2torial #0710 - Step 3:
Learn2 Attach Speakers to Your Computer (Continued)

Connect the speakers to your computer

The free cord is often permanently attached to the small speaker with the volume control. Its unattached end has a metal pin with a slightly different shape than the others. This pin will plug into a labeled hole on the back panel of the computer.

Twist around the back of the computer, or better yet, turn the computer around a bit so you can see the back panel. On a PC running Windows, look for a narrow, metal plate with several small, open connectors (holes) in it. This is the sound card. On a Mac, look for several molded-in connectors grouped near each other.

One of the holes will most likely be labeled Audio, Audio Out, Speaker, Speaker In, or a similar term that indicates the connection provides sound to the external speakers. On older PCs, the hole may simply be labeled Line Out. On current models, the connection is often labeled with a small icon that looks like sound waves emanating from a tiny speaker. On a Mac, the connection is always labeled with this icon. When you've found the proper connection, plug the metal pin on the end of the cord into it, making sure it goes in all the way. Press firmly, but don't force anything where it doesn't want to go.

Turn the computer back around, and tidy up all the cords. Try to place the cords where they won't get pinched or knocked around.