Things YOU do when you buy a new PC ??

DaelpixPhotos

DaelpixPhotos

Super Star
Its the first time owning a PC which I've bought using my own money and I would love to know what people do...


What do you do when you buy a new computer?

What programs do you install (except for the internet/anti-virus)?

Do you install any programs that get rid of files that were installed then you get a new computer?



Any advice/links?
 
steaky360

steaky360

Moderator
Moderator
If you're getting a SSD, Buzz created an excellent thread on how to ensure it is set up in the best way here: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?14728-SSD-Management

Nemisis created a good thread with loads of free/useful websites here: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?5445-Useful-websites

Tom DWC created a great thread with some free software recommendations here: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?3318-Free-Software-Recommendations

I'd suggest having a look through those and picking any that take your fancy :) That's basically what I did :) All credit to the OP's!
 
ubuysa

ubuysa

The BSOD Doctor
If you only have one hard disk partition it into two and use one for Windows and all your programs and the other for all your data. That way, should you need to restore a Windows image or reinstall Windows, your valuable data is not affected.

Get a copy of IOBit Uninstaller from http://www.iobit.com/advanceduninstaller.php and alwasy use that to uninstall unwanted programs, it also lets you removed registry entries and files and folders lef behind by the uninstall routine. Revo Uninstaller is a similar and well-known product but the free version doesn't run on 64-bit systems, the free IOBit uninstaller does.

Get CCleaner from http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner (get the free version) and use that to remove junk files from your system on a regular basis. Don;t run the registry cleaner that's built in though. Don't run any registry cleaner, they often cause more problems than they fix.

If you use a hard disk and not an SSD get a decent optimising defragger, Ultimate Defrag from http://disktrix.com/, it's not free but it's not expensive either ($29.95) and it allows you to place you higghly active files together and close to the MFT whilst moving unused files to the slower centre part of the disk. It can also defrag and move the system files (MFT and related files) for optimum performance. Never use a defragger on an SSD though, it's pointless and it will reduce the life of the drive.

Get a good firewall and real-time anti-virus system. There are tons to choose from, I uses Comodo Internet Security (free) from http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/free-internet-security.php?track=2737, it's not the easiest in the world to configure or control but it is the most flexible, and arguably the most secure.

If you don't have one already get a large external hard disk and make regular backups. I use Macrium Reflect (free) from http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx for taking images of my Windows partition. This is the easiest way to restore a Windows system. I use SyncBackSE from http://www.2brightsparks.com/syncback/sbse-features.html it's not free but is not expensive either ($34.95) for backing up all my data. SyncBack synchronises the files and folders on your data partition with those on the backup drive and only copies across those that have changed. It's extremely configurable and can run on a schedule, so once set up you can forget it.

Get a copy of HWMonitor from http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/hwmonitor/versions-history.html, it will allow you to keep a close eye on your system temperatures.

Above all become disciplined. Always leave yourself a way to get back to where you were, whether by taking a backup or image first or by copying the data you intend to change. Remember that you pack your own parachute. Never rush, resist the temptation to just try it and see what happens. Do not run any of the so-called PC Tools or Speed Up My Computer tools, they are largely snake oil and can do more harm than good if used unwisely.

And don;t be afraid to ask for help or advice. There are no stupid questions, only stupid mistakes.

:)
 
Everon

Everon

Enthusiast
First thing i always do:

Open the PC and check that the cables/cards are pushed in properly and also check that all the internal fans are spinning up fully. This PC from PCS came with a cable running through my top fan preventing it from working (can happen in transit) but was easily sorted.
 
Deklore

Deklore

Bright Spark
Since your buying from PCS, the first thing you should do is take out the protective packaging from the INSIDE of your pc before hooking it up. :)
 
DaelpixPhotos

DaelpixPhotos

Super Star
Thank you guys.

Deklore, yes I watched an unboxing video on Youtube and saw the person take something out.... I was going to have a look inside of the case anyway lol

I'll make sure everything's plugged in properly just to be sure.
 
Deklore

Deklore

Bright Spark
Theres really no worries there because even if i didnt mention it and you werent going to check the inside of your pc they have a big huge note stuck to the side of your pc to tell you to take the padding out :)
 
Androcles

Androcles

Rising Star
Deklore said:
Since your buying from PCS, the first thing you should do is take out the protective packaging from the INSIDE of your pc before hooking it up. :)
Click to expand...

There wasn't any padding inside my PC when i received it, probably why half the connectors were either loose or tugging and my swappable hard drive tray still doesn't work.
 
Deklore

Deklore

Bright Spark
Hmm, maybe it depends on size of case? or its something they dont do anymore? im not sure.

Its been a while since i last got a pc from PCS...
 
Encolpius

Encolpius

Silver Level Poster
Well, firstly, remove all packaging like people say.

The first thing I did when I got the Fat Cow was to install MS Office (2003, not that stupid ribbony variety that Vista and later editions came with) and then Kaspersky Labs (which is free on up to 3 systems if you have Barclays internet banking.) I then started installing Firefox and then began swearing profusely as my graphics card turned out to be dodgy after just one hour's light use and started splitting the screen over itself and then would spurt blue lines all across the screen when it was plugged in on one of the DVI sockets. Thankfully PCS obliged me with a replacement which worked and which I shoved in.

I then installed ClassicShell, found a suitable image to use as a desktop background, and off I went. Thankfully PCS doesn't flood your system with mountains of pointless shovelware so I didn't need to spend time removing all that.
 
DaelpixPhotos

DaelpixPhotos

Super Star
PC has been dispatched and is currently in Sheffield and will arrive on Monday :D

I'll be using Bullguard antivirus (£10 for the year) and Firefox. I'll also install MS Office.
 
D

Danoni

Member
My laptop is now in the testing stage, hopefully will have it at the end of next week.

I'm going to be installing Ubuntu 13.10 so after the initial unboxing and external check, it'll be lots of reading online guidance for installing that and getting the best out of the SSD. Never had an SSD before, and this will be my first machine that I am will (hopefully) have as a full time Linux machine. Very much looking forward to it.

As for software after the OS installation, I'll be looking to get Chromium/Chrome, full Libre Office, GIMP, a program from remote desktop, and then VirtualBox by Oracle to run VMs.

Cannot wait!

Cheers,

-- Danoni
 
vanthus

vanthus

Member Resting in Peace
Encolpius said:
That trial means nothing. It just keeps nagging at you and doesn't stop you using it, well, not in my experience anyhow.
Click to expand...
Yep,same here,I used WinRAR trial version for years,but it never forced me to buy it,eventually did though just to get rid of the annoying pop-up. :)
 
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