topic Re: Help With A New Computer in Electronics

Help With A New Computer

Jordan2 — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 17:26:14 GMT

I am so not tech savvy and hope some of you can offer some advice and help like you have so many times! I'm in the market for a new a computer (that's a whole different thread) and have some questions. Last time I bought a computer I got it at Best Buy and paid to have them come to my home to set it up. Now I hope that I have learned something since the 5 or 6 years I got the computer. I have a router and know the name and password for it to get my WIFi connection. Do I really need to have someone set up my computer for me or is it easy enough to do on your own? Also is there a software program that will allow me to transfer files from my old computer to my new one, is it easy to do and can I pick and choose what I want to transfer to the new computer? If I have passwords saved to my Google account will they be remembered on my new computer, and can I transfer websites that I have bookmarked? I would buy an HP computer from their website but am afraid I couldn't get the computer up and running. All this may sound silly to some of you but I know how helpful you all are and aren't judgmental.Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

Re: Help With A New Computer

RainyDayGal — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 17:34:10 GMT

Fortunately my husband does all that, I would be clueless. I will tell you that my friend who is relatively smart about this stuff has a new computer and she cannot for the life of her figure out how to get it connected.

I'm more than happy to pay someone to do it for me. What is easy to some, isn't always easy for the other. (When we were selling our house and having to make repairs everyone said, "Oh that's easy!" No it wasn't!)

Re: Help With A New Computer

Nuttmeg — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 17:39:09 GMT

@Jordan2 wrote:
I am so not tech savvy and hope some of you can offer some advice and help like you have so many times! I'm in the market for a new a computer (that's a whole different thread) and have some questions. Last time I bought a computer I got it at Best Buy and paid to have them come to my home to set it up. Now I hope that I have learned something since the 5 or 6 years I got the computer. I have a router and know the name and password for it to get my WIFi connection. Do I really need to have someone set up my computer for me or is it easy enough to do on your own? Also is there a software program that will allow me to transfer files from my old computer to my new one, is it easy to do and can I pick and choose what I want to transfer to the new computer? If I have passwords saved to my Google account will they be remembered on my new computer, and can I transfer websites that I have bookmarked? I would buy an HP computer from their website but am afraid I couldn't get the computer up and running. All this may sound silly to some of you but I know how helpful you all are and aren't judgmental.Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

I use a hard drive to save or move files to a new computer. Google will save your favorites and setting. They can be used with another computer.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/support

YouTube will give you help with Windows 10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZqKyhfD7-E

Re: Help With A New Computer

chickenbutt — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 17:42:32 GMT

Actually, it is super easy to get it up and running. You just need to get your security programs in place ASAP. But getting it going pretty much does itself.

One thing I like is that I learned by doing. Although I have to say that my husband won't learn (well, ok, he's also pretty busy) so I always have to get his new computers up and running.

After getting anti-virus software (if it comes with McAfee, ditch that and install a good one. Even the free ones are infinitely better!), and anti-malware (I like Malwarebytes) going, the next thing I do is go in and delete all the qrap that I don't want.

After it's all up to date and ready to use, I'd install CCleaner and Auslogics defrag to clean things up. All that adding and deleting programs, and updates, creates a lot of debris that gets in the way of smooth-running.

Re: Help With A New Computer

Peaches McPhee — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 18:36:32 GMT

It is not hard to set up a lap-top, which I assume you purchased. Just turn it on, and follow the prompts.

You'll need to enter the wireless router password only the first time. It will remember after that. You will need to "find' the router the first time.

As far as transfering files, if you don't have 100s or 1000s, you can email them to yourself from the old computer, then download them on to the new.

It will not know your Google passwords the first time. It will probably remember them ongoing.

I would not count on your bookmarks being remembered.

Re: Help With A New Computer

Gokat — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 18:43:06 GMT

What is simple for one of us isn't necessarily simple for others, @Jordan2.

If you're not familiar with the process and

can swing it, Best Buy may be a good option for you.

