Easy to Set Up as a Computer Crossword Clue: Unraveling the Answer
The crossword clue "easy to set up as a computer" is designed to be a bit of a brain teaser, hinting at something simple to install or configure on a computer. Let's explore the possible answers and the reasoning behind them. The most likely answer is a plug-and-play device.
What does "plug and play" mean?
Plug and play (PnP) refers to the ability of a computer to automatically recognize and configure a newly added hardware device, such as a printer, keyboard, mouse, or external hard drive, without requiring extensive manual intervention. This ease of setup is precisely what the clue is referring to. The user simply plugs in the device, and the computer handles the rest.
Why "plug and play" is the best fit
The clue relies on the implied simplicity of installation. The term "plug and play" is itself immediately understandable and inherently associated with easy computer setup. Many other computer peripherals and components are not “plug and play” and require more installation effort (drivers, configurations etc.).
Other potential answers (though less likely)
While "plug and play" is the most probable answer, other possibilities exist depending on the crossword's difficulty and word length:
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APP: Some mobile and computer applications are famously easy to set up, requiring only a download and installation. However, "app" is shorter than "plug and play," and might not fit the crossword's grid.
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USB: The clue could be referring to a USB device, but this is less likely since USB devices can have various levels of setup complexity. While often plug-and-play, they aren't always universally easy to set up.
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DRIVE: (External Hard Drive) Similar to USB, external hard drives are usually plug-and-play, but the ease of setup isn't as guaranteed as with a truly PnP device. Also it's less specific.
In summary, while a few words could technically fit the clue, plug and play is the most fitting answer due to its direct and unambiguous connection to the simplicity and ease of computer setup. The clue cleverly uses subtle language to guide the solver towards this solution.