Have you got a new computer? Now do not just load an operating system and start using it. There are 5 things you must do when you get a new computer. This will increase your computer security, stability and longevity. You won’t get much problems later if you follow the below 5 steps. These are not optional, but compulsory. If you are not planning to get your computer repaired later, follow the below 5 tips.

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Protect Your Computer with Life Saving Disks :

Generally computer manufactures deliver computers with few CD or DVD sets and I call them Life Saving Disks. If your computer faces any problem due to software misconfiguration, data corruption, virus attacks etc, you can always use life saving disks to reinstall the operating system.

Many times those CD or DVD sets contain some additional security programs. Install those programs even before you start using your computer. If you have got an assembled computer and don’t have any disk sets with you, read your computer manual for the instructions on creating them manually. Keep those life saving disks handy, you may need that anytime.

Secure Your Computer With Security Softwares :

Are you planning to connect to internet? Wait! Have you installed a computer firewall and a computer antivirus? If you have no antivirus or firewall installed, then you are leaving your computer at a high risk. You are welcoming viruses, malwares and spywares to come and destroy your computer. If your computer is having a built in firewall, switch it on.

Get an antivirus for your computer. Antivirus programs minimize the risk of virus, malware and spyware threats. Use an another computer to download antivirus or firewall programs. Transfer the setup files via networking or USB pen drives. If you have any pre-installed antivirus programs, uninstall them before installing new antivirus program. Installing an advanced third party firewall program is better than using the system default one.

Uninstall Programs You Won’t Use :

Having too many software on your computer is not something to feel good about. It slows down your computer, takes space and works like a collection of garbage. By default computer comes with some pre configured softwares. Go to Add or Remove Programs to check all installed programs on your PC. Remove the programs that you don’t feel like using later.

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Most of the time you can notice few pre installed toolbars, chat messengers etc there. Simply uninstall them without any second thought. You can download your favourite chat messengers later and get Google toolbar for your toolbar usages, it’s worth installing.

Use Advanced Web Browsers To Connect Internet :

Are you in a hurry to connect to internet? Wait!! Your system default browser might not be secure enough to provide security. Consider installing advanced web browsers like Mozilla Firefox, Opera or Google Chrome. These web browsers can find and stop phishing and other similar threats on you.

Most web browsers are having security issues. So, choose the best one to protect you and your computer. Get the web browsers from it’s official site and make sure that you are installing it’s latest version. Latest versions are more secure than it’s earlier ones.

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Update All Your Installed Softwares :

This should be your first step after connecting to internet. Update all your installed programs to it’s latest version. You can use any tool to update all your installed softwares at once. Else you can also do it manually. Update the following softwares to it’s latest versions :

1. Your operating system (Select Auto update in control panel)
2. System Drivers
3. Antivirus Program
4. Firewall (If you are using any third party firewall)
5. Your default web browser
6. Browser plugins
7. Acrobat Reader
8. Media players

One most important thing is to get registered online with your operating system provider. After registration they will treat your OS copy as genuine and will provide you free updates, patches. These patches and updates will help you to protect your computer more securely.

The above mentioned steps should be done positively to get the best out of your computer. Always remember that computer can do most things on it’s onw, but not everything! So, you take care of your computer and your computer will take care of you. [via]