Returning to Campus - Setting Up Your Computer

Returning to Campus

With the return to campus, many users are now setting up the computers and devices they took home for remote work. This document will outline the best practices to allow anyone to set up their computer back in their office

Bringing your Devices

When returning to campus, please bring all the equipment that was taken home. This includes cables, monitors, webcams, keyboards, mice, and other items that have been removed from your workstation area. This ensures all the proper pieces will be available when needed.

Identifying your Devices

When setting up your computer ensure that the device is located where it was previously. If a computer tower or monitor changes locations it is possible that the cables will not reach or the device will not work correctly before it was removed from your office.

Identifying Your Computer

Because there are multiple devices used by WesternU, instructions will be provided and reference the pictures below, If you do not see your exact computer on this list, the instructions will remain the same.

Below are the main computer towers used by WesternU:

  1. Power Connector
    1. These cables are interchangeable, and will be used for multiple devices
    2. Note: This is different for the Lenovo Mini PC, which have their own special power cable and port
  2. Graphics Connector
    1. These plugs will use different cables depending on the port. You will need 1 cable for each monitor you use at your desk
    2. Sometimes an adapter is used, which can plug into your computer, then the cable from the adapter into the monitor
  3. Ethernet Port
    1. This plug will connect you to the internet. The cable will plug into a port on a nearby wall, or into the top port of the back of your desk phone. Important! Please try to connect your computer to the same port it was connected to before you removed the equipment if possible.
  4. USB Ports
    1. These ports will be used for connecting webcams, mice, keyboards, and other devices
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Identifying your Monitor

Connecting a monitor is quite simple, and there are very few plugs and cables required. There are two main monitors used at WesternU, shown below:

  1. Graphics Connector
    1. These ports should match "B" from Identifying your Computer. If the ports do not match, and adapter will be required
  2. USB Connector
    1. This port will enable the use of the USB ports on the monitor. One end will connect to "D" from Identifying your Computer. There are two types, shown below
  3. USB Ports
    1. These are the ports that are activated by connecting the USB cable in "F". Note: Many monitors have ports on the side of the monitor, and are not shown in the pictures above
  4. Not Shown Power Cable
    1. Each monitor will use a power cable that is identical to the power cables used in "A" of Identifying your Computer

Setting up your Computer

To begin setting up your computer, please ensure that you have located the ports and cables in the Identifying your Devices section.

Prepare the Space

  • Place your monitor(s) on your desk near where they should be located
  • Place your computer tower near where it should be located
  • Locate the Power Ports or Power Strips
  • Locate the Ethernet Port or Desk Phone
  • Place Cables to the side
  • Place extra items (Keyboard, Mice, Webcams, etc.) off to the side

Set up the Computer Tower

  • Plug in 1 (one) power cable into a wall or power strip. Do not plug in the Computer Tower yet
  • Connect 1 (one) graphics cable (B) for each monitor to your computer, string the cables to your monitors
  • Optional: Connect 1 (one) USB cable for the monitor into your computer, string the cable to the monitor whose ports you wish to use (this can be done for one or all monitors).
  • Connect the Ethernet Cable (C) to the computer, and the other side into a wall port or desk phone

Set up the Monitor(s)

  • Plug in a power cable (A) into each monitor, and the other end into a wall port or power strip
  • Connect the Graphic Cables into the monitor (B) and (E)
  • Optional: Plug in the USB cable to use the monitor USB Ports (F) and (G)

Set up the Extras

  • Plug any keyboards, mice, webcams, etc. into any active USB ports (On the front or back of the computer, or Monitor if the Optional step (F) was completed
  • It is reccomended to use the back ports of the computer to allow quick access to the front ports if needed

Turn on your devices

  • Connect the power cable into your computer tower (A), wait 30 seconds and press the Power Button, the system should now turn on
  • Test your mouse and keyboard by logging in and clicking items, open programs, etc.
  • Test the internet by attempting to access a website
  • If all devices are working normally, move the Computer Tower and Monitor(s) into their correct locations

Experiencing Issues?

If you are experiencing issues, please follow the steps below:

  • Verify all cables are plugged in snug (some video cables have twist knobs that should be tightened by hand)
  • Verify that the power outlet/power strip is working
  • Ensure that cables are plugged into the correct ports (some cables can fit into other types of ports)
  • If the issue is with an extra device, try a different USB port

If you are still experiencing issues after attempting the steps above, please fill out a service request using the link below. Please ensure that you fill out the building and room location where you are located so that our techs may schedule a time for service as quick as possible.

Service Request

Techsupport can also be contacted at the information below, but please note that they may not be able to assist remotely, and will require you to fill out the service request for an on-site technician to complete:

Email: techsupport@westernu.edu
Phone: (909) 469-5432

 

 

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