First launch of an asus laptop. What you need to install on a new laptop. How to set up a new laptop. Which browser do you prefer?

Buying a new laptop is always a pleasant event for any of us. They dreamed about him, they chose him, they read reviews and testimonials about him. And so it was bought. The box is open, the pleasant smell of a new thing. You expect new experiences, new sensations and hopes. But after a little time the unexpected may happen. For some reason, your still-new laptop doesn't work as you expected. It is during the first days of use that it is important to set up your device. Today I’ll tell you what you need to do first to make buying a laptop a joy and bring only positive emotions.

1.Check and install the latest updatesWindows 10

When producing laptops, manufacturers may not install the latest version of Windows 10. After all, your device was not released yesterday. You must install the latest Windows 10 updates immediately when you turn it on for the first time.

This is very easy and simple to do. Click on the button Start, come to Options, find the section Update And safety. Open it and click the first item Center updates Windows. If your manufacturer has set automatic updates, then the update process has already started. If not, then you need to manually start it by clicking on Examination availability updates.

You can safely leave Center updates Windows and continue to use the laptop. The system itself will ask you to restart the device after downloading the updates. Be prepared for the fact that you may have to reboot several times. But you will get the latest version of Windows 10 and also download the latest driver updates, especially the driver Intel HD Graphics, which even some experienced users, sometimes interferes with correct operation, especially when connecting an external monitor.

2.Create a restore point

When starting a new laptop, users should immediately take care of creating a restore point. This is the recorded state of the system on a certain date, for a certain time, with certain system settings and installed programs. You will need it in case some force majeure occurs and you need to restore the system. At the same time, you don’t want to lose any specific settings, applications or programs. Of course, Windows 10 sets up a restore point on its own, but it’s better to do it yourself. Moreover, it is not so difficult.

If you don’t know where to find a tool to create such a point, then use Search near the button Start. Just write Creation points recovery. The required section of the system will open in front of you, where you will need to do several important things. First of all, you should enable Protection systems, if it was not automatically enabled. Next go to the tab Tune.

Here you will see whether the system is turned on and you will be able to set the required amount of memory for the recovery point. Having completed all these manipulations, click on Create.

After a few minutes, the system will notify you that the process of creating a restore point has been successfully completed. Now you can safely restore the system at the right time. Believe me, you will definitely need this.

1. Configure display settings

After purchasing a laptop, an important step in setting it up is adjusting the display settings. Even if you bought a laptop and its screen resolution is Full-HD or higher, you may still encounter the fact that the image on the screen will be blurry, the text on the site will be very small. The problem is that you need to configure the display settings. You can do this if you go to Options-System-Screen.

The system will automatically detect your screen resolution, but you can check it yourself by clicking on Define. Now let's move on to the display settings themselves.

You will see a slider with which you can adjust the size of text, applications and other elements. Just don't overdo it, otherwise some applications and programs will not display correctly. Bet on the recommended change, especially since you can later set your scale in any browser.

Just below there is a selection option Orientations screen of your device, which you choose yourself. True, landscape orientation is much more convenient for me, but everyone decides for themselves.

You can also use the slider to set the screen brightness level you need. If these settings don’t seem enough, you can click on Additional settings screen.

In this section, you can configure in more detail and select exactly the display parameters you need.

4.Selection of power scheme

Lately, I often hear and read complaints that a smartphone, tablet or laptop is quickly discharged. This irritates users and they begin to blame the device manufacturer or operating system. But you have to blame yourself first. After all, in any operating system there are power settings settings that help save device power.

So in Windows 10 you can choose a power plan. To do this you need to go through the path Panel management -Equipment And sound-Power supply or in Searching write Choice scheme management food Choice or setting scheme management food.

Windows 10 and manufacturers offer Balanced a power control circuit that will undoubtedly configure and regulate everything itself. But, if it doesn’t suit you, then you can choose a scheme Savings energy, but be prepared that your computer's performance will be slower when needed.

On the left side you can see the settings for turning off the display and entering sleep mode. You can also create your own power management scheme. But, really, I don’t really recommend you do this. Often such actions can lead to disastrous consequences: from failure of the power supply to breakdown of the laptop itself.

From my experience, I can say that I use a balanced power management scheme. True, in Windows 10 the setting came to my aid Batteries where can I use Mode savings charge.

