Most times, we get overly excited when we get a new gadget or do shopping for cheap laptops. The first thing that we usually think of doing is switching on our new device, and start using it immediately. However, in so doing, we make ourselves vulnerable to online security risks.
This article will look at five key things that you should do after getting your new laptop.
Run Your Windows Update
Once you launch your PC, the first thing that you should do is to run the windows update. By updating your operating system, you get to have access to all the latest features. Updating the operating system of your laptop will also ensure that your system is secured.
So, how do you update your OS?
Assuming that your laptop is operating on windows 10, go to settings > update & security. Once there, click the ‘check for updates’ icon. The windows should automatically download and install all updates, even in the future.
Remove Any Bloatware
Most new laptops come with already installed software. Some of these software’s come in form of games or software demos, that could be of no relevance to you. Such software is regarded as bloatware.
Take time to go through all the installed software. Keep what you think could be useful to you and remove the rest. To do this, go to your programs control panel and remove everything that is of no importance to you.
Install Your Preferred Anti-virus
Before spending any time on the internet, ensure that you have installed an anti-virus on your laptop. Anti-virus helps make sure that your computer doesn’t get attacked by viruses and other malware that could be lurking out there.
There are many free anti-virus programs such as Avast free and Kaspersky free that you can choose from. Once your anti-virus software is successfully installed and updated, you can now reboot your laptop. Later, you can continue configuring your laptop.
Create Your Account
After rebooting your laptop, now the fun begins. It is time for you to start navigating through your computer. The first thing that you will need to do is to create your user account.
Usually, you will be asked to choose either a Microsoft account or a local windows account. Make sure that you choose a password that can remember. The password is essential as you will always need it to log onto your laptop.
While opening your account, take some time to connect your laptop to your wireless network.
Install Anti-theft Tools
Finally, ensure that you protect your laptop from theft. Losing your laptop to theft can be devastating as you lose your device, and almost all your saved data.
Putting measures in place to help you retrieve your laptop in case of theft is essential. To configure the anti-theft tools, go to settings > update & security, and click on the ‘find my device’ icon.
Conclusion
While having a new laptop is fun and exciting; taking time to correctly set it up is important. Don’t expose your laptop to unnecessary threats just because you couldn’t wait to start using it.
Although the above list is not entirely exhaustive, following it can go a long way in ensuring that your laptop is appropriately taken care of and ready to be put into use.