Community Newsletter: Q&A: Advice for a clean start on a brand-new computer
- 9/21/07 10:37 AM
Windows Vista New Machine
by stevenstcroix007 - 9/10/07 8:01 AM In reply to: Advice for a clean start on a brand-new computer by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Dear Maria, Although I am new to Vista and still using XP SP2, the usual procedure is to go to 'Windows Update' and install all the latest updates especially the critical ones. This should be done prior to the installation of your Anti-Virus, which can cause conflictions occasionally if installed first. Common tasks like emptying the Recycle Bin regularly and Defragmentation (only when requested to do so) may already be familiar to you. These are just a few basics, as I have no on-hand experience win the new Windows Vista, which takes quite a lot of RAM Memory I understand so, make sure your machine is full of physical memory modules. Best of luck.
Regards, Steven.
First thing to do with a new computer
by r61 - 9/10/07 5:30 PM In reply to: Advice for a clean start on a brand-new computer by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Partition the hard drive so that you can keep the data separate from the operating system and the rest of your programs. That way if you have to reinstall the operating system, you only have to reformat one part of the hard drive. Each partition will show up as a different drive in Windows Explorer so it is easy to use thereafter
Partitioning is a great idea.
by SerengetiValley - 9/11/07 1:06 AM In reply to: First thing to do with a new computer by r61I haven't read through the whole thread, but definitely, partitioning is a great idea if you are installing Windows afresh and have a drive, of atleast 80GB, or higher capacity. Leave a small (~20GB) partition for Windows, and create a couple of partitions for (1) programs (eg Office, Photoshop, games etc) and (2) other files such as mp3, videos, pics etc. This will help in ways more than one
-It becomes easier for a future Windows reinstall/repair in its own partition, without having to backup all your data or risk losing it. Your data would be on the third partition. You may still need to reinstall some (most??) of your programs which are in the second partition.
-It becomes easier to organize the data. No point cluttering up the OS partition with mp3s!
-Defragmenting the partitions individually will be much faster compared to defragging the whole drive. Infact, partitioning also minimzes fragmentation since your non-OS files will not fragment in the OS partition or vice versa. The best solution anyway is to install an automatic defragmenter and turn on autodefrag for the partition(s) which see the most file-modification activity (OS partition + program files partition usually). This will ensure that these partitions stay defragmented most of the time and not impact system performance. This will also remove the need for manually (archaic method!) defragging these partitions regularly since a good autodefragger will do the job intelligently during system idle without wasting your time.
-Occasionally, as other said, do a disk cleanup to remove junk and temp files.
-If you have two physical disks, then it would be a good idea to create a small partition (2-4 GB depending on your RAM) at the beginning of the disk for your paging file. This will ensure that a dynamic page file will not cause fragmentation in your OS partition.
Sensible partitioning + automatic defrag for the relevant partitions + occasional disk cleanup will ensure that your harddrive will perform optimally.
ME was 75% of your problem.
by TreknologyNet - 9/11/07 6:09 AM In reply to: Advice for a clean start on a brand-new computer by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I'm no fan of Vista, but I reasonably believe it's as stable as XP.
(1) If you do not have a set of restore discs, check for an option to burn a set of restore discs from the hidden partition on the hard disc. This is your first back up in case of total failure
(2) Consider adding a second hard disc internally, and store all your work files (not programs) on it. That way if you have to do a paragraph (1) restore, after you've reinstalled all you programs, your data should be as you left it.
(3) Invest in an equivalent sized external drive. At times when you are confident that your system is safe, connect the external drive and copy all your data files.
(4) Consider something like Norton Ghost for making a similar external copy of the system drive. That way you can back-ghost the drive without having to reinstall all the software.
(5) Keep firewall, spyware and virus scanners up to date.
As I have a network of multiple computers, I keep data distributed across all of them, so there are up to five copies of any one document, and when two machines "meet" they swap info to make sure all files are up to date.
I use the built-in windows fire wall AND the hardware fire wall in the ADSL router. I use AVG for virus scans and SpyBot S&D to keep crap out of my registry.
I'm sure that others will give you far more detailed info on the varying types of protection and backup software that is out there, but my hardware approach has never let me down.
this is what i do
by triplist - 9/11/07 8:53 AM In reply to: Advice for a clean start on a brand-new computer by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
make sure you have 2 types of spyware protection . i have windows defender and ad aware. they work very well together. i also go to programs-accessories-system tools- disk cleanup once a month. i do this on my parents pc also-helps clean up any files that need it. if you use the internet alot- go to control panel internet options-advance-scroll down til you get to the one that says empty tempory internet folder when browser is closed-check and apply. that will keep you from doing it manually when your pc gets sluggish. my older and new pc's have been running smooth since i do this and i won't change it until it don't work
Hello Guys
by Murrayav - 9/11/07 6:15 PM In reply to: Advice for a clean start on a brand-new computer by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
This message is just to let you know how much appreciated is all the technical help you have provide me. Thank you for the info on getting updates automatically. Keep on the good work.
