Your New Christmas Computer

richc46 · 10 Dec 2010

For all the lucky members who will receive or buy a new computer for Christmas be sure to:

Dont install the antivirus software that pops up with instuctions to install
Should be done at the end and this software although probably free for a while
will cost money down the road and is probably not the best.

Windows updates should be done immediately as you are vulnerable to problems
until updated; be sure to include office updates

Adobe reader should be updated, the most recent version is a sandbox version which
reduces virus vulnerablity to your PDF files.

This is also the oppotunity to download Adobe Flash Player

Download an alertative browser; ie FF or Chrome etc. In the event of problems with IE

Remove any unwanted program bloat. They will slow up your computer and probably
cost money in the future.

Download your antivirus; Microsoft Security Essentials is suggested.

Now enjoy the internet.

In addition follow these maintenance instructions.

Suggestions for Proper Maintenance

indianacarnie · 10 Dec 2010

good advice!
mse is good but i personally recommend avast free. but thats a matter of choice.

PooMan UK · 10 Dec 2010

Nice info Richard ...

Can I add one thing, if you have a new PC for Chrimbo .... don't forget to create the manufacturers system recovery discs, as most new systems don't come with them supplied and not all units have a recovery partition that is usable.
I've lost count at how many peeps units that need re-installing and when I ask for the recovery discs .... I get a blank look

richc46 · 10 Dec 2010

Thanks Nick. Actually a great suggestion. Which I am now including in my Vista Post

indianacarnie · 10 Dec 2010

i agree , great advice.

richc46 · 12 Dec 2010

Thanks for the nice comments

Backnblack · 12 Dec 2010

Best thing to do is format the HD and do a clean install that is bloatware free.

StalkeR · 12 Dec 2010

Nice suggestion richc46

gregrocker · 12 Dec 2010

PC makers have stopped providing OS Installation DVD's so that they can enforce sponsored bloatware which provides much of their profit margin today.

For this reason many tech enthusiasts find a Win7 Installation DVD to clean reinstall with the Product Key on COA sticker.

This reinstall is actually better than getting a new computer!

Here are tips to get a perfect reinstall, based on hundreds done here: re-install windows 7

Until then, here are tips for cleaning up a factory bloatware install: HP laptop has used up all four primary partitions

Maxxwire · 13 Dec 2010

gregrocker said:

Here are tips to get a perfect reinstall, based on hundreds done here:

And after that perfect reinstall its a good idea to make a Windows System Image on a remote drive for safe keeping. I also like keeping a current Macrium Reflect Image so that I'm never more than 5 minutes away from a clean image restore that is ready to roll with all my current programs and settings.

~Maxx~