What a thrilling prospect! For Christmas, you received a new computer. It’s sleek, gleaming, and light years ahead of what you had previously. That’s fantastic, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. This article outlines numerous measures you may take to protect your data and keep your new gadget in good working order.
First and foremost. You should update your operating system before accessing your personal email or other important websites (OS). Yes, most PCs arrive with Windows out of the box, but you have no way of knowing when that item was packed. It’s possible that there are critical developments that you don’t want to miss.
Most retail PCs come with a version of Windows that has been out of date for several months. Cumulative updates are installed by default in Windows 10 and 11, which means that only a few updates are required to bring your system up to date. This could take anything from 15 minutes to many hours, depending on your connection and computer performance.
When Windows downloads system updates, it also downloads the most recent drivers, which are pieces of software that allow various computer components to function. Depending on your computer’s hardware, you may require specialist drivers from the manufacturer. Gamers, for example, should obtain the most recent graphics drivers to improve performance.
You won’t need any drivers if you have an Apple computer, such as a Macbook or an iMac, but system updates will take at least an hour or two!
While you’re uploading and upgrading, make sure to clean away any rubbish that has accumulated on the computer. Although it isn’t as popular as it once was, manufacturers might save money by pre-installing software. Antivirus software samples, such as McAfee, Norton, or TrendMicro, are the most well-known. They usually work for a month before requesting a pricey subscription. Replace them with a better anti-malware program, such as Emsisoft Anti-Malware for Windows or Malwarebytes for Mac.
It’s possible that you won’t require the tools that come pre-installed. Meanwhile, they cause your computer to slow down. To boost your computer’s processing, clear the clutter. Go to the Control Panel on your PC and uninstall any apps or tools you don’t want. But proceed with caution. Just because you don’t understand what it is doesn’t imply it isn’t important.
Setting up free software on a new computer is also a terrific way to get started. For many of us, this involves the following:
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The internet browsers are Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. We recommend continuing with Microsoft Edge, but be sure to switch to Google search instead of Bing!
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Skype — for voice and video calling, as well as instant messaging;
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VLC is an open-source multimedia player.
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Create, edit, sign, and protect PDFs using FoxIt Reader.
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LibreOffice is a free alternative to Microsoft Office that is adequate for most tasks.
