A lot of people get I.T. gadgets, mobile phones and computers and laptops for Christmas.
With all the anticipation and excitement to use their new devices, a lot of customers forget to do some basic things on their computer, which result in them calling us not long after they start using their new computer.
This post will list in order of importance all the things you should do before using your new desktop, PC, laptop or Mac in hope you don’t make some mistakes which result in loss of money or problems with your computer.
Connect to a Network
This first thing you’re going to need to do is update your computer but you wont be able to do that if you are not connected to the internet.
There are three different types of internet most people use in Townsville. The first is Ethernet, which is plugging your LAN ethernet cable from your modem or router directly into your computer.
The second is “Wireless”. To connect to your wifi you will need your wifi network name and password.
The third is USB dongle. Which is a wireless USB device your Internet Service Provider has given you, which you will need to plug into the side of your computer and install.
Update Your Operating System
Your operating system in the environment which you use to interact with your computer, programs and general use of your computer.
The most popular operating systems are Windows, Linux and OSX.
When your computer was made, it was loaded with the latest operating system at that time. But between the time it was made, and the actual time you unpacked it, there was probably a lot of updates for your computer.
Updates are released regularly and they usually help optimise your machine, protect it from vulnerabilities which have been found and general upkeep to make sure your system is stable and secure as possible.
Look for your update feature depending on your system – a search will usually yield a result. And update it before you go to any websites or add any files or programs.
Install and Antivirus Program
Now your computer is up to date and before you start loading the program you use, install an antivirus program.
If your computer comes with one like Windows Defender on Windows 8 and 10, the update should have updated it. If not, a manual update would be needed.
If you do not want to use the one which come with your computer, you can download a lot of very good antivirus programs like AVG Free or Avast.
I recommend download them while you still have your old antivirus installed for an added protection.
But once you have downloaded your antivirus, remove the old one first before installing the new.
Install and Update the Programs You Use
Everyone uses different programs.
Depending on your needs this could be done in 5 minutes or might take a few days. Most people use some sort of Media player like VLC, Itunes and office application like Microsoft Office or a great free option is Office Libre.
Once you have downloaded them, install the applications and then spend some time making sure each one is up to date.
Customise and Add Data
Now all the serious stuff is done, you’re as ready as you are going to get to start using your computer.
You might have data stored on another computer you would like to move over, or data from a backup on an external drive.
The reason i leave this to last is because you might have an infection like a virus in your old data or on an old computer.
Before you move the data onto your computer make sure you scan it for viruses first, specially your old download directory where a lot of files get downloaded to in the first place.
Once you have moved your data onto your new computer your right to go and have given yourself the best chance to use your computer effectively and safely.
