Before You Start
Before turning on your new computer, gather what you'll need:
- Your Wi-Fi network name and password
- Your Microsoft account or Apple ID (or create one if you don't have one)
- A list of programs you'll need to install
- Your old computer (if you're transferring files)
- Any product keys or license information for software you own
Initial Setup Steps
Follow these steps when you first turn on your new computer:
- 1Connect to Wi-Fi during the setup process
- 2Sign in with your Microsoft account (Windows) or Apple ID (Mac) — this enables cloud backup and syncing
- 3Let Windows Update or macOS Software Update run completely before doing anything else
- 4Set up Windows Hello (fingerprint or face recognition) or Touch ID for easy, secure login
- 5Configure your privacy settings — review what data you share with Microsoft or Apple
Essential Software to Install
Once the initial setup is complete, install these essentials:
- Web browser: Chrome, Firefox, or Edge (Edge is already installed on Windows)
- Password manager: Bitwarden (free) or 1Password
- Office suite: Microsoft 365 (subscription) or LibreOffice (free)
- PDF reader: Adobe Acrobat Reader (free)
- Video calling: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or FaceTime (Mac)
- Antivirus: Windows Defender is built in; consider Malwarebytes for additional protection
Tip: Download software only from official websites. Searching for 'free download' of popular programs often leads to sites that bundle malware with the installer.
Transferring Files from Your Old Computer
If you're replacing an old computer, transfer your files before retiring it:
- Documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
- Photos and videos
- Music (if stored locally)
- Browser bookmarks and saved passwords
- Email contacts and messages (if using a local email program)
- Any files saved to the Desktop or Downloads folder
Tip: The easiest way to transfer files is with an external hard drive or USB drive. Copy everything to the drive from your old computer, then copy it to your new one. We can also help with this process.
Setting Up Backups
Set up automatic backups before you start using your new computer. This protects your files from the start.
- Windows: Enable File History (Settings > Update & Security > Backup)
- Mac: Enable Time Machine with an external drive
- Cloud backup: Consider Backblaze ($7/month) for automatic off-site backup of all your files
- OneDrive (Windows) or iCloud (Mac): Good for syncing important documents across devices