Computer Department

Faced with a multitude of plugs, sockets, wires, cables and gadgets; it is all too easy to panic over what goes where. In most cases, it is all but impossible to plug the wrong thing in the wrong hole as the connectors are designed to shop you doing just that. The diagram here, reproduced with the kind permission of Which? Magazine, is just the thing to help you on your way and help you to overcome some of those many set-up doubts.

Most modern computers make use of a built-in modem but, if you use broadband, the modem will usually consist of a separate box that plugs into a Network, USB or Firewire port. Many broadband modems have more than one type of connector. If this applies to your modem, the Network Port is the better option as it usually operates at much higher speeds - although in reality, most people would never notice the difference. If you have an older external modem (non-broadband) you will find that this connects to any of the serial ports, sometimes labeled Com1 and Com2. Sometimes, your mouse may also plug into one of these ports if it more that about three years old.

Keyboards and mice can sometimes be a problem as the pugs and sockets have gone through many changes over recent years. If you have an older one, you may find that they have large round connectors, with two possible sizes, or D-shaped connectors which fit into the computer's Serial Ports. Some have a modern, small, round connector and others may have a USB connector. It doesn't matter if the computer has the round pink/green connectors and your mouse/keyboard has the flat USB connector fitted; they should still work if fitted into the USB slot. Many new mice come with free converters to give you a choice anyway. If possible, use the round pink/green connectors as this will leave your USB slots free to plug your pinter, scanner and camera (etc) into.

A good tip when buying a new PC is to look for USB and/or Firewire Ports on the front, or top, of your computer. This will save you all sorts of problems when you try to connect cameras, videos, memory sticks, MP3 players and iPods to your machine. After all, you don't want to be messing around at the back every time you transfer a picture from you camera to the computer do you? My computer even has sockets for my headphones, microphone and record-deck to plug into. (Yes, I know - but I like my old fashioned albums now and again.)