Adding new Hardware 1

Adding new Hardware

Introduction

It is possible to add new physical components to our computer like a modem or a new monitor, just to name a few examples. For the new component to work, our operating system needs to detect it. Usually, Windows will detect the new hardware automatically, but in the event that it does not, Windows provides us with the tool Printers and Other Hardware that lets us install the new hardware correctly. Currently many of the components that we install incorporate Plug & Play technology. This consists of transfering all the responsibility to the operating system, thus the operating system is in charge of detecting the new hardware and installing the neccessary programs for it to work properly. It also detects if we uninstall a component and uninstalling programs to free space This is all possible because Plug&Play components incorporate common protocols that allow the operating system to communicate with them. Many Plug&Play components can be connected and disconnected without having to turn the computer off, specially the ones that use the USB system. The Plug&Play allows WindowsXP to control their power use so that you can turn them off or minimize their power consumption when not in use. When new hardware is installed, the computer needs the files that descibe the hardware and allows the computer to communicate with it. These files are known as drivers. When we buy a modem, for example, a CD is included that contains the drivers for the modem. When installing the modem, the operationg system asks you to insert the disk in order to copy the drivers. Windows XP already has the drivers for the most commonly used equipment. There are thousands of hardware manufacturers, so it is impossible for Windows to have all the drivers in the install CD. Sometimes it will not be necessary to insert the disk provided by the manufacturer. In addition, WindowsXP is now capable of going online to search for driver updates through Windows Update. When we want to add new hardware to our computer, a monitor for example, two things can happen: either the component is Plug&Play or it is not. In the first case, as we have mentioned, simply connect the hardware and Windows will recognize and install it automatically. The Plug&Play elements are conveniently labeled, but in case of a doubt, we can find out by plugging it into the computer. If the window recognizes it, this means it is Plug&Play and if it does not, it is not. In the case that the element is not Plug&Play we need to install it manually. For this reason we are provided with an assistant, which we will discuss shortly. Generally speaking, once having installed a hardware element we may need to access it. This is done through the control panel. It is a good idea to be familiar with these options, because we may need to delete a driver and modify some of its characteristics.

From the Start menu access the Control panel, and as you can see above, there are various options for configuring hardware. WindowsXP has divided the hardware into various groups, and there are different ways to configure each group. These groups are: Network, Sounds, Printer and other hardware, etc. In this unit we will discuss how to add elements that are not Plug&Play and how to add a digital camara. Then we will discuss printers and networks.

Adding hardware

To install a new element the first thing you need to do is to connect it to the computer, unless it has a USB cable, and turn it off. For many hardware elements it is not necessary to open up the computer. For example, in order to connect a mouse, screen, printer, or scanner we simply need to plug in the cables to the corresponding ports on the PC. In the majority of the cases there is no confusion because of the fact that a given cable will only fit into one designated port, and they are also color coded. In other cases, such as installing a sound card or a hard drive, for example, it will be necessary to open the computer and look for the corresponding slots. In these cases refer to the instructions provided by the manufacturer Once everything has been placed where it needs to go, turn on the computer, keeping in mind that a few different things can occur. a) The operating system recognizes the new hardware element. Windows will begin to install the hardware and we will not have to do anything more. In some cases it may ask for the CD with the drivers. b) The operating system does not recognize the new hardware element. This will be obvious because nothing will happen. In this scenario, there are two possibilitites: b.1) We have the CD with the drivers. Insert the CD and the installation process will begin. Follow the instructions that become displayed. If this does not happen look for a file like install.exe, instalar.exe, setup.exe, setup.bat and double-click on it so that the installation will begin. b.2) We do not have the CD with the drivers. In this case we should follow the process that is explained in the following point. Through this process Windows can find the driver needed. If this does not produce any results, the only thing left is to personally look for the drivers on the manufacturer´s web page and download them to our hard drive. From there on follow the steps starting with b.1)

Adding hardware that is not Plug&Play

To add a hardware element that has not been automatically recognized by the operating system or an element that we do not have the drivers needed to install it, Window offers the following option. From start choose Control Panel, double-click on Printers and Other Hardware, and a screen like the one below will appear. Now click on Add hardware, ( on the left of the window ) and the first window of the assistant will appear

In order to detect the installed hardware, Windows uses an assistant to facilitate the instalation of any physical components.

On this first window the wizard will ask if we have the CD with the appropriate drivers. If we do, it recommends that we close the assistant. To continue, follow option b.1 from our last point.

If we want to continue with the assistant click Next.

Once the assistant has started, it will try to detect the hardware automatically. If the hardware is not Plug&Play, it will not be able to find it and we will need to ask it to show a list to indicate the type of hardware we are referring to. (mouse, modem, graphic card, etc). Next a screen will appear like the one shown here displaying the models of the selected hardware. Once the model is selected and you have clicked on Next, the driver will be installed.

Installing a camara

WindowsXP allows you connect a myriad of hardware easily. As an example we are going to see how to connect a digital camera. There are constant improvements on digital cameras. Being able to directly connect the camera to the computer is one of these improvements. To do this, select Control Panel from the Start menu and click Printers and Other Hardware. Next click on Scanners and cameras, and then on Add camera (you will find it on the left side of the screen). The asistant will start; simply follow the steps to complete the instalation.

Updating the drivers with Windows Update

When we want to check if there are updates for the drivers, we can look on Microsoft´s web page which is in charge of this matter. To do this select the Control Panel from the Start menu and click on Windows Update (you will see it on the left of the Control Panel). From here on out follow the instructions that you will see on the web page. Windows will show you the updates available, so you can choose the ones you wish to install. When a manufacturer detects a flaw in one of their drivers, the manufacturer will usually correct it and place the new version on the Internet so that the users can download it. Many manufacturers inform Microsoft so that it can include these updates on its web page. To be able to use this option you need an Internet connection

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