If your new laptop is customized properly, you can use it for long time. A new laptop is just like a blank board, ready to be customized with your preferences and programs. The steps for customizing your new laptop are as follows,
·
Remove bloatware: bloatwares are software that has lots of features and requires considerable disk space and RAM. They are installed by the manufacturers that are not needed normally such as trial versions of picture greeting software. To get rid of the bloatware is to just use the regular program uninstall feature in Windows Control Panel.
Otherwise, you can wipe your laptop's hard drive and install your operating system from scratch.
·
Set up Laptop Security: It is a very essential step in customizing your laptop. The steps to do so are as follows,
1.
Set your user account password.
2.
Change the administrator password.
·
Install antivirus/anti-malware: For a free option, take a look at Microsoft Security Essentials or Avast! Free; both provide protection against viruses and spyware. ClamXav is a free, open-source antivirus program for Macs.
·
Laptop Recovery: Install an anti theft software to
fix the laptop.
·
Encryption software: it creates an encrypted volume on your laptop to store the important information, and it can encrypt your entire system as well. So, it is better to install it on your system.
·
Get system updates: On Windows, go to the Control Panel > System and Security to find the options to check for and install
windows updates. On Mac, go to the Apple menu and click Software Update.
·
Install Your Essential Programs and Documents: Install all the programs that you need for everyday use, including office applications and your email program.
·
Backup Your System and Create a Custom Install Disc: Create your system backups or put the backup on an external hard drive or DVD and label it with the name of your laptop, the date, and something like "initial install”.
·
Turn on Firewall: It is the protection wall which secures your laptop from external threats, so turn it on.