Believe me, it's a great option. You set the required charge level and the device itself goes into Mode savings charge. This has saved me many times.

5.Set default browser

Windows 10 already has a native Microsoft Edge browser. This is a completely new and very good browser that is in no way inferior to its competitors. But, if you are still used to Google Chrome, Opera, Firefox or some other browser, you can immediately set it as your default browser. This means that all links, programs, etc. will open in the browser of your choice. This will make your work easier and save your nerves.

To do this, follow the path Start-Options-System-Applications By default. Select an item Web-browser.

There you will see that Microsoft Edge is already installed by default. If you want to replace it with your browser, then click on it, select yours from the list and set it as the default. And that’s it, now your browser is the main one in the laptop.

6.Select the touchpad scroll direction

The touchpad (aka touchpad) for a laptop was invented as an alternative to control without using a mouse, which was designed to provide even greater mobility of this technical tool.

As practice shows, using this control method is not convenient for everyone - many people, out of habit, prefer to use a regular or optical mouse. However, if you use the TouchPad for a long time, you can learn how to use this feature with maximum convenience and efficiency by making settings that suit you. That's why the question of how to set up a touchpad on a laptop is very relevant for many today, because using this device can make working on a laptop more pleasant and faster, opening up many options that you didn't even know about. When using the TouchPad, you should remember that it is designed based on capacitive technology, which involves contact with the surface exclusively with your fingers.

The settings are very easy to find if you follow the path Start-Options-Devices-Mouse And sensory panel.

Here you can configure the settings for the mouse and touchpad if you have one on your laptop. You may have it turned off, then turn it on and adjust the touchpad scrolling direction below.

If you do not find these settings, you should look for them through Panel management- All elements panels management. Find the section there Mouse and open touchpad settings. You will be able to customize gestures as well as the scrolling direction of the touchpad.

7.Configure notifications about changes in computer settings

It is very important for any user to know about all the changes that will occur in his computer. This is especially important if you are not the only one using the laptop. To avoid unpleasant surprises, you need to set up notifications about changes in computer settings. This will make it possible to control everything that will be downloaded or installed on the device, which will lead to fundamental changes in the settings. Even sometimes this helps when installing various Trojan programs. At least you will at least be notified that something has changed on the laptop without your knowledge.

You can set up notifications if you complete the path Panel management-All elements panels management-Accounting records users. Click on Change options control accounting records.

Use the slider to adjust the notification level. If you are annoyed by pop-up notification windows and don’t want to watch them anymore, then move the slider to the lowest position, click OK. They won't bother you anymore.

8.Remove trial programs and utilities loaded by the manufacturer

Laptop manufacturers always try to stuff their devices with trial and unnecessary software. Someone will say what's wrong with this? If you want to constantly be distracted by pop-ups asking you to register, buy a commercial version of a product, and sometimes just distracting with banal advertising, then you can leave them on your laptop.

You can find and remove trial programs and utilities, as well as manufacturer software, by following the path Options-System-Applications And possibilities. The process itself is very simple and will take some time. Just remember that you cannot remove some standard Windows 10 programs. Such programs can be identified by the absence of a button Delete.

Some programs can only be removed through Panel management. The system will automatically redirect you to the section if necessary. Removal programs.

I performed several manipulations to remove unnecessary programs, not only free up the hard drive, but also save your nerves.

1. Show file name extension and hidden system files, folders

The device will store various files with different extensions. To easily navigate this sea, you first need to enable file name extensions. For some reason, Windows hides them, but this can be fixed. Open Conductor, select option View. All that remains is to check the box next to the item Extensions names files.

Now you will see the extension of any file in your folders, which will undoubtedly make it easier for you to work with them.

The system does not always show its files and folders. You need a specific folder or file, but you can’t find it. You can also configure the display of hidden system files and folders in Conductor using the option View. First you need to check the box next to the item Hidden elements, and then go to Options. A section will open in front of you Options folders. Go to the option again View. There, in the list of folders, uncheck the item Hide protected systemic files (recommended).

You will have access to all the system folders and files you need, but be extremely careful not to accidentally delete their contents.

The computer world is just a reflection of our real world, so let's draw parallels. Your computer is your apartment, in which your documents, photographs, films, personal information, possibly confidential information in the form of credit card numbers or electronic wallet numbers are stored, that is, essentially money. To ensure that all your personal files and data are protected you need to install antivirus software.

