Connecting Peripheral Devices
A peripheral device is any device that connects to the computer, but is not essential to its operation.
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The USB port:
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Many peripheral devices today connect to a computer via a "USB port" (universal serial bus). Most laptops come equipped with three or four of these ports; one or two on the back of the computer and one or two on the side. The USB port allows devices to interface with the computer, and it also supplies power to some devices which used to require an external power source. | ||
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| The USB ports will look like those pictured above. They may be grouped like this or single. | The ports should be labeled with this symbol. | This is a USB connector on a peripheral device. It will only insert into the port in one direction (usually with the USB symbol facing up). |
| Locate the USB ports on your laptop. Most peripheral devices today will use a USB port. | ||
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Connecting the Mouse
You will need:
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| laptop | mouse |
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An external mouse is not necessary, and may or may not be provided with your cart.The use of an external mouse is a matter of personal preference. If you do not have or choose not to use an external mouse, just use the mouse on the laptop. This will either be a touchpad (most common), a small joystick (typically red in the middle of the keyboard), or sometimes a track-ball. |
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Connecting the Speakers
| Just like the mouse, most laptops today are already equipped with internal speakers. These speakers, however, typically do not produce enough volume to be heard effectively in a large group setting.In this case, external speakers are preferable. |
You will need:
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| laptop | speakers |
| 1. Locate a USB port on your laptop. 2. Insert the speakers' USB connector into the port. 3. Be sure to check the orientation of the connector, it will only go in one direction (usually with the USB symbol facing up). 4. *If you are using an older set of speakers, it may have a regular power cord rather than a USB connector. In this case, simply plug the power cord into the power supply on the projection cart. | |
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| 1. Locate the headphone end of the speaker cord. 2. Insert this into the headphone port on the laptop. | |
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| There are typically two small, round ports next to each other. One of these ports is for headphones/speakers, and the other port is for a microphone. | |
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| The headphone/speaker port will have this symbol and/or be green. | The microphone port will have this symbol and/or be pink/red. |
The computer will detect the speakers automatically. Just be sure to check the volume control on the speakers and the laptop. | |