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Do's and Dont's for new Dell laptop

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Hubby will shortly be receiving his new Dell Inspiron 3521 with Windows 8.

Aside from uninstalling McAfee, installing Malwarebytes, installing Avast and not clicking on any dodge websites, is there anything else we should do to keep it running in tip-top shape forever ......:)

Comments

  • closed
    closed Posts: 10,886 Forumite
    edited 16 July 2013 at 2:10PM
    do create windows disc, do create system image with macrium every so often, and one macrium bootcd

    don't install toolbars, drop it, pick it up by the screen, trip over the wire, or spill drinks on it.

    don't assume it's had it, if in a few years time it appears slow.
    !!
    > . !!!! ----> .
  • Wikikenkey
    Wikikenkey Posts: 268 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    Thanks Closed. I had totally forgotten about Macrium and will try, try, try not to do the others.:)
  • macman
    macman Posts: 53,129 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Always keep a backup. And don't let your neighbour's kids loose on it...
    No free lunch, and no free laptop ;)
  • ffox
    ffox Posts: 53 Forumite
    Ditch Windows altogether.
  • bcl999
    bcl999 Posts: 3,620 Forumite
    edited 17 July 2013 at 11:39AM
    I got a 3721 a couple of months back. Best thing I have installed is Start 8 which gives me back the look of Vista & Windows 7. It's free to try for a month. I've since bought the paid-for upgrade.

    I found this thread useful
    https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4323561
  • mehera
    mehera Posts: 153 Forumite
    make sure system restore is on and working!

    better be safe and ready . . .
    I was going to put the name of my plumbing business here so you know what I do should I give out any advice plumbing wise - however apparently I cant do that - go figure!!!!!
    New signature - I am a Plumber (I am just not allowed to tell you!)
  • sickparrot
    sickparrot Posts: 816 Forumite
    Assume that the battery won't be working any more after a year and it will need to be permanently plugged into the mains.
    Out on blue six..
    It's Chips and Jackets, Peas and Trousers.
  • Wikikenkey
    Wikikenkey Posts: 268 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    Oh, another thing following on from sickparrot, what is the best way to make your laptop battery last longer. Should you disconnect the battery if you are plugged into the mains and only use the battery (obviously charged) when not plugged into the mains?

    Probably a silly question but my Dell batteries never seem to last that long.
  • bcl999
    bcl999 Posts: 3,620 Forumite
    Mine has a setting that is supposed to prolong battery life if it is plugged in constantly. It pops up automatically asking if you wish to turn it on.
  • grumpycrab
    grumpycrab Posts: 5,026 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Bake Off Boss!
    Check your Dell warranty and Dell software updates (*)
    https://www.dell.com/support/troubleshooting/uk/en/ukdhs1/ProductSelector/Select/ProductSelectorHome?rquery=na

    (*) e.g. BIOS may be old. Ask here if Dell reports the availability of any significant software updates.
    If you put your general location in your Profile, somebody here may be able to come and help you.
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