I have no right to give advice on which antivirus to install. This is a personal matter for each of you. But there must be an antivirus. If you haven’t decided what kind of antivirus software you will install, then you can simply turn on Windows Defender, which is already on your device, since it is built into the system. I have already written more than once that I have been using Windows Defender for the last 7 years and it has never let me down. You can enable Microsoft antivirus in the Update and Security section. Use the slider to turn it on and now your device is protected. If you want to install other antivirus software, Windows Defender will be automatically turned off and will not interfere with the operation of your chosen antivirus.

Summing up

It is these settings that will protect the device from failures and incorrect operation. Your device will faithfully serve you, bring joy and positive emotions.

The first launch of a laptop, regardless of its manufacturer or model, is essentially the same. The only significant point is whether the operating system is installed on the laptop. In most cases, when purchased in a store, the operating system is already installed on the laptop and is included in its price. But there is an option to save on it. Let's consider both options.

When starting up for the first time, a battery must be inserted into the laptop. We connect the power supply, first insert the plug into the laptop, then the plug into the socket. The battery needs to be fully charged. Then we disconnect the power supply from the network and from the laptop and work on the laptop in offline mode until it is completely discharged. This is how the battery is calibrated. If the operating system is not installed, you need to take care in advance of purchasing OS distribution kits on a disk or flash drive. We turn on the laptop, wait for DOS or LINUX to load, then insert the external installation media, reboot and go into the BIOS, select the CD or flash drive on the Boot tab, save the settings, and reboot. Then you just need to follow the instructions, and eventually, for example, Windows will be installed on your laptop. Now we move on to the stage when the operating system is installed on the laptop. When you turn it on, the system will ask you to enter your name, the name of the laptop, select a language and other basic settings for working on the laptop. The activation key is usually stored in the Key file on the installation disk, or, if the OS is included with the laptop, printed on a sticker attached to it. It is advisable that the laptop be powered from the network throughout the installation.

Next, drivers and proprietary utilities will be installed within 15-30 minutes. When finished, the laptop will reboot. Some companies include a system recovery disk with the laptop - it is worth noting that it is a very useful thing. If there is no such disk, you can create it yourself, and the sooner the better. Through “Start” we find the branded folder and launch the Recovery Manager utility in it. There is an option to “Burn Disk”, before doing this, you need to stock up on three DVDs, two will be needed to record the standard factory settings, the third will be needed for the archive of drivers and applications. These disks will help out in a hopeless situation, so it is better to store them in a safe place, for example, in a laptop box.

Preparing a laptop system for operation, as it turned out, is absolutely not difficult on your own, armed with the knowledge of how to properly connect a laptop to the network and how to install the operating system. The system itself will prompt you to enter the basic settings, contacting you in a convenient, friendly interface.

Today, the presence of a huge number of different utilities allows the user to make a choice based not only on the functionality of the program, but also taking into account their individual needs and preferences. Therefore, often the standard set of programs that are installed with Windows 10 cannot fully satisfy all the user’s needs. That is why most users need an approximate list of programs for a new laptop that are most often used by many users. Here are the most popular programs today.

It’s hard to imagine life on the Internet without an antivirus. The standard virus protection program in Windows 10 is not able to protect you from all the threats that await you on various sites. To surf the Internet calmly and not be afraid that all your files will be stolen or damaged in an instant, you need to install a reliable antivirus. Moreover, most users want it to be free.

• 360 Total Security – provided to all users free of charge. Effectively searches for viruses and removes them instantly. It also has a firewall to protect you from data theft and espionage. The program also has a feature for safely running suspicious programs called “Sandbox”.
• Dr.Web is an antivirus that has earned the trust of many Internet users. Known for its effectiveness in finding and destroying viruses. The program includes an anti-virus scanner, anti-rootkit, preventive protection, mail anti-virus, firewall, anti-virus “watchman”. The company offers its users 30 days of free work.
• Microsoft Security Essentials is another free antivirus from Microsoft. It is easy to use. It consumes few system resources and therefore does not slow down the computer. It works in the background and protects all the time from various viruses and spyware, Trojans, and worms.
• Kaspersky Antivirus - experienced PC users remember this antivirus for its unusual virus detection sound. This antivirus continues to update and get better every year. It protects your computer from virus attacks, prevents threats, protects confidential data, and is also very easy to use.