AVM
Answer to Maria
by ar69 - 9/11/07 8:04 PM In reply to: Advice for a clean start on a brand-new computer by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hai Maria,
I also have bought Dell notebook using Vista Home Premium as the operating system. I believe your dekstop is under warranty by Dell. So, don't hesitate to call the Dell's technicians if you have any problem. They will assist you to solve any problems so long as you are within the warranty period.
One more thing, before you install any new application and before you run it in you desktop, you should create a restore point, in case if anything happen to your desktop eg malfunction of existing applications; you can restore it to the time and date before you install that new application.
Ok don't forget to update the Vista (operating system)through Window Update since it is still a new operating system and may need some corrections or additional features.
Ok good luck and have a nice day.
hardware & software recomendations
by super_chicken - 9/12/07 5:01 PM In reply to: Advice for a clean start on a brand-new computer by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
For hardware maintenance dust the inside of your case every 3 months or so. CNET has a basic tutorial on how to Properly clean your computer. Software wise, it is always good to have a software firewall on your PC, but I prefer using a nice perimeter firewall called Smoothwall Express. Instead of bogging down my machine with a software firewall,(Vista needs ALL of the CPU time it can get)I re purposed my old generic pentium 3 and used it as a now wonderful hardware firewall for my home network.
http://www.smoothwall.org
As it is a desktop, Smoothwall is a perfect perimeter firewall solution.
Along with a good Vista compatible AV software, Anti malware software and my smoothwall, I feel and know I am safe on my computer. Although this also requires good computer use.
Your Windows XP must be legal
by mercuryIII - 9/12/07 8:52 PM In reply to: Advice for a clean start on a brand-new computer by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Maria R.
If windows update asks to verify that your copy is legal and you say no, or you say yes and it is not, it will refuse to work anymore. It is a new feature to avoid piracy. Nothing you can do will fix it except for purchasing and installing a legal copy.
If your copy came on your hard drive, and if you don't have install disks your copy may be illegal. Sometimes people install the same copy to different computers at home. Only the first installation to be verified as legal will be eligible for updates.
There is no reason to have an illegal copy.
Tom
MS Office Suites
by kathyjean - 9/16/07 8:54 AM In reply to: Your Windows XP must be legal by mercuryIIII figured this update was to get a handle on pirated copies of operating systems. Mine is legal...however my son has a pirated copy of MS Office and he just purchased a new laptop. His operating system is legal. He tried to install the Office programs and the system wouldn't let him do it. Could this be that he's doing something wrong with the installation or possibly a glitch somewhere, or is it the Authenticity update? What do you think?
Thanks,
Kathy Jean
Nice lecture but...
by bucca - 9/16/07 9:06 PM In reply to: Your Windows XP must be legal by mercuryIIIthe post had nothing to do with the original question!
AMEN to that!
by kosimov - 10/23/07 12:15 PM In reply to: Nice lecture but... by buccaAMEN. I have trouble figuring what the replies mean in relation to the original question, most of the time. I'd like to see us place our messages in the correct forums so readers can follow a thread without getting lost. Thanks.
i think there are reasons
by sadiel2 - 9/25/07 10:56 PM In reply to: Your Windows XP must be legal by mercuryIIIyes mi friend there are many reasons , example:: you can not afford to buy a legall one ,,2- in the country you live maybe you can not find an original copy in your own language or at least in english, even having the mony to buy it ,3 you buy a counterfeit one , but the resaler swear with his life that is legal and any way you want your computer no ?? 4- you don't have a choice ,, 5- you can not download it because your cradit card doesnt work in the web site or dont even have one ..................... so think twice before you judge something ,,is a costructive point of view ,, good luck and god bless you and cnet download....
Your Windows XP must be legal
by paul troalic - 12/21/07 2:03 PM In reply to: Your Windows XP must be legal by mercuryIIII have a problem. I bought a laptop with Windows installed for verification only purposes. When I boot up a small message in a Windows XP box says that my copy of the software did not pass validation. If I click on Resolve later I can proceed. I alo appear to have Office 2003 installed. What is the cheapest way to resolve this. When I click on Buy Windows Advantage the cost is a hefty £63.43 ($127)whereas I can buy a hard copy on Ebay for under $100. If I buy Windows Advantage will this make Office legal also as this would make it quite a cheap option. Help......
"I bought a laptop with Windows installed for verification
by R. Proffitt - 12/21/07 2:07 PM
In reply to: Your Windows XP must be legal by paul troalic
"I bought a laptop with Windows installed for verification only purposes."
So you haven't paid for that OS so there is no issue yet. If the price of Windows is too much then you could use Linux which is free.
Bob
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