Just ordered a shiny new computer? Whether you're using a Windows computer, a Mac or MacBook, or a Windows laptop, there are a few things you should set up before you start surfing the internet or playing a new game. Make sure that your hardware is properly connected and that you have all the latest updates installed as this will help keep your new computer in the best possible condition.
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Method 1 of 3: Setting Up a Windows Computer
Step 1. Disassemble your components
Depending on where you bought your computer and what options you chose, you may or may not have the following items:
- CPU - Maybe all you have is a CPU if you just bought a CPU only. If that is the case, then you will need to purchase a monitor, mouse, and keyboard before you can use a computer.
- Monitor - Not all computers are equipped with a monitor. If you upgrade your computer, you can usually use your old monitor.
- Mouse and keyboard - Most complete systems are packed with both of these, though you might consider switching to a higher-quality device with better ergonomics.
- Speakers – sometimes these devices are inside the monitor, and not always a package.
- Printers - Some systems are packaged with a printer, although these are usually purchased separately.
Step 2. Put the CPU
Place your CPU near the desired location with enough room for all existing fans as well as for air movement space. CPUs usually have fans on the back, and sometimes fans on the sides, front, and top. Avoid placing the CPU between drawers or in cabinets. If you use your computer as a home theater PC, make sure that the cabinets in the home theater have plenty of air space on all sides, and that the cabinets are not closed.
Step 3. Connect the monitor to the CPU
Mount the monitor or TV in one of the monitor holes on the back of the CPU. Most modern computers have an HDMI port, which is the easiest to connect. Monitors typically use a DVI or HDMI connection, but some older monitors use VGA.
- The monitor also needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet.
- If you have a dedicated graphics card, make sure the monitor is connected to the graphics card and not the motherboard. You will not benefit from a graphics card unless a monitor is connected to it. The monitor port for your particular graphics card is lower on the back of the CPU.
Step 4. Plug in the mouse and keyboard
Most mouse and keyboard plugs connect via USB connectors. If you are setting up a very old PC, you may need to connect the mouse and keyboard via the PS/2 connector. This is usually located at the top of the back of the CPU, and is color coded to match the keyboard and mouse plugs.
Step 5. Connect any existing speakers
Attach your speakers to the back of the computer using the color code as a guide. Make sure all channels are placed on the correct side, and that the speakers are plugged into a wall outlet if necessary.
Step 6. Connect the CPU to a wall outlet
If you can, connect to a surge protector or an uninterruptible power supply. This will help protect your computer from power surges or sudden loss of power.
You may need to turn the switch on the power supply to ON. The switch is usually located near the power cord
Step 7. Turn on your computer
Press the power button on the front of the computer to turn it on. If you purchased a computer with an operating system such as Windows or Linux preinstalled, you will be guided through the first time to setting up the operating system. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your location and create your account. If your computer does not come with an operating system preinstalled (this is rare), you will need to install it yourself.
See these instructions for Windows installation details
Step 8. Connect to the network
Before you can download programs or start using the internet, you will need to connect your computer to a network. You can connect it wirelessly if your computer has a WiFi network card, or you can connect to a router or modem via Ethernet.
If you want to connect via Ethernet, connect an Ethernet cable to your computer and to your router or modem. You don't need to make any additional settings. See this guide for details
Step 9. Download some updates to your device
Chances are the operating system and installed programs haven't been updated since the computer was built. You may be prompted to download and install some new stuff, which is very important to keep your computer safe and stable.
You may be asked to restart your computer to complete the update process
Step 10. Download the programs that are important to you
Once you have connected to the internet and your Windows has been updated, you can start installing the programs that are important to you. If you're updating your computer, don't just install all the old programs it used to install. Instead, take the time to evaluate what you really need. Installing only a few essential programs will help keep your computer running smoothly.
- Antivirus - This should be the first program you install, without any exceptions. Antivirus helps protect your computer against malware and other malicious software, and is especially important if your computer is connected to the internet. See this guide for details on installing antivirus software.
- Favorite browser - Windows comes with Internet Explorer, but many people prefer other browsers. There are a variety of browsers to choose from, including Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
- Word processor / productivity - Most people use their computer as a home office, which includes the installation of a word processor and possibly a Microsoft Office spreadsheet program designed to integrate into Windows, and you probably already have a trial period installed on your computer.
- Games - Everyone loves to relax once in a while, so consider installing a game! Windows supports all games from all operating systems, and there are many ways you can find and buy them. Some of the most popular storefronts include Steam, GOG, Origin, and Desura.
Step 11. Personalize your computer
Once all the boring stuff is done, you can start setting up your new computer the way you want it. You can change your desktop background, install a new cursor, change the font, or even change the way Windows is set up using special software.
Method 2 of 3: Setting Up a Mac or MacBook Computer
Step 1. Disassemble and connect your components
Most Macs consist of a standalone unit that includes everything as well as a monitor. You will only need to plug the monitor into a wall outlet, and connect the mouse and keyboard to the monitor via USB.
Step 2. The MacBook just needs to be plugged into a power outlet to charge the battery
This can be done at any time if it is already installed.
Step 3. Turn on the Mac
You will be guided through the Setup Assistant process, which will configure your Mac on first use. Follow each on-screen instructions to set the location and language settings and create a new account.
