First boot: The first time you turn on a new computer you will be
prompted to setup your user account, accept the license agreement, register
with the manufacturer, choose the Windows update settings you would like to use
and select the time zone.
Create recovery media: Create a set of recovery discs. Even if your
computer came with recovery media it is a good idea to create a second copy.
Many new computers do not come with any type of recovery media. Each
manufacturer is different but most offer the option to create the recovery
media using several CD’s, DVD’s or a USB flash drive. After creating the media label it and keep it
in a safe place.
Update Windows: If you choose the option to use automatic updates
you don’t have to worry when new updates are released. Windows will
automatically install important and critical updates. This setting will be
turned on by default in Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1. You can adjust the Windows
update settings in control panel > Windows update > change settings.
Uninstall unwanted programs:
Most new computers come with preloaded software and “bloatware” you may
want to uninstall. Open control panel > programs and look through the list.
Uninstall anything you do not want. Be careful what you uninstall. If you are
not sure about a program that is listed look it up using a search engine.
Install antivirus software: Before going online you want to install
and update the antivirus software you would like to use. Using another computer,
download the software and save the setup file to a USB drive, external hard
drive or a CD/DVD. Then install the software on the new computer. After installing
the antivirus software check for updates and install those then restart the
computer.
Setup a backup: Setup a regularly scheduled backup.
Create a restore point: After setting up your computer, installing
Windows updates and your programs, create a system restore point. This will
allow you to return your computer to the condition it was in when you created
the restore point if something were to go wrong in the future. Click start and in the search field type
create a restore point. Or open control panel > system > advanced system
settings. Click the system protection tab and then the create button. Follow
the prompts to create a restore point.
Record information about your new computer: Create a text file or
some other document that contains all of the information about your new
computer. It is useful to have all of this information on hand in case you need
it for any reason in the future. Log the make and model, serial number, product
number, details about the hardware installed, where you purchased the computer,
the purchase price, the purchase date, the order number, the warranty
information the operating system version and license key information and any
other information you may find relevant.
Transfer your data to the new computer: If you have files and
settings on your old computer that you would like to copy to your new computer
use a USB thumb drive or some other type of media to copy that information to
the new computer. If you are no longer going to use the old computer you can
remove the hard drive from that computer and install it on the new computer as
a secondary hard drive. You can copy the data from the old hard drive to the
new hard drive. This will work if the new computer has an available connection
on the motherboard to connect the old hard drive. You can also purchase an
external USB adapter that will allow you to connect a hard drive to the
computer using a USB port. After copying the data you can format the old hard
drive and use that as a backup drive.
Windows 7 & Windows 8/8.1 has a feature called Windows Easy
Transfer that you can use to transfer files and settings from one Windows
computer to another.
Read more here on Windows Easy Transfer.
Adjust settings: Some initial adjustments you may want to make are
folder settings, power settings and display settings. You may want to create
additional user accounts for other members of your family that will be using
the computer. Most of this can be done in control panel.
Install hardware: install any printers or other hardware you would
like to use. Windows may detect and
install new hardware automatically. If not you can go to the manufacturers
website and download the most current device drivers for the hardware.
Install software: install any software you would like to use. Some
basic software you might want to install, a PDF viewer and PDF editor, Office software,
browsers, graphic editors, audio and video programs, software to keep track of
your passwords and additional security software and a backup program. To make
Windows 8/8.1 easier to use you may want to install a start menu replacement
program. ClassicShell is a free download. http://www.classicshell.net/
