. For computers not purchased from Micro Center, check the packaging or the product manual for any information ragarding wireless technology. If your computer does not support wireless, you may be able to install a wireless network card or wireless network adapter to achieve a wireless connection. Otherwise, you can use an Ethernet port to connect physically to your router or modem.
If you have a video card installed in the system, you will want to connect your monitor to the ports on the video card and not use the built in video ports. If your computer does not have a dedicated video card, then the motherboard ports on the IO panel will work. Common connections include HDMI, DisplayPort (DP), DVI and VGA. You will only want to connect one cable between each monitor to the desktop at a time.
If you do not have a DVD drive on your desktop computer, software is commonly available from the manufacturers websites to download and install. You are also able to get an external DVD drive and connect it by USB to install software from disks as well.
Most commonly, the Microsoft Office that comes on the computer will be a trial version of Microsoft Office 365 which is a subscription-based service of Microsoft Office. When the trial period is complete, you would need to subscribe or purchase another version of Office to continue using the product.
You will be able to uninstall any pre-installed software on the Windows 10 desktop as long as it is not integrated with Windows 10 itself. You can check this out by opening your settings and going into Apps. This will take you to Apps and Settings where you can see all software with the option to uninstall.
Microsoft Windows Defender is a basic antivirus antimalware utility that comes integrated with Windows 10. Since it is an integrated part of the operating system, cannot be completely uninstalled, however it will drop cooperatively to the background if you install another antivirus or antimalware program on your computer.
With a brand new factory built desktop computer, it should have the activation key for Windows already in place. If this issue comes up, you should check into your Settings, go to Update & Security and then go to the Activation section. You should have an option for a troubleshooter there and follow the prompts and that should activate Windows. Another thing to check would be that your computer's date, time, and time zone are correct.
When setting up your Windows 10, you may choose to instead go with an Offline Account or Local Account. This will allow you to set up an account on your computer that is not associated with a Microsoft Account and is only specific to this computer. To reach this option, you will need to not be connected to the internet while you are setting things up.
You will still be able to connect a second monitor if the computer has a port capable of connecting to another monitor such as HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI or VGA.
The first thing to do is check the power cord is fully plugged into the wall socket, and it’s switched on (hey, we all make mistakes!). If you’re using a plug strip, then ensure that it’s completely plugged into the wall, and the power strip is turned on. Some plug strips have built-in circuit breakers (this looks like a black or red button that’s near the power switch). Reset it to see if that turns your computer on.
Nothing is more annoying than when you’re working hard to get a deadline finished, and your computer suddenly crashes. There are so many reasons as to why your computer may crash or freeze, and you may not know the reason why. Your best bet is to wait a few minutes to see if it sorts itself out and resumes as normal. If it doesn’t, open the Task Manager (Ctrl-Alt-Delete à Task Manager) to see which programme isn’t responding, and close it. If your computer still isn’t working, then restart it.
Your hard drive will typically store all your files: word docs, videos, photos… if that fails and you don’t have a backup, then it can cause serious issues. Hard drives have a limited lifetime, so firstly it’s important that you always back up your important files. Using Microsoft One Drive, server shares (if you have one), or another cloud-based system means you’ll always have your documents available, should your hard disk one day pack in. Firstly (like with most computer errors), restart your computer, but if you need more help, then feel free to give us a call.
If you’ve stepped away from your computer for a while and you’ve found your screen has turned black, it’s likely just gone into sleep mode. Moving your mouse around will have it back up and running. If that’s not the case, then click the power button on the monitor to see if it’s turned on. You should also check the back of your computer to ensure your monitor and all cables, are properly plugged in.
