3. Plug the three-prong end of the power cord into a grounded outlet.

If you have more than two components that need to be plugged into the wall, you should use a power strip, available from most hardware stores. Some power strips include a device called a surge protector that prevents your equipment from being damaged by a surge of voltage. It's a good idea to use a power strip with a surge protector—especially if your home or office occasionally experiences power failures.

Figure 1-5 A power strip
 

Leave the power cord plugged into a grounded outlet while connecting or disconnecting any components. (And if your computer is plugged into a power strip, leave the power strip switched on.) Doing so keeps your computer system grounded.

For clarity, the figures in the following sections show only the cables and cords involved in the particular procedure being described. Your system will have more cables and cords connected to it than are shown in any one figure. For an illustration of what your system should look like once everything is connected, see Figure 1-13 near the end of this

chapter.

Plugging in the power cord

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