New laptop being delivered today....

wannabe_moneysaver

I've been trying to find out what I should do to get it in the best state possible and to keep it that way.

How do I know what is preinstalled bloat and what the system needs to run? I've read that I should make a back up copy of the system and install antivirus (I currently use Avast). Any advice most welcome.

Thanks.

Jivesinger

wannabe_moneysaver wrote: »

I've read that I should make a back up copy of the system.

Depending on the make and model of laptop, the manufacturer will probably have provided an option to make Recovery Disks on a USB or DVDs. I suggest using this option in addition to taking a full backup of the disk.

Although most laptops will have a built-in recovery partition on the hard disk, this is no help if the hard disk itself has a problem (as happened to a couple of people on here recently with fairly recent Toshibas). Having the Recovery disks will get you back up and running if you ever need to replace the hard disk.

As the option is usually provided by the manufacturer, the name of the utility will vary depending on your make of laptop. Sometimes it will prompt you, soon after you start the laptop for the first time.

wannabe_moneysaver

Thank you for your post, I will do both then. It's a Lenovo G500.

grumpycrab

First create a system image (mechanisms similar for Windows7, 8.1). This will either be to a set of DVDs or external drive.

Also make a "system repair disk" which will enable repair if the boot sector(s) are corrupted.

Avast is good but you may get a free antivirus license with laptop. You'll have to decide which one to use.

Bloatware? Depends on laptop make and its upto you how much you take off.

Finally decide a backup strategy.

wannabe_moneysaver

Thank you grumpycrab. I will no doubt be back with more questions once I see what's preinstalled, I can't think i'll want anything that's not necessary to make it work. Also it'll be my first time with windows 8...

grumpycrab

wannabe_moneysaver wrote: »

Also it'll be my first time with windows 8...

Windows 8 is a modern, reliable, operating system. But the user interface is a dog's dinner. If you have issues read my sig...

wannabe_moneysaver

It was your signature that reminded me! I've been so excited about finally getting a new laptop that I've kind of pushed the issue aside! I've read such negative things about it! I will certainly take note if the steps you advice. Thanks.

closed

before you start messing, create an image backup, and recovery discs

Macrium reflect free is a better backup than the inbuilt windows one.

FifaFan14

Strip it of all the pre-installed programs, it's my biggest pet hate with them sort of things.

Knarf44

Download and install the free PC Decrapifier

The first time you run it, it will ask if it's a new computer, then simply follow the wizard. It will produce a list of recommended programs to uninstall. If you approve them it will then uninstall them.

However, as others have suggested above, sort the back up and recovery disks first. Personally I would do a Windows Update and at minimum install the antivirus program of my choice before making the back up.

For backing up to an external disk, the free version of Macrium Reflect and Windows Backupper are very straightforward to use.