new computer - how to set up right the first time?
 

I just bought a new home PC - first one in about 8 years. I am still working on the old one for now as I want to set up the new one right the first time. I have been a user (just that) for 20 years - not an expert by any measure.

I have not put the internet on the new computer yet and I have not installed any software yet.

It has Windows 7.

I have backed up the old computer (Windows XP) on line. I have deleted some software from the new computer such as Norton that I don't intend to use.

For software I will have Office, Outlook, Autocad and SolidWorks and some sort of elementary photo manipulation program. I will work with spread sheets and word, do some drawing, fool with pictures, down load books and music and surf the web for 356 / 911 content and other interests. Beyond that not much else.

I want to have a wireless network and have all the equipment for that. I have a 25" monitor that will also serve as my TV in that room.

I want to do it right the first time (unlike most things I do :) ) HELP or SUGGESTIONS PLEASE

Thanks very much.

I am not exactly sure what help you are looking for but here are my thoughts. Start by getting an external hard drive. Next on your XP computer, go here (Download details: Windows Easy Transfer for Windows XP) and download the new file and settings transfer wizard and transfer what it saves to an external hard drive. This will grab just about everything that is important for you including your files.

Now, on your new PC, load all the applications you will want to run. With Win 7 there is a new feature called UAC. It is a security step that asks if you are really sure you want to do something. Yea, I know it can and will be a PITA, but it will help keep bad things from happening to your PC. I am an IT consultant and recommend that you don’t turn this off.

Now, on the Win 7 PC, go to start/all programs/accessories/system tools and finally Windows Easy transfer. This is essentially the program from above you ran on your XP PC. Use this program to import your XP files and settings.

Be ready for a learning curve with Win 7. Things are and will be different. But IMHO, it is the best OS Microsoft has done.

Enjoy.

So what do you plan on using for anti-virus software if you deleted Norton? You need some kind of anti-virus if you are running Windows and going online.

Microsoft Security Essentials is free and so far works well on all my systems.

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

If your new box came with an OS disc, I would format and reinstall the OS without all the crap that the vendors install to supplement the cost of the computer. Only do this if you are comfortable loading OS' and updating drivers.

A great tip would be to get the new box running perfect with all your software, get another hard drive, make a clone and put the clone in a safe place. Back up all your important files like pics, music, spreadsheets, etc online. Then if anything ever happens, you can restore to brand new in a few easy steps.

Thanks for the advice. That is what I was looking for. Not being really into computers except using them and only getting a new one every 5 or more years I didn't want to make some big mistake or do something out of sequence.

Thanks

Probably AVG - thats what I have been using for several years and its, knock wood, been doing the job.

I did not get any discs with the new machine and I am wondering why. It was a mail order computer and it came in an unopened carton with the factory tape in place. But no OS disc.

Norton is the only thing I have removed so far but there were two different Norton apps. After looking I really don't see anything else to remove except games. It has a link to Netflicks on the desktop and I was thinking of signing up for that so I will keep it.

What other things should I look for to strip[ off it?

Thanks

AVG is a good choice.

I like this antivirus, uses less resources than AVG & doesn't have the annoying pop-ups. I would also use Crapcleaner everyday, only takes a second. Here's a great website for downloads, Crapcleaner is the most popular.


FileHippo.com - Download Free Software

now called CCleaner - I like it also

What type of computer is it? HP? Dell?

You can contact them and get a set of the original disks, usually for free. Make sure you register it for the warranty.

The computer makers put a lot of crap on there, like Norton, all sorts of other un-needed stuff like AOHell and so on that you do not need.

Just make sure that the first thing you do once on the internet is update your virus protection program. Then get Mal-Ware Bytes for mal ware!

Joe A