Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to avoiding illness in ourselves. Prevention in the computer world is no different. And like a newborn baby, a newly purchased computer is subject to many terrible diseases and problems if not properly cared from the moment it is taken from its cardboard box.
I follow these steps when setting up a new computer system for my clients, and recommend this methodology for all new computer setups:
- Before setting up the new computer, backup all of your data to CD’s, DVD’s, external hard drives, or flash drives for transfer to the new computer Make sure you get not only your obvious data like documents, pictures, and financial data, but also your address book, email settings, favorites/bookmarks, etc. Remember, you can backup data, but not programs, so collect your installation CDs for programs you want to reinstall.
- Make note of your email settings and configuration (if you didn’t back them up).
- When setting up the new PC, DO NOT connect printers, scanners, cameras, and especially the Internet until later.
- Once at the new desktop, the first place to head is the Control Panel –> Programs and Features. Remove all trial software that you don’t plan on purchasing (Quicken, Quickbooks, Office suites, etc). Also remove any Internet provider software that you will not use like AOL, Earthlink, NetZero, etc.
- Now go back to Add/Remove programs and uninstall any trial security software that came with the machine.
- Now, you can hook up your Internet connection. Once you have a connection established, visit my tip on how to download and install Microsoft Security Essentials and follow those steps before continuing to Step 7.
- Setup your email program and accounts.
- Install your peripherals (scanners, printers, etc) per your manufacturers instructions (now that you are connected to the Internet, many older peripherals may automatically be installed by Windows 7.
- Install any programs that you want on the new system
- Transfer your data from their backup locations.
- Strongly consider downloading and using Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome as your primary browser.
- Create your Recovery CD set found in your manufacturer’s options or utilities folder (if required).
- Enjoy your properly setup and safe, new computer!
Related articles:
- 5 Reasons why YOU should be moving to the cloud
- Backup – What, Where, When, and How – May 2007
- Learn how to check your backups
- Moving to a new computer requires patience
- What should I back up?
Leave a Reply
Loading ...
,
I have a new computer with Windows7 and have installed Windows Security Essentials. Do I need anything more for spyware or adware or does Security Essentials cover these problems?
Good question and I hope you enjoy your new computer! Please read these two article for the answer: http://helpmerick.com/?p=4982 and http://helpmerick.com/web-surfing-101-again.htm
I have Gmail, when I click on an enbedded web address it will not connect to the web address. It goes to IE and will not load.
I turned on the computer tonight and can
go to web sites from my email when I click on them….I hope it stays working.
Thank you …don’t reply (yet).
Another Day !
I turned on the computer and it is not going to the web sites from my email.
I also have Windows live mail and it works fine going to the web sites.
It’s always good if you provide the OS (XP, Vista, 7, etc.) and the IE version (click on ‘Help’ and ‘About Internet Explorer’). Any help you may get will be more accurate if that information is known.
Also, does it work if you right-click on the web address, and then click either ‘Open in New Tab’ or ‘Open in New Window’?
Another possibility is: right-click on the web address, click ‘Copy Shortcut’, and then paste that shortcut into the address field at the top of IE. Make sure you completely replace any existing address. It might be easier if you open a new tab first.
These suggestions are based on the IE8 that I’m using. If you have something else, the exact wording you see may be different.
Dave, Bless You !
Your direction works for me:
Right-click on the web address, click ‘Copy Shortcut’, and then paste that shortcut into the address field at the top of IE.
I have Windows 7 IE9 Sorry I didn’t include that information in my email.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
Hi
I bought a nice new computer recently which has a keyboard with hard function keys to launch internet and e-mail, very nice. The problem is that it always launches Yahoo, and I would prefer it to launch Sky Broadband which is my ISP. I have tryed to find a way to reset these keys but no luck so far. Have you any suggestions please?
I don’t know exactly what keyboard you have, but chances are that you can either change the home page in your browser OR look for the keyboard settings in the Control Panel.
Hi Rick!
Just wondering if you have ever used PC Decrapifier? The concept looks good. Have to wait until I re-install my PC system or buy a new computer to try it out.
Sorry…a little presidential humor in this silly season of ours, but in regards to the PC Decrapifier: Yes, I did try it a few times and it worked fair, but I wasn’t convinced it was decrapifying as much as I could do manually. Are there newer versions you feel are doing a better job? And are they branching out from Dell computers as well?
I am not even going to try to attempt this. Way to complicated for me that’s for sure!
If you step through the recommendations slowly, you shouldn’t have any problems.
That might cause me to have to drink…I’m calling my computer guy!
I have a student and her parents bought a new computer, she is setting it up for them. When they are asked to select a language, they selected Spanish, and then it takes them to a page where the agreements are shown and they click accept. Then it asks if they want to save to computer or windows. She doesn’t know which one to select. I don’t either so I thought some one might be able to help me help her!!
I have a student and her parents bought a new computer, she is setting it up for them. When they are asked to select a language, they selected Spanish, and then it takes them to a page where the agreements are shown and they click accept. Then it asks if they want to save to computer or windows. She doesn’t know which one to select. I don’t either so I thought some one might be able to help me help her!!
The description of your problem is fairly vague and it is hard to tell what exactly needs to happen.