If an input or output device stops operating, you may have to replace the device. Some customers want to upgrade their input or output devices to increase performance and productivity.
An ergonomic keyboard or mouse, shown in Figure 1, may be more comfortable to use. Sometimes a reconfiguration is necessary to enable a user to perform special tasks, such as typing in a second language with additional characters. Replacing or reconfiguring an input or output device might also make it easier to accommodate users with disabilities.
You can add privacy and antiglare filters to a monitor. A privacy filter is specially made to attach to the screen and prevent people to the side of a monitor from reading information on the screen. Only the user and people directly behind the user are able to read the screen. An antiglare filter attaches to the screen and helps prevent the glare of the sun and bright lights from reflecting off the screen. An antiglare filter makes it much easier to read the screen in the daylight or when a light is behind the user.
Some customers need to add additional monitors, as shown in Figure 2. Often, a more advanced video adapter card is needed to support the additional connections, or a second video adapter card must be installed. Adding monitors to a system can increase productivity by allowing the user to display more information and move data between open programs more easily and quickly.
Sometimes it is not possible to perform an upgrade using the existing expansion slots or sockets. In this case, you may be able to accomplish the upgrade using a USB connection. If the computer does not have an extra USB connection, you must install a USB adapter card or purchase a USB hub, as shown in Figure 3.
After obtaining new hardware, you may have to install new drivers. You can usually do this by using the installation media. If you do not have the installation media, you can obtain updated drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
NOTE: A signed driver is a driver that has passed the Windows hardware quality lab test and has been given a driver signature by Microsoft. Installing an unsigned driver can cause system instability, error messages, and boot problems. During hardware installation, if an unsigned driver is detected, you are asked whether you want to stop or continue the installation. Only install unsigned drivers if you trust the source of the drivers.