Setting Up Your New Addition
Part 4 of 10 – Computer Ownership
This article is the fourth of our 10 part mini-series of self-help articles covering all facets of computer ownership. This week we cover the topic – what happens when I get it home? So you’ve brought home or into work some cardboard boxes containing IT gear and are ready to get connected! If it is a non-portable device such as a desktop PC there are a few considerations before you even unpack.
If you are connecting to a modem / router or work network, where are these devices located & can you run an Ethernet cable to the PC? In most business environments & even in many home installations, wireless networks are absolute rubbish compared to using an Ethernet cable. Can you locate the PC in a well-ventilated area where it is away from extra heat such as direct sunlight & where it will not be the victim of unexpected rain through a window while you are out?
Keep in mind that PC’s have a constant flow of cooling air normally sucked in from the front near the bottom and therefore dust or lint laden air will cause problems. For this reason, try to locate the PC up off the floor, especially if you have carpet. If it will be used by children or employees think about placing the screen so that the user is not sitting with their back to a wall as it can be advantageous that you have the ability to frequently walk behind the user to see what is actually on the screen.
We have supplied PC’s in CQ for 17 years & for the last 11 we have made the use of a UPS (battery backup & surge protector) compulsory with our own PC’s. Unlike a near useless surge protection board, a UPS which also has an internal battery, constantly filters the power going to your PC and screen as well as providing time for a normal shutdown if the power goes off. If you live in a rural area and especially on SWER power then these devices become even more essential – keep this uppermost in mind.
Once able to finally hit that power button you will be asked to select the options for language, country, time zone and for a username/password. If this is not a shared PC and security is not an issue then consider leaving the password blank or write it down where you can retrieve it easily as what comes to mind today can be easily forgotten tomorrow or after a holiday. The next challenge will be wading through the enormous amount of trial & junk software bestowed upon you which slows both your new PC and yourself from doing whatever you actually bought it for in the 1st place!
Try to uninstall any software that you don’t need (Google is your friend here) and don’t get suckered into subscription software that wants money each month for its use. A virus scanner is next and for home use we recommend the free version of Avast Anti-virus whereas we recommend Trend Micro for businesses – in either case we turn off the Windows Defender option. You will also need to let the Microsoft updates run and these may ask for several PC restarts before they are up-to-date.
If you are about to setup a newish printer using a setup disk then make sure that you don’t plug the printer into the PC until the software wizard tells you to or alternatively if you have an older printer then make sure your PC is connected to the Internet before plugging it in. In general, take extra time and be care full with all of the options and tick boxes when first setting up a new PC as many of the choices that you make will stay with the PC from there on.
The last important point this week is about the look of the latest Windows 8 & 8.1 operating systems. Many existing PC users feel totally lost when moving to this new looking format and I certainly sympathise with them. With 90% of our new PC sales we supply software that reverts this new look to the ‘traditional Windows’ look which most people feel at home with. Next week’s topic – how do I store files and photos?
Future Byte Me topics can be emailed to [email protected] and Bruce is contactable at Kerr Solutions, 205 Musgrave Street or on 49 222 400.
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