What antivirus do you use?

Kaspersky Internet Security 35%, 289 votes

I don't use antivirus 15%, 121 voice

Microsoft Security Essentials 9%, 74 vote

30.06.2017

Browser

A fast browser is a very important factor in convenient and productive work on the Internet. For some, a minimalistic design with a minimum of buttons is important, while for others, the ability to install many add-ons and different themes is important. However, the most popular browsers are:

• Google Chrome is a fast and lightweight browser that focuses on simplicity and convenience. At the same time, it is not devoid of functionality. It has all the most necessary functions for fast and convenient work on the Internet, and also has the ability to install extensions and themes from the store.
• Yandex.Browser - a simple interface and high performance are the most important advantages of this web browser. It has a “Turbo” function, which allows you to increase the speed of browsing pages when the Internet is poor. This browser is also different in that it opens many files directly. Thanks to it, you do not need to install many programs on your computer. The browser opens formats: PDF, DOC, EPUB, FB2 and many others. The browser allows you to install add-ons from the Google Chrome and Opera add-on stores.
• Opera is very similar to its counterparts, although unlike them it also has battery saving features and the ability to enable a free VPN.
• Mozilla Firefox is a browser that calls itself independent and created for the convenience of people, and not for personal profit. It is distinguished by its speed, as well as many privacy settings.

All browsers are distributed free of charge.

Which browser do you prefer?

Poll Options are limited because JavaScript is disabled in your browser.

30.06.2017

Programs for download

A lot of programs, as well as films and games can now be found on torrent resources. To do this you need to have such a program for downloading. μTorrent is the most popular torrent client. High speed, great functionality, minimum advertising - this distinguishes it from other downloaders. You can also install Mediaget, which opens and downloads not only torrent links, but also magnet links. It is very convenient for downloading TV series and movies, since it allows you to watch them directly in the downloader window, without waiting for the download to finish.

Viewing Images

The standard image viewer in Windows 10 is not bad, but has limited functionality and takes a very long time to open images.

• IrfanView is a simple program without designer bells and whistles, which weighs only 1 MB. It is distinguished by its speed. In it you can immediately edit photos, change their format and move them. Can be viewed in a slide show. The program is free and opens all modern image formats.
• Picasa is a program that recognizes many photo formats and organizes them for quick retrieval. The program allows you to set passwords on albums, as well as edit photos. Also free.
• FastStone Image Viewer is a multifunctional image viewer. Allows you to easily manage your images, create music slideshows, quickly edit photos, apply special effects such as watermarks, and much more.

Photo editor

Despite the fact that the standard Paint program is simple and understandable even to a child, its functionality is very limited. You won't be able to open multiple images at the same time, make adjustments, use hotkeys to speed up your work, or use layers for convenience. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Paint provides very few tools for working with images. A good alternative is GIMP. It has many tools for photo processing, various effects and filters. But at the same time, the program has an intuitive interface, which allows you to use it without training.

It is also worth noting FastStone Image Viewer, which combines the functions of viewing and quickly editing photos, which helps to significantly save disk space.

Audio player

For those who like to listen to music from a computer, a standard audio player will definitely not be enough. Fortunately, there is now a wide selection of audio players.

• AIMP - nice interface, many functions, support for many formats and much more in one player. There are many skins available for download. The player also comes with an audio converter, which is very convenient for quickly converting one audio file format to another.
• Winamp is a player that has earned trust thanks to many years of work. For some, the name of the program several years ago was generally associated with the music format. The program has huge functionality and supports various plugins.

Video player

At the moment, there are such a huge number of convenient and attractive media players that it has become incredibly difficult to choose. However, the most popular ones are:

• Media Player Classic - in order not to separately install codecs for Windows 10, this player installs them immediately with the player. One of the most popular video players. A simple interface and fast operating speed are the best qualities of this video player.
• The KMPlayer is an equally popular Windows video player that has a wide variety of settings. Supports many formats.
• Adobe Flash Player – you will simply need to install this player, since it is responsible for playing audio and video in the browser, as well as for running web games.

