When troubleshooting a computer that won't turn on, what is one of the first things to check?

When troubleshooting a computer that won't turn on, one of the first things to check is whether the monitor is plugged into a surge protector. This step is critical because if the monitor is not receiving power, it might appear that the computer is not functioning when, in fact, the system could be operational but simply not displaying anything on the screen. Ensuring that the monitor is connected properly and receiving power can help diagnose the issue effectively, allowing you to rule out issues related to the display early on.

This is a foundational troubleshooting step because it checks the basic connection and power supply without delving into more complex hardware components or settings that may not be necessary to investigate at that initial stage. By confirming the monitor is powered and functioning properly, it helps to focus efforts on other potential problems that might be causing the computer to remain unresponsive.