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So far so good.
You've got the hardware assembled, and the
operating system installed. There is one
last step before you can start using your
computer: you have to install drivers.
Drivers are little
pieces of code that tell the operating system how
to work with your different hardware
components. Without drivers, your computer
cannot use those components.
Windows already comes
with the drivers for some devices; these devices
are called "Plug and Play." But many of your
components probably came out after Windows did, so
you need to install their drivers
manually.
Gather together all the
different CDs that your parts cames with.
When Windows starts the first time, it will begin
detecting the hardware that it needs drivers
for. You will be prompted to insert the
appropriate CDs.
If Windows does not
prompt you to install a given peice of hardware's
driver, insert that component's CD, read the
"ReadMe" file that the manufacturer will have
included there, and follow its instructions on how
to proceed with the installation.
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Your
motherboard should have come with a CD.
This CD may have several different drivers on
it, such as Intel's INF update or the 4in1
drivers from VIA. Insert it into the CD drive,
and install any drivers included on
it. |
| This
example is of the Service Pack for the 4in1
drivers from VIA (the maker of the motherboard’s
chipset). Other possibilities are USB filters,
drivers for integrated audio or video, or
drivers for any extra chips the motherboard
maker has put onboard. Restart whenever prompted
to do so. |
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Your
graphics card will also have come with a driver
CD. Install that driver as well- the CD will
provide instructions exactly how to do
so. |
| In fact,
all of your components will have come with CDs.
The above screenshot shows my sound card's
driver's installation. |
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Congratulations! You have just finished
building your own
PC! |
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