Step 4. Move your old files
If you used a Mac before, you can use the Setup Assistant to move your files and settings. You can completely move anything using a WiFi, USB, Ethernet, or FireWire connection.
In general, it is recommended that you only move your important files. Every application used must be reinstalled. This will result in better performance, as you won't be moving anything more than that that would slow down your previous system
Step 5. Connect to the network
Before you can download updates or apps, you need to connect them to the network. Most Macs come with built-in WiFi, which allows you to connect to a WiFi network in your home, school, or office. Some Macs also have an Ethernet port that allows you to connect directly to a modem or router using an Ethernet cable
- See this guide for detailed instructions for using a wireless connection.
- If you're connecting via Ethernet, you can simply plug the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the back of your Mac, then plug the other end into an available port on the router. Your Mac will do the next thing automatically.
Step 6. Perform an OS X update
After connecting to the internet, the first thing you should do is make sure that all the latest updates have been installed. It's possible that there is a Mac OS X update and your installed programs have been around since the time your Mac was assembled, so be sure to get all available updates before starting to use them.
- To check for and install updates, click the Apple menu and select "Software Update". After the program has taken a moment to check if there are any new updates available, you will be presented with a list. Confirm that you want to install any existing updates.
- You may need to restart your Mac during the update process.
Step 7. Install the apps that are important to you
Once your Mac is connected to the internet and up-to-date, you can start installing the apps you need every day. Installing apps is simple on a Mac. Open the DMG file you downloaded, then drag the application file into the application folder.
- Productivity / Organization - Mac provides a number of productivity and organization software. Ranging from daily planning programs to office needs are available in full and you can see on the Mac Store. Microsoft has a version of Office available for Mac as well, and Apple has its own line of offices in the Pages and Numbers sections.
- Browser - Your Mac comes with Safari, but you can install another browser if you prefer. Chrome allows you to sync your browser settings across the devices you use, so it would be great if you have several computers with different operating systems. Firefox is another fairly popular option, and both browsers are free.
- Multimedia - Macs are known for their multimedia capabilities, so consider installing some good multimedia applications. VLC Player is an essential video player program, and there are a large number of programs for editing music, videos, and pictures available.
- Games - As time goes on, more and more games can be played on OS X. Steam is currently one of the most popular and easy ways to access games on a Mac, and there's also a huge selection on the Mac Store.
- Utilities - Macs allow you to have a lot of control over your existing system, and there are many utilities that can make your life a little easier. There are many options for you to choose from, from storage systems to automation systems.
Step 8. Prepare your desktop
You can change your desktop page to make your computer feel more personal. There are also programs, like DockMod, that allow you to customize your Dock, while there are programs like Desktop Groups that allow you to organize cluttered icons on your desktop.
You can use the Dashboard to add widgets to your OS X. This is a tool that helps you quickly access everything without having to start a program. To access the Dashboard, click the Dashboard icon in the Dock. Add a widget by clicking the "+" button in the lower left corner of the Dashboard, then clicking "More Widgets…". This will open the widget downloader page where you can browse all the available widgets
Method 3 of 3: Setting Up a Windows Laptop
Step 1. Disassemble your components
Your laptop must come with a power cord and battery. Some laptops may have a battery already installed, while for others you may need to insert the battery after disassembling it.
Step 2. Plug in the laptop and turn it on
Most laptops don't have a full battery charge when you receive them. You may need to fully charge the battery before turning it on for the first time, but you can plug it in and turn it on at any time.
Step 3. Connect to the network
Before you can download programs or start using the internet, you need to connect your computer to the internet. Most laptops connect wirelessly, although some laptops have an Ethernet port that allows you to connect via an Ethernet cable.
If your laptop doesn't have an Ethernet port, but you want to connect via an Ethernet cable, you can use a USB Ethernet adapter. Plug the USB adapter into the USB port on your laptop and it will automatically install
Step 4. Download various updates
It is possible that the installed operating system has not been updated since the computer was assembled. You may be prompted to download and install critical updates to keep your computer safe and stable.
You may be asked to restart your computer to complete the update process
Step 5. Install the programs that are important to you
Once you are connected to the internet and your Windows has been updated, you can begin to install the programs that are important to you. If you're updating your computer, don't get hung up on just installing all the old programs you use. Instead, take the time to evaluate what programs you really need. Installing a few essential programs will help keep your computer running smoothly.
- Antivirus - This should be the first program you install, without any exceptions. Antivirus helps protect your computer against malware and other malicious software, and is especially important if your computer is connected to the internet. See this guide for details on installing antivirus software.
- Favorite browser - Windows comes with Internet Explorer, but many people prefer other browsers. There are a variety of browsers to choose from, including Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
- Word processor / productivity – Laptops are great for doing things on the go, so you might want to install a Word processor and maybe a spreadsheet program too. Microsoft Office is designed to integrate with Windows, and you may already have a trial period installed on your computer.
- Games - Everyone loves to relax once in a while, so consider installing a game! Laptops are not as powerful as computers, therefore you may have difficulty when you want to run games with high graphics settings. Of course, this does not apply to every laptop, some laptops are even able to compensate for the quality of a good computer. Some of the most popular storefronts for games include Steam, GOG, Origin, and Desura.
Step 6. Personalize your computer
Once all the boring stuff is done, you can start setting up your new computer the way you want it. You can change your desktop background, install a new cursor, change the font, or even change the way Windows is set up using special software.
