New Computer Setup
By: Gil Price
Original: 12/4/2005
Modified: 12/7/2005
Introduction:
Recently I have been called upon to help 3 co-workers with their new computer purchases. Since these co-workers are not what I would call as "computer professionals", I was more than happy to help them. Listed below is the process I follow when setting up a new computer prior to turning the user loose in the wild world of the Internet.
Note: At the end of the article I will have links to applications which I have used personally and fully endorse as of their current versions available on 1 December 2005.
Preparation:
In first preparing someone's system for first time use, I like to conduct a short interview to find out how the prospective user plan to uses the system. Here is my short list of questions:
How are you going to be using this system? Is it for Internet browsing, email, online purchases? Is this to be used predominately for writing, personal finances, or is the use geared to an artistic use? Digital photo's, music, or scientific uses? Programming or mathmatical pursuits? Does it need to be portable? Roadwarrior or family entertainment? Answers to these questions will certainly dictate the types of processors, amount of RAM and other hardware needs for the system.
Do you have any software you want installed onto this system? Will there be any software purchases? Do you have the software you need to accomplish your needs or wants? Do you require compatibility with currently owned software?
How do you plan to protect your system from the bad things from the Internet? Preferences for anti-virus applications? What anti-spyware protection do you want? What about personal firewalls?
Do you want to add any additional hardware or devices to the system? Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), scanners, printers, or digital cameras?
There is alot to consider when setting up a new system, you must know what the intended use is going to be, how the system may need to be extended or augmented to really become a tool rather than a system which is more of an anchor. In today's world, a laptop is often a better choice for most people than a large clunky desktop or mid/mini-tower.
Paring Down:
The next step is to remove un-needed or unwanted applications. This includes free trials of antivirus applications, Internet service providers (AOL, Netzero etc.), and utilities. Once these are removed, I then remove the unwanted free applications which many new computers are shipped with, many of these applications are crippled or SE (Special Editions) or limited time trials.
As a last step in initial preparation, I apply all known operating system patches or updates. Many of these are necessary security updates and should be applied to all systems whether new or not.
Additions:
The first additions I apply are the antivirus application, anti-spyware applications and other non-specific security applications requested by the new system user. For antivirus I use either PC-Cillin by Trend Micro or the free Clam Win. When it comes to anti-spyware I fully believe in defense in depth, while I like the new Microsoft Antispyware, I am leery of anything coming from Microsoft. I feel they may allow some questionable applications from Microsoft to be installed without warning so I also install the free Spybot Search and Destroy. I also install Adaware and highly recommend their Pro version for full protection. (I have used all three for a while and occasionally one or the other finds something which would have gotten past the other 2.) I finish up the security upgrades by installing Firefox and Thunderbird.
Hardware upgrades are next, I often install additional RAM and a second hard drive. Of course there are the printer drivers, PDA's and other software or drivers needed to support the many electronic devices people are now carrying around on their persons.
After the system is secured for use, I then install the users software. I recommend they upgrade to the latest versions, but if they are unwilling, I install and check for compatibility with other applications and full functionality with the installed operating system. Occasionally I have to uninstall something and let the user know they will have to find an alternative or upgrade their application.
Education:
Once I have completed the installations, upgrades and general overall check, I start the education. We discuss everything from Internet safety to keeping the system updated with patches and fixes. I also cover general connectivity troubleshooting, what to do if the printer doesn't print, and what to do if the user suspects a virus or spyware has infected their system. I also provide them with my card which has my e-mail and cell phone number on it.
Conclusion:
You can not be to careful with the system which will be the repository or tool you use for accessing the Internet, conduct your personal banking with, or using for online purchases. While the Internet is a fantastic tool in the right hands, it can quickly become your worse nightmare if you don't adequately protect your system and browse safely.
Links to applications referenced above:
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