Jack The Pug:Computer Tutor

Latest Advice

Each month we profile a different question and answer. The questions come from people all over the world. If you would like us to feature your problem, just e-mail Jack with your question.
Our advice files list all previously asked questions and answers.

Question for May 2001:

Dear Jack,
How do I install a new printer? I had an old one that I disconnected, but I'm afraid to even take the new one out of the box yet. Can you help me?

Thanks,
Carl

Dear Carl,
You've come to the right place for answers. The first thing you should do is make a place for your printer. Measure to make sure it will fit on the desk, table, etc. The surface should be level, clean and dry. Look at the picture of the printer on the box to see if the paper is inserted or comes out of the top or front. Make sure you have enough room for the printer to be loaded. Before you plug in your printer, you must purchase a Printer Cable at any electronics or computer store. Very rarely, these come with a printer or new computer. You may be able to use the cable from your old printer, depending on how old it is. The printer cable is a large wire with a plug on either end. One side goes into the printer and one into the computer. You should have only one socket that it can fit into on the back of your computer, but if you have more than one, use a flashlight to look for the symbol of the printer next to the correct plug.
There is one other plug, usually attached to the printer, which goes into the surge protector. It is a good idea to keep your printer on a surge protector because it is susceptible to electric shock, just like all electronic equipment.
When everything is plugged in, fill the printer with paper and look at the instructions to see if it has ink cartridges already installed. If not, install the ink cartridge according to the instructions. When it is all set up, turn on your computer and monitor. Then turn on the printer. Follow the printer instructions which usually tell you to install the printer using a CD-ROM. Keep any/all instructions and warranty cards and write down any serial numbers, model numbers and tech support phone numbers. The installation may take between 30 and 60 minutes and will include printing a few pages to make sure it is working.

Good Luck!

Jack

		Latest Advice Each month we profile a different question and answer. The questions come from people all over the world. If you would like us to feature your problem, just e-mail Jack with your question. Our advice files list all previously asked questions and answers. Question for May 2001: Dear Jack, How do I install a new printer? I had an old one that I disconnected, but I'm afraid to even take the new one out of the box yet. Can you help me? Thanks, Carl Dear Carl, You've come to the right place for answers. The first thing you should do is make a place for your printer. Measure to make sure it will fit on the desk, table, etc. The surface should be level, clean and dry. Look at the picture of the printer on the box to see if the paper is inserted or comes out of the top or front. Make sure you have enough room for the printer to be loaded. Before you plug in your printer, you must purchase a Printer Cable at any electronics or computer store. Very rarely, these come with a printer or new computer. You may be able to use the cable from your old printer, depending on how old it is. The printer cable is a large wire with a plug on either end. One side goes into the printer and one into the computer. You should have only one socket that it can fit into on the back of your computer, but if you have more than one, use a flashlight to look for the symbol of the printer next to the correct plug. There is one other plug, usually attached to the printer, which goes into the surge protector. It is a good idea to keep your printer on a surge protector because it is susceptible to electric shock, just like all electronic equipment. When everything is plugged in, fill the printer with paper and look at the instructions to see if it has ink cartridges already installed. If not, install the ink cartridge according to the instructions. When it is all set up, turn on your computer and monitor. Then turn on the printer. Follow the printer instructions which usually tell you to install the printer using a CD-ROM. Keep any/all instructions and warranty cards and write down any serial numbers, model numbers and tech support phone numbers. The installation may take between 30 and 60 minutes and will include printing a few pages to make sure it is working. Good Luck! Jack

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