New laptop with Win 7 and some basic questions

janeydoll · 24 Dec 2010

I am getting a new laptop for Christmas and will be using Win 7 64bit for the first time.

I've been using Win XP and since I was the only one using the laptop, I only had an admin account which I now know is a big no-no.

So.....

I will be creating an admin account and a user account with UAC for my personal laptop.

1. What will I use the admin for?
2. Which account do I install and run virus/malware scans?
3. which account do i make system restores?
4. which account do I uninstall the bloatware from?
5. What actually happens if my user account gets messed up with malware etc? Does that mean my admin is still clean and perfect?
6. Will the user account be able to see network places and share with my external HD?
7. What are some of the first things to update when i turn it on for the first time? Is there a proper way to install all of the windows updates? Do i do them all at one time or restart after each install?

Maybe just a little run down on the basics. I appreciate any do's and don'ts as this is a new computer and I want to do everything right at the start.

Thanks so much

zigzag3143 · 24 Dec 2010

janeydoll said:

I am getting a new laptop for Christmas and will be using Win 7 64bit for the first time.

I've been using Win XP and since I was the only one using the laptop, I only had an admin account which I now know is a big no-no.

So.....

I will be creating an admin account and a user account with UAC for my personal laptop.

1. What will I use the admin for? Installing elevated level apps
2. Which account do I install and run virus/malware scans? any user
3. which account do i make system restores? any user
4. which account do I uninstall the bloatware from? any user
5. What actually happens if my user account gets messed up with malware etc? (use admin to clean or create a new user)
Does that mean my admin is still clean and perfect? (possibly but not probably)
6. Will the user account be able to see network places and share with my external HD? (YES)
7. What are some of the first things to update when i turn it on for the first time? Is there a proper way to install all of the windows updates? Do i do them all at one time or restart after each install? (your call some install all some one at a time. be sure to have a restore point)

Maybe just a little run down on the basics. I appreciate any do's and don'ts as this is a new computer and I want to do everything right at the start.

Thanks so much

It really is your call, and depends on how you use it and what you run. I personally run my only user account as Admin

Ken J

janeydoll · 24 Dec 2010

Also, I have system mechanic 10 (or whatever the latest is) and want to know if I should put it on my new laptop, windows 7? I have been reading the forums and have seen a lot about registry cleaners and suggesting NOT to use them which is what I use system mechanic for a lot. I also use it for a system shield but it's not always been the best. I think I am having issues from using it now that I have read all of the wisdom that this forums has.

If I were to NOT use system mechanic, what would I need to keep my computer safe? I want something that runs in real time to prevent malware/spyware.

Also, when talking about the revo program, is that the free version or do you NEED the full version? I just do the basic minimal install/uninstall.

Give me the perfect combination ;-)

janeydoll · 24 Dec 2010

What is the difference between system restore and system image for windows 7?

Cato · 24 Dec 2010

janeydoll said:

What is the difference between system restore and system image for windows 7?

System Restore will restore your computer to a previous state. In other words, if you're having seemingly unsolvable problems today, run system restore and find a restore point previous to today and restore it to that time and your problem will be gone.

As far as system image, I wouldn't bother with the built in Windows version. My suggestion, from lots of good results in the past, would be the free version of Macrium Reflect. www.macrium.com. It works fantastically.

Cato · 24 Dec 2010

janeydoll said:

Also, I have system mechanic 10 (or whatever the latest is) and want to know if I should put it on my new laptop, windows 7? I have been reading the forums and have seen a lot about registry cleaners and suggesting NOT to use them which is what I use system mechanic for a lot. I also use it for a system shield but it's not always been the best. I think I am having issues from using it now that I have read all of the wisdom that this forums has.

If I were to NOT use system mechanic, what would I need to keep my computer safe? I want something that runs in real time to prevent malware/spyware.

Also, when talking about the revo program, is that the free version or do you NEED the full version? I just do the basic minimal install/uninstall.

Give me the perfect combination ;-)

"The perfect combination" is the one that Rich told you about in the other thread about registry, malware, etc. He's 100% correct.

janeydoll · 24 Dec 2010

If I already back up everything in my documents/pictures/music, etc, do I have to have to do macrium? I have everything backed up on 2 external HDs

janeydoll · 24 Dec 2010

Yes, I now have my security plan! ;-)

Cato · 24 Dec 2010

janeydoll said:

If I already back up everything in my documents/pictures/music, etc, do I have to have to do macrium? I have everything backed up on 2 external HDs

No, you don't have to do Macrium. I had some early problems with Windows System Image when I first got Windows 7 14 months ago. I tried a few other backup programs and hit upon Macrium Reflect and enjoyed it's simplicity and ease of use. Enjoyed it so much I bought it.

Sounds like you're ahead of the game, though, if you already have stuff backed up and safe.

janeydoll · 24 Dec 2010

Do I install everything/uninstall bloatware with my admin account or my user account? And which account do i make a system image of?