Advisor for Computer Users

— a collection of good-for-nothing answers to absurd questions —

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Instructions for installing extra devices

Installing extra devices is different according to the interface through that the device is connected to the computer. Actually the same procedure at all interfaces is needed for the power supply: Almost every extra device needs a power cable that is on one side plugged into the device and on the other side plugged into the extension lead mentioned in the Advice for unpacking and setting up the computer.

Common interfaces are:


The parallel interface (or centronics interface)

Connecting one device to the parallel interface is fairly easy: just plug the data cable at one side into the interface at the computer and at the other side into the interface of the device.

Some devices contain a second parallel interface for connecting another device to the same interface of the computer. So you may connect this device to the computer and the second device to the first device. Be warned that some devices may not work when there is another device connected between the device and the computer.

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The serial interface

Although there are two designs that a serial interface may have, connecting one device to the serial interface is fairly easy. The two designs only differ in the number of pins that are connected to ground. There are adaptors for converting a small serial plug into a big one and vice versa.

In order to connect a device to the serial interface, just plug the data cable at one side into the interface at the computer and at the other side into the interface of the device, maybe with an adaptor in between.

For a second device you need a second interface.

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The Universal Serial Bus (USB)

Connecting one device to the universal serial bus is fairly easy: just plug the data cable at one side into the interface of the computer and at the other side into the interface of the device.

To connect a second device to the same interface you need a USB hub. Connect the USB hub to the computer and the two devices to the hub. You may connect as many devices to the hub as it has interfaces.

In the case that you want to connect more devices than the USB hub supports, just use a second USB hub that is connected to the first one.

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The Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)

There are different types of the SCSI interfaces and you will need a lot of knowledge for properly connecting a scsi device to your computer. As this knowledge cannot be put across in a few sentences, you should ask someone who knows what to do for help.

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