2torial 0710:
Learn2 Attach Speakers to Your Computer

Speaker now or forever hold your peace

That tiny, almost invisible speaker inside your computer is fine for simple beeping sounds, but not much else. If you'd like to enjoy music, more explosive games, and genuinely sophisticated DVDs, a set of external speakers will properly enhance your computer's sound.

External speakers are inexpensive and reasonably easy to connect. All it takes is a little uncomfortable maneuvering around the back of your computer, and the scattering of a few dust bunnies.

Most external speakers share similar features and connect to your computer in the same way. The common design includes two small speakers that are placed in front of you, and sometimes a third, larger one that sits a little apart. One, if not both, of the small speakers will have a power cord, a power button, and a volume control. If only one speaker has these features, the other speakers are connected to it by a thin wire. Another design has one cord shaped like a ''Y'' that connects the speakers.

All computer speaker systems connect to the sound card on the back panel of your computer. Built-in sound cards became the standard several years ago, but if your computer doesn't have one, you'll need to have a card and its software installed--or install them yourself.

Once you're sure you have the sound card, just turn off your computer and monitor--it's time to connect the speakers.

Arrange your system for the best sound

To get the best sound, you'll want one small speaker on each side of the monitor, facing you. Sometimes the speakers will attach to the sides of the monitor. If they don't, just place them on your desk, about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) from either side of the monitor.

Take a look to see if the speakers are marked "left" or "right." If they are, place them accordingly. If not, just use your best judgement. If you have a third, larger "bass" unit, it's generally placed toward the back of the desk, or underneath it. Manufacturers often provide placement advice in the manual.

Untangle all the cords and lay them out neatly. Some manufacturers recommend plugging in the power cord at this time, but if the manual doesn't mention this, don't plug it in just yet.

Connect the speakers to each other

Most of the time, the small speaker with the volume control also has a power light. Make sure the power is off, and the volume knob is turned all the way down (to the left) before making any connections.

If they're not already attached to each other, connect the second small speaker to the first with the long, thin cord provided. The cord will probably have round, metal pins about a half-inch (1.25 centimeters) long on each end. These plug into labeled holes on the back of each speaker. The pins should slide in easily but firmly. If the pins don't seem to fit, check the manufacturer's instructions to see if you're plugging them into the right holes.

If there's a third, larger speaker, it connects in much the same way to that first small speaker. Sometimes it also connects to the second small speaker, and often it will have its own power cord. There should be another long, thin cord with a pin on each end to make the speaker connections.

If your speakers come with a Y-shaped cord, the side with one pin will plug into the computer. The other two pins will connect the speakers.

You should now have one, or possibly two speakers, connected to the first speaker with the volume control. The power cords are not yet plugged in (unless the manual specifically requests it). There should still be one free cord, which you'll use to connect the first speaker to the computer.

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.

Power it all up

Double-check the volume knob again to make sure it's turned all the way down. Now plug in the speaker power cord(s), and press the power button to turn on the speakers. Once that's done, turn up the volume slightly.

Next, turn your computer on, and you should hear a tone through the speakers as it starts up. If you don't, there's a good chance you need to adjust the sound volume on the computer itself. Check out 2torial #0711: Adjust The Sound on Your Computer to find out how.

As you play games, CDs, MPEGs, or DVDs, you'll be better able to adjust the volume knob for good sound. Remember that all speakers will produce distorted sound if the volume is too high, so take it easy until you get the hang of it. Also be sure to turn down the volume knob before turning the computer on or off to avoid unexpected bursts of sound (that could potentially damage the speakers you just installed.).

Your cube (or office!) is now alive--with the sound of music!

-end-