New computer, switching on for the first time

Goldiegirl

I have just purchased a new laptop to replace my ancient laptop.

My old laptop is on Windows 7, and the new one is on Windows 10

I know that when I switch on the new laptop for the first time I will go through some set up screens.

My question is so basic and simple, I'm almost embarrassed to ask it, but here goes anyway.

I've bought a USB corded mouse. Do I plug it into the USB port before switching the laptop on for the first time? I would imagine that the drivers would automatically be installed, to enable me to use the mouse to do the set up process.

I've looked at numerous guides online, and none of them say when to plug in the mouse, so I thought it best to ask, as I don't want to mess it up.

Any help will be appreciated

Neil_Jones

Just plug it in. It'll be fine.

AndyPix

yes - just plug it in , before or after - it makes no odds (bless)

Goldiegirl

Neil_Jones wrote: »

Just plug it in. It'll be fine.

AndyPix wrote: »

yes - just plug it in , before or after - it makes no odds (bless)

Thank you! I thought I was probably making a mountain out of a molehill! :rotfl:

stragglebod

The generic functions - left, middle, right buttons and scroll wheel - will just work straight away.

If the mouse has extra buttons those probably won't work right away until you install the custom software from the manufacturer's website, but you can do that any time you like.

The_Fat_Controller

If you haven't done it already, I would wait until Windows 10 has done all it's setting up before plugging anything else into your new computer.

John_Gray

Goldiegirl wrote: »

My question is so basic and simple, I'm almost embarrassed to ask it, but here goes anyway.

I've bought a USB corded mouse. Do I plug it into the USB port before switching the laptop on for the first time? I would imagine that the drivers would automatically be installed, to enable me to use the mouse to do the set up process.

It's not a silly question at all, if you were used to mice with the so-called PS/2 round green plug which was inserted into a green socket on the back of a PC. Those had/have to be inserted before powering up, otherwise they were cheerfully ignored - until you power-cycled the PC.

Most of these PS/2 mice were roller-ball mice, whereas newer ones are optical 'laser' position sensing.

Goldiegirl

The_Fat_Controller wrote: »

If you haven't done it already, I would wait until Windows 10 has done all it's setting up before plugging anything else into your new computer.

I will be doing the setup tomorrow, and will be doing it at a slow and steady pace, so Windows will be well and truly set up before I attempt plugging anything else in.

John_Gray wrote: »

It's not a silly question at all, if you were used to mice with the so-called PS/2 round green plug which was inserted into a green socket on the back of a PC. Those had/have to be inserted before powering up, otherwise they were cheerfully ignored - until you power-cycled the PC.

Most of these PS/2 mice were roller-ball mice, whereas newer ones are optical 'laser' position sensing.

Yes, I remember those old style mice - I think that’s why this question came to mind. I also remember cleaning the mouse ball when it got dirty.

Neil_Jones

Optical mice (with the light) don't need cleaning. They might gather a dustball on occasion but that's rectifiable by blowing into them. The only caveat with optical mice is they don't work on reflective surfaces - basically it just confuses the mouse.

Mice with the round PS/2 connector are not plug and play like USB devices are, and that's why you have to connect them with the machine off (or plug them in and restart) for them to be seen. Fortunately they are pretty much obsolete now.

DoaM

Neil_Jones wrote: »

Fortunately they are pretty much obsolete now.

At my work, in our test area, we have lots of mice - of all vintages. From PS/2 rollerball ones, USB rollerball ones, USB LED ones to USB LASER ones.