13 Essential Steps: Set Up Your New PC

Just got a new laptop or desktop? Don't check Facebook yet! Here’s what to do first.

By John Brandon

Introduction

Maybe it was a holiday gift; maybe you bought it for yourself. You open the box, tear back the packaging materials, and pull out your shiny new computer. Maybe it's a laptop with a powerful Intel processor, or a desktop with all the latest bells and whistles (and, if you paid enough, maybe even a horn). Now what?

Ask any seasoned PC professional who knows all about how to set them up, and they'll agree: The first steps you take when buy a new computer are crucial. Forget to configure your backup software or virus checker, and down the line, you might well find yourself troubleshooting preventable problems or recreating your Microsoft Word documents from scratch. In this guide, we'll show you the right steps to take―in order―when you first unpack that new computer to avoid that.
Before following these steps, go ahead and set up the hardware: Connect the monitor, keyboard, and mouse (if you are using a desktop), connect the power cables, and position the system where you want it to be. (Note that we did not mention connecting a network, or Ethernet, cable. You decidedly do not want to do that at this time.) Once that’s done, press the power button to boot into Windows for the first time.
Note: These instructions are geared toward Windows 7, since most PCs you’ll buy today are now sold with this, the latest Microsoft operating system. If you bought a PC with an older OS, such as Windows XP (still common on some netbooks, or mini-notebooks) or Windows Vista, most of the same steps and procedures still apply.

 

Introduction
1. Set up a backup routine
2. Set up a Windows restore point
3. Create a system repair disc
4. Install a router for extra protection
5. Set up security software
6. Create a Notepad file with serial numbers for the software you own
7. Create a standard desktop folder
8. Set up a document-organization scheme
9. Tweak your desktop resolution and wallpaper
10. Set up file sharing the easy way
11. Set up a power-saving plan
12. Inventory your upgrade options
13. File the PC paperwork for future reference or tax time