If you’re reading this, you might have gotten a new PC for the holidays or you're considering buying one in the new year. Thaddeus from Ellenton, Florida, reached out to us with this question after purchasing a new PC.
"I just bought a new PC laptop for the first time in 8 years (how times change!). I want to set this one up correctly and in the most secure way possible from the very start. I mean from the first time I boot it up. QUESTION: Is there a checklist of suggestions that I can follow to [set up] a new computer correctly & securely?" – Thaddeus, Ellenton, FL
Yes, Thaddeus, we have some great suggestions for you. Here's how to set up your new PC, fresh out of the box. And for those who have a new Mac, check out these five essential steps to set up your Mac.
When you first open your new PC, Windows will ask you to pick some basic settings. First, it'll ask you to select a language. Then, it'll ask to connect to your Wi-Fi. Select whatever network you use and input your password. You can then click on "connect automatically" so Windows won't ask you for a password every time you want to connect to the internet.
After connecting to your Wi-Fi, Windows will ask you to set up your language, time and calendar settings. It then asks you to create a login. Windows might ask you to create an online Windows account, but that's optional. While it does sync up your new PC to other PCs you might own, you can also create a local account.
First thing's first, you should make sure you have the latest version of Windows. It doesn't matter if you're using Windows 10 or Windows 11 — you should be using the most up-to-date version. Luckily, Windows allows you to easily update your new computer.
Once you connect your PC to the internet, Windows will automatically search for updates. If you want to update your computer once it has been set up, here's how:
Windows comes preinstalled with Microsoft Edge. The browser is perfectly serviceable, however, it may not be your cup of tea, and you might want to go with an alternative. You might prefer Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera GX or Brave instead. Each has its upsides and downsides.
Windows 10 and 11 both come preinstalled with Windows Security (also known as Windows Defender). It's turned on by default unless you have a third-party antivirus preinstalled. You can access it pretty easily, here's how:
Windows Defender, integrated as a complimentary antivirus software in Windows 10 and 11, offers capabilities to detect and remove a variety of malware, along with firewall and device protection features. However, its scope is limited. It does not safeguard against phishing or spam, and its functionality is confined to the individual Windows 10 or 11 system where it's installed, primarily supporting other Microsoft products. Unfortunately, it lacks compatibility with popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, leaving third-party applications and programs susceptible to security and privacy breaches. Consequently, Windows Defender may not be sufficient for comprehensive security needs, and exploring reliable third-party alternatives could provide more robust and extensive protection.
No matter what, the best way to protect yourself from having your data breached is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. Having good antivirus software actively running on your devices will alert you of any malware in your system, warn you against clicking on any malicious links in phishing emails and ultimately protect you from being hacked. Get my picks for the best 2023 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
You should register your device with its manufacturer. It's an additional record that you've bought their product in case you ever need help with it. It also gives the manufacturer a way to contact you in case there's a recall.
You can register your device online, but that could put you on a mailing list and subject you to spam. One way to combat that is using an alias email. An alias email address is an additional email address that can be used to receive emails in the same mailbox as the primary email address. It acts as a forwarding address, directing emails to the primary email address.
In addition to creating throwaway email accounts for online sign-ups and other circumstances where you would not want to disclose your primary email address, alias email addresses are helpful for handling and organizing incoming communications.
Sometimes, it's best to create various email aliases so that you don't have to worry about getting tons of spam mail and having your email eventually stolen in a data breach. An alias email address is a great way for you to stop receiving constant spam mail by simply deleting the email alias address. See my review of best secure and private email services here.
One of the most critical steps in securing your new PC is to use a password manager. Password managers help you generate strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts, store them securely, and automatically fill them in when you need to log in. This helps protect your accounts from hacking attempts and simplifies your online life. After installing your chosen password manager, make sure to set it up and start using it to store and manage your passwords.
By using a password manager, you'll enhance the security of your online accounts and ensure that you're not using weak or duplicate passwords, which can be a significant vulnerability. With this additional step, your new PC laptop will be even more secure.
The first thing you should do with your old PC is wipe it clean. You don't want to risk compromising your own data. If you don't, you could be leaving your information exposed.
Instead of adding your old PC to your pile of unused tech, consider selling or recycling them. Some services will pay you even if your devices are not working. Here are two services that you can use.
Setting up a PC can seem like a daunting task. But this handy checklist shows how easy it can be. Just follow these 10 steps and you'll be on your way to surfing the web, streaming videos and more!
What do you do first when you buy a PC? What are your biggest issues or challenges? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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