Office programs for Windows

Office programs are the most important utilities for those who constantly work with documents. The standard Microsoft Office package includes:

• Text editor Microsoft Word;
• Editor for Microsoft Excel tables;
• Microsoft Outlook mail manager;
• A program for creating and editing Microsoft PowerPoint presentations.

Less popular utilities in the MS Office package: Access, InfoPath, Publisher, Visio, Project, OneNote, Groove and others. All of them are distributed on a paid basis.

A good free alternative is OpenOffice.org. It is also aimed at working with various documents. Its only drawback is that it sometimes does not read Microsoft Office formats correctly.

Archiver

An archiver is needed to unpack programs, games or other applications packed in an archive. An archiver is also needed when it is necessary to group all files and documents and send them by mail or instant messenger. Using an archiver, you can protect your files by setting a password on the archive. But first of all, the archiver is still designed to save disk space or reduce the size of a file for sending over the Internet.

• WinRAR is a very simple and easy-to-use archiver. It quickly archives any files, can open any archives, and allows you to change its appearance. WinRAR has a 40-day free trial. But after this period, the program is not blocked, but continues to work fully, only a window periodically pops up reminding you to purchase a license.
• 7-Zip is a free archiver with a high compression ratio. It is open source. Lightweight and reads many formats.

System optimization and configuration

Just as every person looks after himself and puts himself in order, you also need to look after your computer so that the system lasts as long as possible and there are no failures. To do this, you need a program that will clean the system of unnecessary files, enable or disable additional functions, speed up the boot and operation of the system, defragment the disk, and much more.

• Acronis Disk Director - designed for quick hard drive optimization. With its help, you can create and manage new disk partitions. You can recover deleted data from disk. The program protects data on the disk and also helps improve the performance of the entire computer.
• Auslogics BoostSpeed ​​is a very popular program that was even advertised on the Discovery Channel. With its help you can speed up your computer and even the Internet. You can also clean up disks and increase free space on your computer, fix errors in the registry, defragment disks, recover deleted files, and protect your private information. It is used to tune Windows 10 for maximum performance. This program combines many functions for which there are usually separate utilities.
• Auslogics Driver Updater - helps you quickly and without unnecessary hassle update all the drivers on your computer.
• Unistall Tool - if you think that by deleting a program you get rid of all its files, then you are very mistaken. In fact, after removing any programs, many small files remain on the disk, which over time heavily load the system. If you delete programs using this utility, then there will be no trace of them left on your hard drive.
• CCleaner is a tool for cleaning your computer from junk. Quickly and effectively copes with its task. It also has functions for uninstalling programs, system recovery, startup settings, and completely erasing disks.

Messengers

If 10 years ago communication on the Internet was maintained through email, now there are many instant messengers that allow you to communicate with people from all over the world. Instant messaging makes life much easier not only at work, but also at home. The most popular instant messengers on Windows 10:

• Skype was the first program that allowed Internet users to communicate with each other through video calls. Until now, Skype has not lost its popularity. A very easy and convenient interface, your own funny emoticons, the ability to hold online conferences with 100 people at the same time and many other functions without which many Skype users can no longer imagine their lives. The program is free, only calls to mobile phones are charged.
• Viber is a very popular program for exchanging free messages to mobile phones. Viber users also actively use the program on their computer, as this allows them not to interrupt conversations, as well as make free calls to the subscriber even without a phone. The program has not only its own emoticons, but also stickers, and has also introduced the function of temporary messages, which are deleted themselves after a while. The program is free, you only charge for additional stickers.
• WhatsApp is another messenger that has gained popularity thanks to its version on smartphones. After a while, an official program for computers appeared. Therefore, if you and your friends or acquaintances communicate via WhatsApp, then it would be a good idea to install it on your computer.

Now a laptop is not a luxury at all, but most likely a necessary thing in everyday life. Their various modifications and technical characteristics give us the opportunity to choose. Buying a laptop is half the trouble, but how to set up a laptop, this question already requires the knowledge and skills necessary for this. Of course, you can turn to specialists, they will install all the necessary programs and other gadgets for your laptop, but why spend money on this if you can do everything yourself.

