Before you start using a new projector, ask your IT staff these questions:

1)      Power Where is the power switch?

2)      Power Where are the cords to plug in the projector?

3)      Connection Where are the cords to connect the projector to my computer? Where do the cords connect to my computer? Do I need any special adaptor for my Apple computer?

4)      Connection What buttons do I press on the projector so that it will recognize my computer? Most projectors can take input from several different sources, like DVD players or computers. Be sure that you know what to do to tell the projector to find your computer.

5)      Connection Do I have to do anything on my computer to get the image to display through the projector? Most Apple computers will automatically display through a projector when they are connected. Some PC computers will as well, although sometimes you need to go into the Display settings and tell the computer to display through the projector. Some brands of laptops have a special button (sometimes Function-F8) that will rotate between the monitor, the projector, and both displays.

6)      Audio Connection Does the projector have speakers? If so, where are the cords to connect my computer to the projector? Many projectors now have built-in speakers. Usually you will need a cord with one end that plugs into the speaker/headphone jack on your computer, and another end that has red and white connectors to the projector.

7)      Getting Started How long does the projector take to warm up? Many models take a few minutes to actually display an image.

8)      Getting Started How do I focus the image? How can I make it larger or smaller? How can I adjust the brightness? How can I adjust the volume?

9)      Troubleshooting How do I restart the projector? As with much of technology, when things are not working the first thing to try is a re-boot. Often times turning the projector and computer off, waiting a few minutes, and then restarting will solve the problem. 

10)  Troubleshooting How do I replace a burnt out bulb? Where are the extra bulbs?