1. Acquiring and Setting-up a New Computer

2. 1.What do I want in a new PC? 2.Your old machine. 3.Preparing the new system. 4.Registering the machine and its Operating System – Microsoft (M/S) Windows. 5.Removing (‘Uninstalling’) unwanted software applications. 6.Adding (‘Installing’) new applications. 7.Connecting peripherals.

3. 1. What do I want in a new PC? What do I want it for? Central Processing Unit (CPU). Memory. Storage capacity. Clock speed. Operating System. Screen size. Auxiliary speakers, external storage drive, flash drive(s), etc.

4. 1. New PC? (cont.) What do I want it for? The proposed use of your new machine will determine the specifications you are looking for. For example, will its primary purpose be correspondence, record- keeping, e-mailing friends & family, playing games, downloading and playing movies, organizing and reproducing your digital photo’ collection, etc., etc? Do you want a laptop or a desktop? It’s vital to make these decisions before going out to buy your new computer.

5. 1. New PC? (cont.) Central Processing Unit (CPU). Single core, dual-core, quad-core, etc. i.e. how many processors operate simultaneously. The ‘brains’ of your new system. Where the ‘clock speed’ (operating speed) of your PC is determined. Measured in GHz (gigahertz). Generates heat and must be cooled by a good fan.

6. 1. New PC? (cont.) Memory. Usually used to refer to the Random Access Memory (RAM) in your computer. Despite its name - ‘memory’ - it doesn’t remember anything when your PC is switched-off! Minimum memory size required is determined by what Operating System you’re using, plus what else you want to do with your machine. Can’t have too much!

7. 1. New PC? (cont.) Storage capacity. Where everything in your PC is stored. Hard disk (‘C-drive’). SSD (Solid State Drive). DVDs/CDs. External drive. Flash drives. Once again the amount of storage capacity you need will be determined mainly by what you intend to do with your computer. Pictures / video clips / movies all take-up a lot of storage. Your Operating System and other software (programs) also need disk storage space. Measured in gigabytes or terabytes these days.

8. 1. New PC? (cont.) Clock speed. Determined by your Central Processing Unit (CPU). Measured in gigahertz. The faster, the better. The effective rate can in certain circumstances be limited by external factors such as the quality/speed of your Internet Service Provider (ISP) signal, or by how much multi-tasking you’re doing.

9. 1. New PC? (cont.) Operating System. Almost certainly supplied by Microsoft and called ‘Windows-n’. The most recent version is Windows- 8.1. Most of us are running Windows-7 or earlier. Microsoft supports at least two versions back. Newer versions of some software packages demand newer versions of the Operating System in order to run at maximum efficiency.

10. 1. New PC? (cont.) Screen size. Choose a size with which you are comfortable. For a laptop you probably don’t want to go lower than 15.6”. For a desktop, or for use as an auxiliary screen for your laptop, something in the 19”-to-23” is probably more suitable.

11. 1. New PC? (cont.) Auxiliary speakers, external storage drive, flash drive(s), etc. All depend on your preferences and intended uses for your PC.

12. 2. Your old machine Before starting-up your new computer, ensure that you have completed the following with your old one: Copy required documents (to a flash drive?). Copy all your pictures. Copy any programs you wish to keep. (KEY-IDs). Copy your Internet ‘Favourites’. Copy the ‘Contacts’ details from your e-mail system. When these tasks have been completed and the information successfully transferred to your new machine, remove the hard disk drive and hit it with a big hammer. (Several times!)

13. 3. Preparing the system Remove all packaging. Read the instructions! Connect power supply. Connect keyboard, mouse and screen (if applicable). Connect to Internet. Connect printer. (‘Wireless connection?) Connect speakers. Switch on!

14. 4. Registering the system The manufacturer of your system (e.g. HP, Acer, Toshiba, Lenova, Dell, Sony, etc.) will want you to register the new machine with them. In order to do so you must be connected to the Internet. Use the ‘Wizard’ provided by the manufacturer to register the system. It is an intuitive, step-by-step process.

15. 4. Registering the system (cont.) It is also necessary to register the Operating System (e.g. Windows-7 / 8.1) with Microsoft. Once again a ‘Wizard’ is provided by Microsoft to lead you through this process. Some other software packages also need registering. (Similar procedure.)

16. 5. Unwanted applications All new computers are sold with the (partial) objective of trying to get you to purchase certain additional software packages and/or services. All of them are good – but all cost money! Here are some examples....

17. 5. Unwanted Applications (cont.) New machines come with an installed anti-virus system – usually Norton or MacAfee. (Sometimes parts of both!) Both are excellent systems: however, both will cost you the initial purchase price, plus an annual renewal fee in the region of $70.00 to $90.00. You can sometimes reduce the unit cost by buying a multi-year and/or a multi-user license. NOTE: You must not proceed without an anti-virus software system.

18. 5. Unwanted Applications (cont.) Microsoft Office (2010?). E-Bay shortcut. Kobo (Electronic books). Skype (Using your computer for video telephone services). Manufacturers’ suggested games. Netflix.

19. 5. Unwanted Applications (cont.) To ‘Uninstall’ unwanted applications proceed as follows: For installed anti-virus systems, use internet to access the home page and find the ‘Uninstall’ procedures provided; otherwise (using Windows-7): Click on the ‘Start’ button (bottom-left). Click on ‘Control Panel’. Click on ‘Programs and Features’ (Windows-7). When the page is ‘populated’, highlight system(s) to be removed – one at a time. Click on ‘Uninstall’ in the menu bar near the top of the page and follow the instructions.

20. 6. Adding New Applications Anti-virus software. It is essential that you uninstall the existing anti-virus software before you install its replacement. Open your internet interface. Enter ‘microsoft security essentials free download’ into your ‘Search’ box. Access the Microsoft (or another trusted) web site displayed on your screen. Follow the instructions on your screen to download, install, update and run the Microsoft Security Essentials anti-virus software for your machine. Use the ‘Settings’ tab to establish a daily time for running.

21. 6. Adding New Applications (cont.) Call Home Help and ask them to help you install, update and run the following software programs and (if necessary) show you how to use them: - ‘WinCleaner’ / ‘Uniblue’ and - ‘Malwarebytes’.

22. 6. Adding New Applications (cont.) Re-establish your e-mail system on the new machine using information copied from the one it’s replacing. See notes from the lesson covering this topic at: www.sandycovecomputerclub2.com Note that you do not have to change your e-mail address.

23. 6. Adding New Applications (cont.) The e-mail software called, “Windows Live Mail” is included as part of your new Operating System and works very well with Windows-7 & -8. With Windows Live Mail you can create and access multiple e-mail accounts from the same page. (e.g. if you have accounts with Nextcom and Gmail and Hotmail, etc.) We recommend the use of Windows Live Mail. Put a shortcut on your desktop and/or taskbar.

24. 7. Connecting Peripherals The word, ‘Peripherals’ refers to any additional devices you may want to attach directly to your new computer. These include your printer, scanner, copier, fax machine, speakers, external disk drive, games devices, etc. Note: It is possible that one or more of your existing peripherals and/or programs may not work with your new Operating System. (e.g. 64-bit vs 32-bit) Some may involve the insertion of the disk(s) that came with your device/program and following the instructions on your screen. Others download “Drivers” automatically.