Starting W10 for the first time

bob_a_builder

There's also this potential problem:

So don't install that Extension

[chrome] as I believe it's the worst for attracting adware

But you said you were going to be running an ad blocker
chrome "AdBlock" extension cuts most of the crap for me

video loads without warning, pinching more of your data.

Not on my screen it didn't - theres a Chrome extension for that !

Kernel_Sanders

bob_a_builder wrote: »

But you said you were going to be running an ad blocker Chrome "AdBlock" extension cuts most of the crap for me

I have read of people unwilling to 'sell their souls' to the Chrome OS, implying that it gleans all the info it can from users in order to facilitate targeted ads. Is Firefox (using a similar blocker) not any better?

bob_a_builder wrote: »

Not on my screen it didn't - there's a Chrome extension for that !

Does that work like 'lazy loader' in Firefox?

poppellerant

I agree with SouthUKMan - find a friend or somewhere like McDonalds and use their bandwidth. If nothing else, the updates may take some time - particularly the fall creators update.

When you get your laptop, don't create a Microsoft account to sign into Windows - create a local account. The first time you start Windows, it will probably feel slow as it installs tons of apps and performs housekeepig tasks in the background - forget the apps for now, we can deal with them once you've updated Windows.

If you're not used to Windows 10, the Start menu might feel a little alien to you at first. But it's fairly simple when you get the general gist - a few shortcuts on the left, program list in the middle and tiles on the right. I personally delete all the tiles and uninstall every single app possible.

From the Start menu, find Settings - it's an icon that looks like a cog - and click on it to open Settings. You will probably need to scroll down in Settings to find the Update & Security icon - click on it to bring you to the Windows Update screen. From here, click on the Check for updates button and wait patiently.

What will probably happen is that Windows Update will download some preliminary updates, like Flash update, Cumulative Update, device drivers, etc. Let it install these and restart when prompted.

Once the preliminary updates have been installed, check for updates once again. It is quite likely you will now end up downloading the Windows 1709 Feature Update. A word of warning, this can take a long time and longer still on a slow internet connection. So be patient, persist. Now is probably the time to order your meal if you're in McDonalds - but make sure it is downloading the 1709 update first before you hop along to be served.

Once the 1709 has restarted, installed and restarted, it would probably not be a bad idea to check for updates one more final time before you pack up and leave your chosen supplier of internet.

You're probably looking at at least 2 hours for all the updates to download and install. But allow for 4, because it could take that long. And that's if you get a half decent connection!

AndyPix

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

I've just bought a Windows 10 laptop but haven't started it up yet,

Thats crazy !! turn it on and get stuck in !

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

I'm a bit concerned about the KRACK WPA2 vulnerability which affects wi-fi, so I am seeking advice beforehand.

Dont give it another thought - unless you personally know a very dedicated hacker who is out to get you

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

After that, my priorities are:

Avoid adware as much as possible. --- use ad blockers and noscript (Firefox extentions)
Reduce data usage (I use mobile broadband). -- Set your connection to metered, and use wifi when poss
Extend battery life (per charge and longevity). -- Lower screen brightness

I'm currently using Panda but I'm open to suggestions.
I've never paid for additional software in my life and don't intend to start now


You dont need a 3rd party AV - Windows 10 built in defender is just fine.
I would download the free version of malwarebytes and run it from time to time

You are being over cautions - turn it on and enjoy it !


Edit : Heed the advice of Propellerant above - Dont create a microsoft account - use a local account (It will try to make you do this , just look for the little option that says "not now" or similar, i forget the wording

Neil_Jones

Or just don't connect it to the network when setting it up, it'll then have no choice but to make a local account

poppellerant

Neil_Jones wrote: »

Or just don't connect it to the network when setting it up, it'll then have no choice but to make a local account

Actually that's a good point I hadn't thought about. When turning the laptop on for the first time, don't choose a wireless network or enter any network keys for the time being, until you've ran Windows Update and completed the download and installation of updates. Otherwise you could either end up with a hefty bill if you use mobile data or a mobile dongle.

It might not be a bad idea to let Windows sit at the desktop for an hour, to let it perform it's housekeeping tasks. This will more than likely speed things up at the library.

Kernel_Sanders

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth wrote: »

Why buy a laptop if you don’t want to use it?

The one I've been struggling with is still usable, so there's no hurry. I'm determined to stop Facebook/eBay/Twitter etc. getting their ads onto it as I never use these sites. I've also been waiting for the more basic advice that's arrived in the last four posts - you know, the stuff most internet users don't know of. For instance,

Neil_Jones wrote: »

Or just don't connect it to the network when setting it up, it'll then have no choice but to make a local account

Well I didn't know what a local a/c was, or if you can still access the App Store with it. In fact the only reason I avoided the password bit was because the machine has a fingerprint recognition thingy, which I have yet to discover.

poppellerant wrote: »

When turning the laptop on for the first time, don't choose a wireless network .... Otherwise you could either end up with a hefty bill if you use mobile data or a mobile dongle.

For others less knowledgeable who come across this, the wireless (wi-fi) can only draw data from a mobile broadband or data SIM if it's being used in a router or in a mobile phone using its hotspot facility. I use mine in a dongle and I have wireless turned off as there is a significant saving on the battery.

poppellerant wrote: »

If you're not used to Windows 10, the Start menu might feel a little alien to you at first. But it's fairly simple when you get the general gist - a few shortcuts on the left, program list in the middle and tiles on the right. I personally delete all the tiles and uninstall every single app possible.

I've used XP and W8, so the start menu looks like a mixture of the two. I'll probably not need the Shell app that I found so invaluable on W8.1.

Debbie_Savard

I do wonder at the aggro some people put themselves through to get back at 'the man'.

RumRat

Debbie_Savard wrote: »

I do wonder at the aggro some people put themselves through to get back at 'the man'.

Painful isn't it......;):D

Kernel_Sanders

What man? :huh: