New computer on the way....

BarginHunter1985

Hey guys...

My new computer will be arriving in 3 days time...so i just wondered if you could advise me as to what i need to put on there...etc.

For instance does it need a virus protector etc..and any other fun gadgets for computers..

Cheers

BH x

Poppycat

I recommend a AV like avg or the free version or Kaspersky both also do a firewall program on those links
A Firewall like Kaspersky
A malware like Ewido or spybot

Perhaps update drivers on new system as they almost always out of date. Update OS assuming its XP go to start/all programs/windows update

Perhaps install favourite software like Office etc and backit up partition using a backup program like Acronis True image
You can get that for £17 at Amazon if you wish as it everything goes pear shaped it will backup c drive or any other partition onto a dvdr/cdr

Hope you enjoy your new pc. I will be doing same soon and I always backup and install the software above, although I am now using Kapersky internet security instead of AVG and Norton firewall

ollyshaw

Getting yourself behind a hardware firewall will help loads!

Olly

newmoney_3

Hi,

If you are planning on going online then I would recommend first and foremost a decent firewall. I assume that you will have Windows XP which does include one so this is an expense that you can do without, but personally prefer to have an external firewall.

I would definetely recommend a decent virus protecter. AV GOLD is not bad (and is / was free for personal home use) and can be found at https://www.grisoft.com.

I would also go for a decent anti-spyware software, I use Microsoft Windows Anti-Spyware and a number of others. Does not harm to have multiple anti-spyware programs as each picks up several different things.

Don't forget to get yourself a desk to put your new PC on, know it sounds stupid but when I got my first PC some years ago, I had it delivered to my house and then realised that I had no where to put it! Very irritating as I had to rush out and buy a desk. But I guess as it is new computer you probably have all of that.

One last point, one of my old IT helpdesk friends mentioned that the best way to keep a new PC clean is to set yourself up with a main user with full admin rights (i.e. can download anything and install it onto the PC) and then actually use the PC on a day to day basis as a user with very strict limits on what the user can do. This means that even if you get hit by a virus or trojan, they should not be able to do much as you are only a user with no admin rights. Probably still have the instructions somewhere as to how to do this if interested, just PM me and I will see. Otherwise I am sure some of the other IT bods here will be able to help.

Hope this helps,

BarginHunter1985

Wow thanks sooo much..will look into that..
Sorry Poppycat I am not the best with computer lingo...dont understand the thing about updating drivers?

Oh yea...i need to get a desk..totally forgot..ma gosh..!

Poppycat

Updating drivers it would depend on the hardware installed say Nvideo graphic card, soundblaster, epson printer etc

SkipClick

help2go :eek:

albertross_2

I think we should all have a party when it arrives, this has been a long decision..

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=205665

just hope it works. You haven't bought a Dell have you?:rotfl:

Katgoddess

BarginHunter1985 wrote:

dont understand the thing about updating drivers?

Drivers are small programs that tell your computer exactly what the hardware (eg graphics card) or peripheral (eg keyboard) is and how it is to work properly with your computer and the operating system.

Mostly with XP you plug something in and it will load the drivers automatically. Sometimes you will have to load the program with a disc. Basically if you aren't having a problem you *probably* won't need to update it.

albertross_2

just go to https://www.windowsupdate.com and do an update, it should have upto date drivers on already. they usually come with AV software on (it may be a trial version though, it depends what you have ordered).

BarginHunter1985

Thanks alot guys...it came this morning...so later on i am going to enjoy how to fix it up together...i haven't a clue..i am sure it can't be that hard...