Got a New Lap Top

11 years ago

It is a HP Dual-Core Windows 7 Home

Premium (64-bit) WLAN and Bluetooth

DVD optical Drive

I want to get off to the right start with this computer.

I wanted it to use when we go to the lake...just for

fun. We do not get cell phone signals there,and TV is

bad too. I will be getting DSL.

I just took it out of the box....please start at the beginning with me. I've used Windows 7 just a little, and I like IE ( guess I'm the only one)

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Comments (7)

missmaggierock
Original Author
11 years ago
I forgot to say, I bought a wireless mouse, since I use a mouse. The computer is AMD.
Thanks
mikie_gw
11 years ago
If mine I'd put the battery in, hook the ac adapter up. Turn it on. Explore things.

I would maybe instantly make the Restore DVD's before I did anything else then next from Control Panels, Back Up and Restore.... on the left margin make a Image file to DVD's. So I could quickly put it back in 'out of the box' shape... should I need to some day.

Maybe hold off starting lots of things.. look in Control Panel, Program & features. Kind of compare what is installed for programs to the Icons on the desktop.
Some of the junk items will not be installed until you start them up the first time. Lots will be TrialWare programs that usually come with new computers that will Want money in the months to come.

You can decide if you want the AntiVirus program that came with it... and some of the other programs probably too before running them.. Sure is lots cleaner to get rid of them if never installed to begin with.
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need help in buying a Lap Top
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Any new laptop you buy will be able to connect to the Internet if you already have an Internet service at your house. If you want to switch from BellSouth to AOL or to any other provider of Internet services, it doesn't matter: the laptop will still be able to connect to the Internet through whatever provider you choose. Most providers do not need to have any special software installed; you just need to have a browser installed, like Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, etc., and all of these are free. At least one (probably Internet Explorer) will already be installed on your laptop when you buy it. If your MIL does not have Internet service, you generally can't connect when you are at her house. Think of Internet service like regular, wired phone service. If you are at someone's house and they don't have a phone line, you can't make a phone call. Now I am going to tell yo something a little more complicated. When you have Internet service at your house, the company will typically provide you with a little electronic box called a router. This device hooks up to a cable in the wall that carries the signal the company provides, and then a wire goes from that little box to your computer. You can get access to the Internet from the wire that comes from that router, or you can connect without the wire because the laptop has a card in it that can receive the Internet signal wirelessly (sort of like a cell phone) from the router. That way, you can move around the house easily with the laptop, or maybe even sit outside with it. The disadvantage of a wireless connection is that it has limited range. The computer may not be able to receive a signal in some parts of your house. On the other hand, if the signal was strong, you might even be able to get it wirelessly and connect to the Internet at your MIL's, even though she doesn't have her own service. Given that you know little about computers, probably any laptop will be just fine for you. You should choose one primarily on the basis of the screen size and how much you want to pay. Don't get talked into spending a lot because all the features and speed you need will be present in even the lowest cost computers. If you go shopping and are confused, ask more questions here before buying. Lastly, there are many good books out there that will explain what you need to know in very simple language. Get yourself a book like Computers for Dummies or something similar like the one below. (In trying to answer your questions, I have assumed that whatever Internet service you have that it is not the old-fashioned, painfully slow dial-up that uses a modem. If you do use dial-up to get Internet service, then there is other stuff to tell you. Here is a link that might be useful: Absolute Beginner's Guide
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ravencajun Zone 8b TX
11 years ago
I agree do your backup image as they urge you to do this way you have a way to restore to the original state should you need to.

I would suggest using ninite.com to get all the programs you want from one place and they make sure no additional junk is installed. Also look at pcdecrapifier.com for removing the bloat junk that comes on new computer.

One of the first things to do once online is get your windows updates and updates for all of your other essential programs, including flash, java, adobe and antivirus. You can use secunia osi scanner to help you find what you need.

Be sure to check the security center of the pc to make sure that the windows firewall is on.

The best source for all things windows 7 I recommend the seven forum, great information and tutorials. Www.sevenforums.com
missmaggierock
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you so much for the info. I've been trying to read
because I want to do this right. I've got to get some DVD's
before I can start...
I'm excited...just can't imagine being able to connect
when we go to the woods!
azinoh
11 years ago
The right start (IMHO) would be to install the antivirus and anti-malware programs of your choice. Keep them updated and use them regularly to protect your computer. Also, even though you'll be using IE I recommend installing a second web browser. You don't have to use it, but it's always good to have one ready to go just in case.
owbist
11 years ago
Regarding the mouse. I recently purchased a Logitech wireless mouse after reading good reports but it was a miserable experience at first. No CD came with it and Windows 7 installed the drivers so we should be good to go right?

Not so, on investigation I am informed on the Logitech site that I need to install Logitech Setpoint. Now the mouse is behaving so you might consider this once you have the initial stuff recommended above set up.
mikie_gw
11 years ago
About a month ago bought a microsoft notebook wireless mouse 3500 .. blue ray, works on pants or chair arm..etc. .... I'm impressed.. works fine with or without the Intellipoint mouse software. Tiny usb radio. Just enough to grab and pull out. $17 @ newegg with free ship.

Feels and works about same as the old reliable ms usb wired wheel mouse in clicks & wheel. Put a Eveready rechargeable 2200ma long life in it .. been a month so far on that one charge & it stays on 24/7 .
Might order a duplicate 2nd spare mouse, for when it bounces off floor one time too many. About 8 yrs of 100% touchpad or keyboard wobble stick .. using a mouse now makes me wonder how I did that 8 years without one.

Touchpad on the new Lenovo has a textured paint on it.. terrible for sliding fingers to bump over. It sucks. Maybe someday I'll tape it off and sand/repaint.. and see what happens.

Got a New Lap Top

Comments (7)

missmaggierock
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