You have a desktop PC that you have been using for 3 years in the United States. You are going on a study-abroad program for one semester and want to take your computer with you. After some research, you find that the country where you will be staying uses different voltage than what is used in the United States. What should you do so that the computer can be compatible with the electrical power in Europe?

The correct course of action involves moving the switch on the power supply to a different voltage. Many modern power supplies are equipped with a voltage selector switch that allows users to switch between different input voltages, typically 115V for the United States and 230V for many European countries. This means you can set your power supply to match the voltage available in the country you are visiting, ensuring safe operation of your computer without damage.

Doing this is important because if you connect the power supply to a voltage that is not supported, it can lead to hardware failures or permanently damage the internal components of your desktop PC. Checking and adjusting the voltage setting is crucial before plugging the device into a foreign electrical system to ensure compatibility and protect your equipment.

While other options may be considered, they do not address the core need of matching the voltage requirement of the power supply to that of the local power source, which is the most important factor in this situation.