Got a New Computer? What To Do First

I love Ask Leo for tech support information.  He does a great job and in his article today called, “The First 8 Things You Should Do With Your New Computer” he did a great job of talking about the technical things needed to be done when you receive a new computer.  Check out the article for details, but basically he wants you to:

1. Save the Installation Media
2.  Make a System / Image Backup
3.  Set up your backup system (my personal favorite)
4. Enable the Firewall and connect to the Internet (up until now, you shouldn’t be connected)
5. Install your anti-virus and anti-spyware software
6. Run updates – Windows and any other software
7. Save the product keys

I’m going to add, “what to do on the old computer” first.  Obviously you have a bunch of data on the old computer that needs to be transferred. So to start with:

1.  Make a list of all programs you use in the “All Programs” menu.  You would be amazed how easy it is to miss something once you get working on your new computer and when you need it, realize it isn’t there.

2.  Find all the installation media for the software you currently own.  If you were good and filed everything in one place, this is easy.  Some things were downloads and may be on the computer. Others should be downloaded again.  Across the board make sure you understand the licensing so you aren’t breaking any rules installing it on the new computer!

3.  Check your current backup.  There is nothing easier than downloading a backup of your old computer onto the new machine and then filing the information in the proper place. UNLESS your backup isn’t working.  So double check that now so you can remedy it before you get started.

4.  Turn off programs.  Go through and turn off your email account (either delete it or just stop the send and receive), turn off the backup system on the old computer, and generally make sure it is not doing anything anymore. You want everything new on the new computer.

Now you are set!  Follow Leo’s advice and go through his steps.  And once that’s done, simply copy the “restore” file from your backup system onto the new system, install your software, run through the configurations and you will be ready to go!  Okay – okay. I can hear you complaining already that this is going to take TIME.  I know. But, investing the time up front will allow you to get it all done and not slow you down when you are trying to get work done. I promise you if you don’t have a PDF reader on your system you will find out when your biggest client calls to follow up on an email they sent you with a new project or contract and you will have to stall while you get the program installed. Save yourself the aggravation!