New PC Setup guide

So you’ve either got yourself or the kids a new PC/Laptop for Christmas, or are thinking about getting one in the sales. “Hooray” you/they cheer as they unwrap their surprise – “we want to use it NOW!”
(If you haven’t, but are thinking of getting one check out our guide here https://diamondbyte.co.uk/laptop-buying-guide/)

Let’s have a quick reminder of our top tips you need to get it up and running and some of the actions you should undertake when you first turn it on to make it safer, faster and better prepared for the future.
Install Windows Updates

Depending on when Windows was installed on your computer, there may be many updates, some of them large, to download. Connect the PC to the Internet, go to Settings, then System and Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates. Your system will search for updates, which you will need to download and install. Reboot your computer and do it again… and again… until the update check fails to return new entries. Be patient, it may take some time.

Customize
Do create a user account and password. Only forgo this step if you’re 110% sure no one else will want to gain access to this PC. Ever. If the computer is to have multiple users, it really is a must.
You may also need to set your language, time zone, and clock and calendar. We would also advise adjusting the power settings, especially if you’ve got a laptop that is unplugged while in use. The “high performance” pre-sets will run the battery down faster.

Install an Anti-virus program
As we’ve mentioned numerous times in previous blogs, keeping your PC safe from malware and viruses is crucial.

Clean out the cr*p…
Large PC manufacturers install software on their computers at the factory. These “extras” are referred to as bundleware, bloatware, shovelware, and perhaps the most accurate, cr*pware. Download PC Decrapifier, a FREE tool that scans your PC for known bloatware, then allows you to delete it all in one click.

…then fill it up again!
Of course you needed to make room for your own stuff! Although we can’t decide for you what editing tool, a media manager, Web browser and e-mail. And there are free alternatives for almost any program you might need – see our previous blog at for a list of things we’ve recommended over the years.
https://diamondbyte.co.uk/top-free-software/

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our customers.