I've always set up my own computers and "yes" is the answer to all your questions, but not necessarily automatically. When someone says they are not tech savvy I believe them. Only you know what that means. I'm sure you'll make the best decision for you, and enjoy the new computer whatever you decide to get.

Re: Help With A New Computer

Jordan2 — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 18:43:23 GMT

@Gokat wrote:
What is simple for one of us isn't necessarily simple for others, @Jordan2.

If you're not familiar with the process and
can swing it, Best Buy may be a good option for you.

I've always set up my own computers and "yes" is the answer to all your questions. When someone says they are not tech savvy I believe them. Only you know what that means. I'm sure you'll make the best decision for you, and enjoy the new computer whatever you decide to get.

I don't have the confidence in myself that I will be able to do this on my own. This forces me to buy a computer at Best Buy.

Re: Help With A New Computer

Gokat — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 18:53:46 GMT

Not necessarily, @Jordan2. There are businesses/technicians that will set up your new computer for a price...or a friend/family member might be happy to do it for you. Best Buy just has them on site as an added convenience. If they don't carry the brand you desire, that isn't the best option for you.

Re: Help With A New Computer

chickenbutt — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 19:37:20 GMT

Hi again, Jordan! I hope it goes well with whatever you decide.

I hope you will decide to just start learning the basics. The more you learn, the more you can take care of things AND head things off at the pass.

This is the only reason I'm a huge advocate of learning as you go. But I really do like to be as independent as possible. I find that calling a company for technical help, no matter WHAT company, tends to be so frustrating 90% of the time. If I can learn things and even if a tech person is doing something I watch and ask questions, that way the next time there is a problem (and there will be!), I may have learned how to fix it myself.

As I've mentioned before, when I got my first computer I didn't have ANYBODY to help me so I learned as I went. I knew exactly ZERO and boy did I make some mistakes but I didn't even know about anti-viruses and updates and such back then so I was at a distinct disadvantage. Knowing these basics will make all the difference for you.

Then you can learn more down the road. But even if you have somebody do all of it for you I would highly recommend watching and learning some of it.

Best!

Re: Help With A New Computer

glb613 — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 22:06:41 GMT

@Jordan2 wrote:
@Gokat wrote:
What is simple for one of us isn't necessarily simple for others, @Jordan2.

If you're not familiar with the process and
can swing it, Best Buy may be a good option for you.

I've always set up my own computers and "yes" is the answer to all your questions. When someone says they are not tech savvy I believe them. Only you know what that means. I'm sure you'll make the best decision for you, and enjoy the new computer whatever you decide to get.

I don't have the confidence in myself that I will be able to do this on my own. This forces me to buy a computer at Best Buy.

Unfortunatley, having others do it for you means you learn nothing. Do you have any tech savvy friends or family members? When I've helped people I know, I stand or sit behind them while they do the work. When they run into something they don't understand, I talk them through it. If you really have no interest in learning how to do this yourself, don't have anyone to help or don't have the confidence to try it alone, hire it done.

Re: Help With A New Computer

Jordan2 — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 22:10:12 GMT

Thank you to everyone for their advise, I really appreciate it. I will say I have come far since I got my computer 6 years ago.My brother passed away 5 years ago and I relied on him for all my computer help. I now do things I never thought I could (it was easier just to ask my brother), it may take me longer to do something, but I can do it. Unfortunately I don't have anyone who can help me, I'm on my own.

Re: Help With A New Computer

ChynnaBlue — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 22:43:35 GMT

@Jordan2 wrote:
I am so not tech savvy and hope some of you can offer some advice and help like you have so many times! I'm in the market for a new a computer (that's a whole different thread) and have some questions. Last time I bought a computer I got it at Best Buy and paid to have them come to my home to set it up. Now I hope that I have learned something since the 5 or 6 years I got the computer. I have a router and know the name and password for it to get my WIFi connection. 1) Do I really need to have someone set up my computer for me or is it easy enough to do on your own? 2) Also is there a software program that will allow me to transfer files from my old computer to my new one, is it easy to do and can I pick and choose what I want to transfer to the new computer? 3) If I have passwords saved to my Google account will they be remembered on my new computer, and 4) can I transfer websites that I have bookmarked? I would buy an HP computer from their website but am afraid I couldn't get the computer up and running. All this may sound silly to some of you but I know how helpful you all are and aren't judgmental.Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

1) Do I really need to have someone set up my computer for me or is it easy enough to do on your own? It's really easy for me, but easy is a relative term. If you know your wi-fi password, you're better off than some. You can always ask the seller if getting a tech out to help you if you can't do it is an option. Windows 10 walks you through everything, so you might be okay.

