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Setting up your new computer

You've just bought a new PC or you are upgrading your current PC's setup.
Don't know where to begin?
This guide will walk you through the steps to configure your PC into a usable and safe workstation.
Of course, not everyone has the exact same needs.
This is just a guide to get you started.

Contents

Install Windows

If your PC doesn't have Windows on it at all, or you are doing a re-install, the installation of Windows will be your first step. There are a lot of variables involved in doing a Windows install so we won't go into to much detail here. There are several things to keep in mind when doing your install:
  • Keep it simple - Only install the absolute minimum. Don't just select any and every option just because it is there. It's better to start with a minimal configuration and add features rather than having a bloated configuration.


  • Make sure you have your installation info - If you bought Windows from a retail store, make sure you have the CD key BEFORE you start. You will reach a point in the install where you need the key. If you don't have it, your only option is to abort the install. Your system will be unusable until you complete the install.

Install Firewall Software

The firewall will help block attacks from hackers on the internet. I would advise not connecting to the Internet until this is installed. Although Windows comes with its own firewall, I suggest using alternate software.

Free Firewalls

Install Antivirus Software

Another critical piece of software, is your antivirus client. This software will protect you from viruses, trojan horse, and worms that are on the Internet. It is important to have this software installed, keep it updated and do regular scans of your entire hard drive.

FREE AntiVirus Software

Install Spyware Software

The security risks associated with SPYWARE are becoming more serious and widespread each day. Spyware differs from viruses and worms in that it does not usually self-replicate. Like many recent viruses, however, spyware – by design – exploits infected computers for commercial gain. Typical tactics furthering this goal include delivery of unsolicited pop-up advertisements; theft of personal information (including financial information such as credit card numbers); monitoring of Web-browsing activity for marketing purposes; or routing of web page requests to advertising sites.

FREE Spyware Software

Install Web Browser

Windows of course comes with its own web browser - Internet Explorer. Because of its popularity it is the centre of attention for all people who wish to do you harm. It has many security leaks that are being continuously exploited. There are TWO choices for an alternate browser. Firefox, which grows in popularity every day and OPERA which, in my humble opinion, is still the best and safest browser to use.

FREE Web Browsers

Install Instant Messenger Programme

If you like to communicate via an IM program like AIM, ICQ, Yahoo! Messenger or MSN Messenger, then you have a plenty of choices. You can install each of the programmes separately or just install Pidgin.

Pidgin is a multi-protocol instant messaging (IM) client for Linux, BSD, MacOS X, and Windows. It is compatible with AIM and ICQ (Oscar protocol), MSN Messenger, Yahoo!, IRC, Jabber, Gadu-Gadu, SILC, Novell GroupWise Messenger, Lotus Sametime, and Zephyr networks.

Pidgin users can log in to multiple accounts on multiple IM networks simultaneously. This means that you can be chatting with friends on AOL Instant Messenger, talking to a friend on Yahoo Messenger, and sitting in an IRC channel all at the same time.

Pidgin supports many features of the various networks, such as file transfer, away messages, and typing notification. It also goes beyond that and provides many unique features. A few popular features are Buddy Pounces, which give the ability to notify you, send a message, play a sound, or run a program when a specific buddy goes away, signs online, or returns from idle; and plugins, consisting of text replacement, a buddy ticker, extended message notification, iconify on away, spell checking, tabbed conversations, and more.

Install Acronis

Acronis True Image : Complete file and system disk imaging backup and restore software for home and home office users that can protect your entire system and family pictures, videos, music, and important documents stored on your home PC. Acronis True Image Home provides you with two backup options in one software:

1) The disk imaging backup option enables you to create an image of your entire hard disk drive, including the operating system, applications, user settings, and all data. Use the image to restore your PC to a known working state without any reinstallation.

2) A new file-based backup option which enables you to backup and restore individual files and folders, like your My Documents folder or a specific file, like your latest tax return. A software wizard walks you through all of the steps.

Update your software

Now that you have some level of protection in place, it is time to update your Windows, firewall, spyware and antivirus programmes. DO NOT ASSUME that because you have just downloaded these programmes they are up to date.
THEY ARE NOT - UPDATE THEM NOW !!!
Regular updating of your software is critical. With Windows XP and most of your other software, you can set it up to automatically perform critical updates. For now, let's just do it manually.
  • Go to the Tools menu in Internet Explorer and select Windows Update. Follow the directions there to install all the recommended Microsoft updates. Be aware, this could take a long time.
  • After Windows XP is up to date, it is time to update your firewall, antivirus, and spyware software. Launch each programme and then look for the Update (or similar) button.

