Jan 21 • General discussion 🗨️
Just Bought a New Computer 💻...What Now?
Congrats on the new machine! Before you dive into downloading everything and setting it all up, let's make sure you're starting on the right foot. A little time invested upfront means better security, smoother performance, and a computer that lasts years longer than it otherwise would.
Here's your action checklist:
Day One: Security First 🔒
Get updates running immediately. Windows or macOS,doesn't matter. Go to settings, check for updates, and let it do its thing. This might take a while and require a few restarts. Do it anyway. Those updates patch security holes that attackers actively exploit.
Set up your login properly. Use a PIN or biometric login (fingerprint/face) for convenience, but make sure your actual account password is strong. If someone steals the laptop, that password is what protects your data.
Enable disk encryption. Windows Pro has BitLocker built in. Windows Home users can use Device Encryption (check Settings > Privacy & Security). Mac users, turn on FileVault. If your laptop gets stolen, encryption means your data stays yours.
Install a password manager. Bitwarden is free and excellent. 1Password and Dashlane are solid paid options. Pick one, install the browser extension, and commit to using it. This single habit will do more for your security than almost anything else. Post coming on 1Password soon.
Week One: Build Your Foundation
Uninstall the bloatware. New computers come loaded with trial software and manufacturer junk you'll never use. Go through your installed programs and remove anything you didn't ask for. Less running software means better performance and fewer security risks.
Install the tools you trust from a source you trust. Check out our post on Ninite:
Set up automated backups. Windows has File History. Mac has Time Machine. Both work great with an external drive. For offsite protection, Backblaze runs about $99/year for unlimited backup. The rule: if losing a file would ruin your day, it needs to be backed up somewhere other than your computer.
Configure your browser. Install an ad blocker (uBlock Origin). Enable the built-in password manager integration or your password manager's extension. Consider enabling "HTTPS-Only Mode" in your browser settings.
Review your antivirus situation. Windows Defender is genuinely good now; you don't need to buy Norton or McAfee. Just make sure it's enabled and up to date. For business machines, or if you want extra protection, Huntress or SentinelOne are the pros' choice.
First Month 📅 : Optimize for Longevity
Manage your startup programs. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), click the Startup tab, and disable anything you don't need launching automatically. Fewer startup programs means faster boot times and less strain on your system.
Set up a maintenance routine. Once a month, run Disk Cleanup (Windows) or use the Storage Management tools (Mac). Clear out temporary files, empty the trash, and review what's eating your storage space. Browse through your programs list to make sure everything there is something you actually installed.
Keep it physically clean. Dust buildup kills computers by causing overheating. Every few months, blow out the vents with compressed air. Don't use your laptop on soft surfaces that block airflow.
Monitor your storage. Try to keep at least 15-20% of your drive free. SSDs slow down significantly when nearly full, and your system needs room for temporary files and updates.
The "Don't Skip This" List
If nothing else, do these five things:
- Run all updates
- Enable disk encryption (If you store client data on your computer, this is not optional)
- Install a password manager and actually use it
- Set up automated backups
- Remove software you don't need
That's it. You're now ahead of 90% of computer users in terms of security and setup.
What's on your new computer checklist? Drop your must-do steps in the comments. I'm always looking to add to this list.
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Just Bought a New Computer 💻...What Now?
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