Before setting up a laptop, you should know (upon purchase you will be offered to install an operating system or a laptop with an operating system already installed) which Windows is installed and whether it is installed at all. If you purchased a laptop without an operating system, then when you turn it on, there will either be a black screen or Linux (also an operating system), which will be useful to you only for the first time (not understandable for the average user). To start setting up your laptop, you need a disk with the operating system, then follow these steps:

• Start installing from the disk. To start the disk from the BIOS (select your disk drive in the boot menu).
• Next you need to partition your hard drive. Break it down the way you want. After this, select the partition on which the operating system will be installed.
• After successful completion of the installation, in principle, your laptop is already configured, except for minor nuances: install drivers for sound, for video card, for mother card (mostly these drivers are already supported by modern operating systems). We also provide links to more detailed material: “How to set up sound on a laptop? " and "How to turn on the webcam on a laptop? "

After the main laptop settings, which are described just above, you will need an Internet connection. Almost all laptops have Wi-Fi. Setting it up is very simple, you just need to turn it on (there is always a button on the keyboard or in network connections) and find the access point given to you by your provider.

People often use a laptop as an Internet transmitter, moreover via Wi-Fi. So, what do you need to do to set up your laptop as a router? To do this, you need to make an AD – HOC connection (thanks to it, two laptops will equally use the Internet via Wi-Fi, even though the access point is on only one of them).

• Open your , find Wi-Fi (turn it on).
• Next, go to Wi-Fi connection settings. In the TCP/IP protocols tab, through the properties, configure your addresses (192.168.0.1 – the laptop on which there is Internet, 192.168.0.2 – the second laptop). Review all other parameters in your provider's contract (we are talking about DNS servers).
• Just in case, set the subnet mask to the parameter: 255.255.255.0 on two laptops.
• After this, reboot your computers, then add a second laptop to your mini-network and use the Internet.

Taking the first important steps with your new laptop will help you get the most out of your new mobile computer.

Before you start using your new laptop, you'll need to take some time to complete a few minor tasks.

This will ensure that you are not only protected, but can also get the most out of your investment.

There is another optional feature that disables Windows updates and enables an advanced version called "Microsoft Update" This function allows you to provide your PC with new updates, which will include: new versions of drivers, software, components and more.

Updates are usually provided over the Internet, but there are also some offline settings for software and operating system updates that do not require an Internet connection.

Why should I update my Windows system?

Your version of Windows should be updated to the latest version because updates lead to improvements in your system. Updates can improve your security, fix any performance glitches, help your operating system prevent instability, and more.

There are some updates such as service packs or others that can even improve the overall performance of your system. Therefore, you should check for the latest updates at least once a week.

How to update your Windows system?

Using Windows Update is not a very difficult task. You only need to click on it and select all the necessary or important updates. You can also opt for some optional updates, such as driver updates for other hardware or bug fixes for other Microsoft software.

You can run Windows Update in any of the following ways:

• You can do this by clicking "Windows Update", which can be found in the menu "Start".
• You can do this by running "wuapp.exe" which can be found at this location: %windir%\system32\
• You can do this by visiting Microsoft website.

Install your favorite browser

Because surfing the Internet in an unfamiliar browser is like trying to tango while wearing someone else's shoes. This can be done, but it will look ugly. Here are direct links for Chrome , Firefox And Opera if Internet Explorer isn't your thing.

Turn on Windows Defender

Now that you're immersed in something more comfortable, it's time to connect the necessary security.

Windows 8 comes with Windows protection by default. This is a decent, if not the best, security solution.

But PC makers can disable Defender if they want to pre-install a security trial on your PC, such as Norton or McAfee antivirus products.

If you decide to continue paying for this premium product, then do so. We would suggest turning on Windows Defender rather than paying your hard-earned money for antivirus software.

However, Windows Defender is not included with previous versions of Windows and is not the most comprehensive anti-malware solution. You can't even schedule a scan!

Remove junk, unnecessary software and clear cache

With you protected, it's time to start removing unnecessary stuff from your PC.

You can skip this step if you built your own Windows PC, including installing the operating system, or purchased a digital subscription from the Microsoft Store. Direct Windows installations don't come with excess junk cluttering your hard drive. But boxed PCs from major PC manufacturers are inevitably filled with viruses.

Luckily, there is a tool called PC Decrapifier that allows you to scan your PC for viruses, malware, and other nastiness. If you have a Windows 8 operating system, PC Decrapifier will not be affected by viruses that come in the form of Metro apps that appear on the new style screen.