Install other programmes

Install Office Suite

An office suite usually consists of a word processor, spreadsheet, etc. The most popular suite is Microsoft Office, but it costs several hundred dollars. If you have a copy of it, go ahead and install it now. Otherwise, you can install OpenOffice which is completely free and does about 95% of what MS Office can do. You can import/export files in Microsoft formats with Open Office.

Multimedia Installation

To play your music, edit your photos and watch videos on your PC you will need several additions. There are many options available to you, and personal choice will play a big part in your selection. Here are a few suggestions :

Email Notifier

ePrompter allows you to preview your mail before downloading it.
Previews your mail in [safe] text format
Use ePrompter to easily delete spam
Leaves your mail on the server until you are ready to download

Spam Filter

SpamBayes is an FREE email spam filter for Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express.

Install Plug Ins

What is a Plug In ? A hardware or software module that adds a specific feature or service to a larger system. When surfing the internet, to be able to make the most of your experience, you will also need some additional software. These "plug ins" will make that possible.

Java Runtime Environment
What is Java Software ? Java software allows you to run applications called "applets" that are written in the Java programming language. These applets allow you to play online games, chat with people around the world, calculate your mortgage interest, and view images in 3D. Corporations also use applets for intranet applications and e-business solutions.
Download Java Runtime Environment, also known as the Java Virtual Machine

Flash
What is Flash Player ? Adobe Flash Player is software created by Adobe that lets you view interactive content and applications on the web. Flash content can be found across the web, and Flash Player is installed on 98% percent of the world's desktop computers. Flash is the standard for interactive graphics and animation.
Download Flash Player

QuickTime
What is QuickTime ? QuickTime is Apple's technology for handling video, sound, animation, graphics, text, music, and even 360-degree virtual reality (VR) scenes.
Did you download iTunes - Music Player from the list above ? Then you already have Quicktime.
QuickTime is included in the iTunes download.
Download QuickTime

PDF Reader
What is a PDF Reader ? PDF [Portable Document Format] is a format that allows you to read electronic documents, either on or off line. This format provides a page-by-page view of documents, exactly as they appear in their printed form, as well as allowing keyword search. PDF makes it possible to send formatted documents and have them appear on the recipient's monitor or printer as they were intended.
Download Foxit Windows PDF Reader

Back up your new system

This is the time for your first backup. You have multiple back up options.
  1. Back up to external device [DVD or external hard drive]. This is the preferred method.
    If your computer is stolen or damaged beyond repair, you still everything on your external drive.
  2. If you are fortunate enough to have 2 hard drives, you can back up to the slave drive.
    I use both of the methods just mentioned.
    Why ? Because I'm paranoid ! [ Paranoid - personality disorder is characterised by a distrust of others and a constant suspicion that people around you have sinister motives ]
    And, I was also burgled a few years ago, and lost everything - not a back up anywhere.
  3. You may also split your hard drive and use that as your back up.

Maintenance

Software

Now that your system is set up, you will need to do regular maintenance to keep it in performing well.
Windows XP has a feature that will allow the system to automatically download updates for you.
If you turn on this feature, your PC will check for, download and install critical updates over night.
This eliminates the need for you to periodically check for updates.

Go to the Windows Update website.You will see a red shield and a Turn on Automatic Updates button.
To see how this works Click Here

All your other software will have the same ability to download updates automatically.

Backups

Once you have set up your computer, installed and updated all your software, it is time for your initial backup. I strongly suggest you do this backup to a DVD, and keep it as your MASTER backup. So far you have not been exposed to the more dangerous elements of the Internet, so this backup should be clean and untainted.
  • Backing up the data is not sufficient - you also have to restore it.
    Without testing the restore procedure once in a while, your backup process is a waste of time.
    Why? Because you need to know :
    1. That your back up software is working correctly
    2. The mechanics of the restore procedure
The Dangers Of Backing Up

The idea of backing up your software is to always be able to have a copy that is functioning correctly - and be free of any Malware. Your original MASTER backup will be, but what of all future backups. Unless you are diligent you may download a piece of Malware, then back it up. If you need to restore your system, this Malware will also be restored.

Keep all your security software UPDATED !!!


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