What should I do to my new computer?

[GM Guy]

I have just started my computer for the first time, and of course it wants me to create backups, so i was wondering, should I go buy some DVDs to create a backup?

Also, it says to create backups before using it, surely it shouldn't hurt to do nothing but surf internet before I back up, should it?

Finally, before creating a backup, can I delete stuff like google toolbar and the shortcuts for free norton, or will this mess something up?

Any input appreciated, thanks!

 

[GM Guy]

one more thing, can i install updates and register the computer before backing it up?

 

[SfcJones]

Since it is factory fresh.....doing a backup will produce nothing unless you are backing up for a restore of the factory install. This would allow you to put the OS back on without alot of stupid crap that is already preloaded. I wouldn't use Dvd's unless thsat is your only option. You can buy a 1 TB External drive now for under 100 bucks and that is what I would use for a backup. If you do have a option for OS backup use the dvd method.

 

[GM Guy]

ok, what i did was use the toshiba backup thing with DVDs. To my understanding the Toshiba update restores the whole thing, whereas the microsoft backup will protect files.

So what i did and am going to do is:
I already used 5 DVDs to back it up using the toshiba recovery media creator

Then I am going to go buy a 320 GB external drive and use windows backup to keep the files safe.

If i am misunderstanding anything, please let me know!

 

[btfarm]

Whatever you do don't install the free Norton trial. If you did then do this. Put windows security essentials in a ready to download mode. Norton won't let you install it. Once WSE is ready to install, get offline (disconnect the ethernet cable) uninstall Norton and then do the WSE install. WSE is good, it's free and it won't hog your system like Norton will.

 

[GM Guy]

no worries, I got a unaniumus hell no on norton, so I uninstalled anything to do with it the first day i used it.

 

[btfarm]

no worries, I got a unaniumus hell no on norton, so I uninstalled anything to do with it the first day i used it.

Good move there. I still can't uninstall the auto update feature but since the rest is gone, the feature has no where to go...

 

[Franko914]

Good move there. I still can't uninstall the auto update feature but since the rest is gone, the feature has no where to go...

You can download the Norton Removal Tool (there are a couple of versions, just pick the right one) which will remove all vestiges of the Symantec product.

Regards,
Franko

 

[btfarm]

You can download the Norton Removal Tool (there are a couple of versions, just pick the right one) which will remove all vestiges of the Symantec product.

Regards,
Franko

Thanks Franko, will do:thumbsup:

 

[Ozzie]

Nice on the removal tool...:thumbsup:

That one should get a bit of use...I really don't like resource hogs and they used to be one of the worst. Not sure if they have improved at all.

 

[Franko914]

Nice on the removal tool...:thumbsup:

That one should get a bit of use...I really don't like resource hogs and they used to be one of the worst. Not sure if they have improved at all.

I avoid them like the H1N1... (sorry, new variation of the saying...).

If I have to install/run a utility from a software company to remove a product from the software company, then I scratch them off the list for my PCs and my clients' PCs.

We only run AVG Anti Virus Free (disable Resident Shield if running less than 1.5 GB RAM), AdAware Free Anniversary Edition, MalwareBytes AntiMalware, Spybot Search & Destroy (disable TeaTimer which is a killer resource hog), and PanicWare PopUp Stopper. All freeware versions. Updated at least once a week.

Regards,
Franko

 

[NVW]

I've had good luck with "Revo Uninstaller" for removing programs, it searches for file extensions as well.