However, they don't start when your computer boots, so they shouldn't consume any system resources other than storage space. If you still want them removed from your computer just right click on the unwanted application and select "Delete".

Create a clone (image) of your system

After all this, your computer is finally ready to go: secure, updated, free of junk, and full of software customized to meet your specific needs. But we haven't done the most important thing yet.

Now that your computer is in fighting shape, it's the perfect time to create a clone or image of your main hard drive - from one Windows boot - and save it to another hard drive.

A clone or image creates a copy of your system that you can use to boot Windows if your primary drive fails one day. By having an image of your system in its updated state without interruption, a custom state prevents you from having to do all that work again if you have to reinstall Windows for any reason.

So what is the difference between a clone and an image? Essentially, a clone creates an exact copy of your hard drive on another drive - files and all important data.

On the other hand, the image creates a single and voluminous file containing all the materials on your PC. It takes a little more time to get a backup image of your system ready to go at a moment's notice. If you are an inexperienced user, then you may have problems with this operation, since if the image is saved incorrectly, it may not work.

There are excellent backup tools that allow you to create clones and images, including free versions of Macrium Reflect Free and EaseUS Todo Backup. Regular backup is the only savior of your data if any misunderstanding happens with your PC or laptop.

Optional: Update your drivers

This step is not for everyone. Few things can backfire faster than a driver that refuses to work for whatever reason. If your personal computer is working fine and you are only planning to do basic tasks like surfing the Internet, working with Office, and the like, feel free to forget that your computer has drivers that also need to be maintained and updated. In any case, Windows Update should have introduced new drivers for your hardware.

Windows Update isn't always on the cutting edge of driver updates, and new drivers, such as those for your or network card, can provide useful features and improve your PC's performance. Gamers especially need to frequently update their graphics card drivers to keep their PC performance up to date.

Worth noting that of course, there are other tasks you have to complete, such as moving files from your old computer and saving product keys for Windows and other installed software, but you can do all of this at your leisure.

For now, just bask in the glory of owning a new PC, safe in the knowledge that it's fully optimized, protected from attacks, and can be recovered if disaster strikes.

Some say laptops are no longer needed: they are less portable than tablets and less powerful than desktop PCs. But I still love them and I think they are still useful, especially if you are a student.

So, have you bought a new laptop for work, school or other purposes? Or maybe you received it as a gift? These next few years will be a joy, but only if you take the time to set it up correctly.

Here are a few things you should do with your new laptop. A small investment of time today can save you a lot of headaches and frustration in the future.

1. Update your operating system

If you bought a laptop from a retail or online store, it has probably sat on the shelf for several months. During this time, many useful updates have been released - and these updates are more important than you think.

• On Windows, turn on Windows Update. I know it's annoying, and I know it always works in the worst of times, but it's a small price to pay for security.
• On a Mac, keep up with software updates when you're alerted to them. Don't put them off otherwise you may find yourself a victim of malware one day.
• In Linux, updates are used more for convenience than security, but are still important.
• In Chrome OS, everything is handled behind the scenes. Whenever you're connected to Wi-Fi, Chrome OS checks for updates and downloads any that it finds. To install them, all you need to do is restart your device.

2. Remove unnecessary software and viruses

Bloatware is pre-loaded software that is unwanted or unnecessary for the end user. These applications are rarely used but waste a lot of valuable disk resources. Windows laptop manufacturers are notorious for installing programs that the end user doesn't need, while this rarely happens on Mac, Linux and Chrome OS laptops.

The easiest way to clean up third-party apps is to install one of the third-party app uninstallers. They will scan your system for all installed applications and allow you to completely remove the ones you don't need.

3. Install antivirus software

All laptops need antivirus software - yes, even Macs and Linux! It is a myth that Windows is the only vulnerable operating system these days. If you forget about protection, you may find yourself the victim of serious attacks.

This is why I recommend installing antivirus software. If you don't want a background service protecting you in real time, at least install a manual tool like MalwareBytes and scan your computer for viruses once a week.

4. Install the anti-theft program (Antitheft)

Laptop theft is one of the worst things that can happen. Not only will you lose the device, but all the important data on it - and once that's done, the laptop may be nearly impossible to recover unless the thief is completely stupid and exposes himself.

Luckily, Windows 10 has a built-in security feature called “Find My Device” that you can enable on your laptop. If you don't like this feature or you use Mac or Linux, you can always use the free version of Prey (which also supports mobile devices).

