What would you do with my Laptop?

[iain3915]

My new Laptop is arriving later today. It is a Dell XPS M1530.

What are the first things I should do when I switch it on?

How do I make it secure etc?

Regards,

Iain

 

[cohen]

What version of vista???

 

[iain3915]

Unfortunately I have no idea. Surely it will be the most up to date version?

 

[Sir Travis D]

It's probably vista home premium sp1. Well, I would download a free firewall/antivirus, and please, post pictures and a review here

edit: This is free http://lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php

edit: And Cohen, What does the version of vista have to do with security?

 

[iain3915]

Thanks for the advice. If it is Service Pack 1, should I download newer Service Packs before I download the anti-virus software?

Oh and I'll post a review and pictures, of course!

 

[Sir Travis D]

Vista sp1 is the only vista service pack, so if it comes with it which it should, you're good to go.

 

[iain3915]

And when I go online to download the anti-virus I will be unprotected until I get the anti-virus. Do I just need to take this risk or is there a way around this?

 

[Sir Travis D]

The chances of getting "infected" without any antivirus are slim unless downloading illegal files..

But, windows has a built in firewall/antivirus. So you are protected, but it's better to use a third party program.

Also, when you get it, disable "user account control" - google it and you'll find out how.

This is better than my first link. Firewall/antivirus/spam free
http://free.avg.com/

 

[iain3915]

Thanks Travis.

Another question, if you don't mind?

I have read about creating backup discs. Is this only necessary if the laptop does not come with restore discs?

 

[Sir Travis D]

I would do it if they don't.

 

[tlarkin]

Step 1 to being secure:

Do NOT install Limewire.

 

[EWC88]

What about Bearshare?

 

[cohen]

step 1 to being secure:

Do not install limewire.

+ 1

 

[tlarkin]

What about Bearshare?

Even worse. Read the EULA of Bearshare, it clearly states it installs other software on your computer.

 

[EWC88]

Ok thanks for the info, I know now not to use that when I get my laptop..



What software do you reccomend to d.l music from?

 

[tlarkin]

Ok thanks for the info, I know now not to use that when I get my laptop..



What software do you reccomend to d.l music from?

The ITMS or go buy the CD or stream it from www.pandora.com

 

[EWC88]

ITMS? What is that?

 

[bomberboysk]

Itunes Music Store, im pretty sure.

 

[tlarkin]

Itunes Music Store, im pretty sure.

Correct.

Don't steal music, pay for it. Would you want someone stealing your products?

 

[EWC88]

No, but is that the only reason why you say it isn't good cause were not buying it?