5. Optimize your power settings

Laptops are portable devices, so maximizing battery life should be a priority. A few simple adjustments can mean the difference between six hours and nine hours per charge.

First, turn down your display brightness. But don't set it too low, otherwise it may cause eye fatigue. In Windows, you can adjust the power settings to dim the screen when the laptop is not in use. On a Mac, you can set up the power saving feature to do the same.

Also consider using sleep and/or hibernation modes in your operating system. They can save a lot of battery life when you travel with your laptop.

Finally, stop using Chrome. It is known for draining your battery a lot. I recommend using Opera, which has a great battery saving mode.

6. Set up automatic backups

Imagine what will happen in six months: a lot of documents, projects, presentations and all other personal data will accumulate on your laptop. And if your laptop goes missing or gets damaged, all those files will be lost forever, and there's nothing you can do about it.

Don't let this happen. Set up a backup system now, while you still have the opportunity.

Windows 10 has several native methods including Backup and Restore, Recovery Drive Creator and more. Mac has Time Machine, but if you don't like it, you can always choose any other backup solution. Linux also has many excellent backup tools and utilities that will keep your data convenient.

7. Set up cloud storage and synchronization

Cloud storage is a great way to make your data accessible no matter where you are, and can even act as a sort of semi-backup system. What is cloud storage? Basically, storing synchronized copies of your files on a remote server.

If your laptop ever dies or is stolen, your files will still be in the cloud.

The most popular services are Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive and Yandex drive. They each have their pros and cons, but they all offer free plans, so try them all and see what you like best.

8. Minimize Heat Damage

Don't forget that laptops are more susceptible to heat than desktop computers. Desktop computer cases are large enough for good ventilation, and tablets don't have to worry about dust accumulating, whereas laptops have poor air circulation and a lot of dust.

Irregular ventilation and clogged dust collectors equal heat damage!

Excess heat can degrade your processor's performance to reduce heat consumption, which means a slower system. Excess heat can also shorten the life of internal hard drives and cause batteries to lose their overall charging capacity.

What can you do about it?

1. Buy a laptop tray and stop using your laptop on the carpet, bedding, couch, or even your lap. Always place it on a hard, flat surface to minimize dust.
2. Buy a laptop cooler to improve airflow.
3. Install a temperature monitoring program so you can notice when your system is getting hot and immediately turn off intensive applications (like games, video editors and crypto miners).

9. Configure system settings

Now that all maintenance related tasks are out of the way, it's time to make your laptop your own. Go ahead and customize the theme, desktop wallpaper, taskbar layout, etc.

• Personalize and customize Windows, including new Start menu options.
• Personalize and customize your Mac, including icons, wallpapers, and the Dock.

Windows 10 users should also pay attention to the features and settings that are worth disabling to make Windows 10 less annoying, as well as remove advertisements.

10. Install your favorite apps

Now that your laptop is clean and ready to go, it's time to install all the apps you think you'll need. But before you download hundreds of different installer files, consider using Ninite.

Ninite creates a custom installer file, based on which you select the ones you need from dozens of popular applications. Then you install them all using one installer file. Be sure to save the installer file later - you can run it again at any time to update all applications.

11. Start Using a VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) may seem complicated, but it's easy to use: you simply download and launch the app. The app encrypts your connection, protects against eavesdropping devices, allows you to access cloud-blocked content, and makes it difficult for web activity to be traced back to you. Along with many other beneficial benefits!

But using a VPN comes with a caveat: avoid using free VPNs whenever possible. They can be useful, but there are other risks and costs associated with them - risks and costs that are not worth taking.

With your laptop set up and ready to go, there are still a few things you need to know.

You won't kill your laptop's battery if you keep it on all the time, but it will lose overall capacity faster. For maximum lifespan, it's best to switch between battery and AC power, making sure the battery is completely drained.

It is also important to remember that you are using a laptop. It's tempting to lie on your back or stomach, slouch, and harness yourself into weird positions for instant comfort, but poor posture can cause real bodily harm in the long run.

Finally, tell your friends about all these laptop care and productivity tips you learned from this article and answer the following questions.

What laptop did you buy? Do you like him? Were there any other tips for setting up new laptops that I missed? Share it with us in the comments below!