2) Is there a software program that will allow me to transfer files from my old computer to my new one, is it easy to do and can I pick and choose what I want to transfer to the new computer? Yes, there are some. Asks the sales associate about them when you shop for a new computer. I have an external hard drive I use for this, so I can't advise you about software. Keep in mind that you can transfer files, but transferring software programs is another story. If you have any programs you use, like TurboTax or anti-viral software, that's handled differently. Some you can reinstall if you have the disc or install link and the key, but others you will have to repurchase. It depends on the program and the license, if any.

3) If I have passwords saved to my Google account will they be remembered on my new computer. I think that passwords will need to be entered once on a new machine and then will be remembered.

4) Can I transfer websites that I have bookmarked? Yes. If they are saved to your Chrome account, they will appear in your favorites on ANY computer where you log into your Google account. (To check this, you can log in and out of Chrome (Settings-->Sign in/Sign Out) and see if your bookmarks change. If they disappear when you are signed out, they will carry over. If your bookmarks do not disappear when you log out of Google, then you may need to export your bookmarks from your old computer, save the export file, email the file to yourself (or transfer with your other documents or a flash drive), and then import your bookmarks in Chrome on the new computer. You can find Export/Import directions here: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/96816?hl=en

That Export/Import is probably a good test. If you read those instructions and think you can manage that, you can probably set up your own computer. If you read that and think "HELP!" then you should probably pay someone else to do it. And when the person does, you should probably watch how he or she does it.

Re: Help With A New Computer

Jordan2 — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 00:43:01 GMT

@ChynnaBlue wrote:
@Jordan2 wrote:
I am so not tech savvy and hope some of you can offer some advice and help like you have so many times! I'm in the market for a new a computer (that's a whole different thread) and have some questions. Last time I bought a computer I got it at Best Buy and paid to have them come to my home to set it up. Now I hope that I have learned something since the 5 or 6 years I got the computer. I have a router and know the name and password for it to get my WIFi connection. 1) Do I really need to have someone set up my computer for me or is it easy enough to do on your own? 2) Also is there a software program that will allow me to transfer files from my old computer to my new one, is it easy to do and can I pick and choose what I want to transfer to the new computer? 3) If I have passwords saved to my Google account will they be remembered on my new computer, and 4) can I transfer websites that I have bookmarked? I would buy an HP computer from their website but am afraid I couldn't get the computer up and running. All this may sound silly to some of you but I know how helpful you all are and aren't judgmental.Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

1) Do I really need to have someone set up my computer for me or is it easy enough to do on your own? It's really easy for me, but easy is a relative term. If you know your wi-fi password, you're better off than some. You can always ask the seller if getting a tech out to help you if you can't do it is an option. Windows 10 walks you through everything, so you might be okay.

2) Is there a software program that will allow me to transfer files from my old computer to my new one, is it easy to do and can I pick and choose what I want to transfer to the new computer? Yes, there are some. Asks the sales associate about them when you shop for a new computer. I have an external hard drive I use for this, so I can't advise you about software. Keep in mind that you can transfer files, but transferring software programs is another story. If you have any programs you use, like TurboTax or anti-viral software, that's handled differently. Some you can reinstall if you have the disc or install link and the key, but others you will have to repurchase. It depends on the program and the license, if any.

3) If I have passwords saved to my Google account will they be remembered on my new computer. I think that passwords will need to be entered once on a new machine and then will be remembered.

4) Can I transfer websites that I have bookmarked? Yes. If they are saved to your Chrome account, they will appear in your favorites on ANY computer where you log into your Google account. (To check this, you can log in and out of Chrome (Settings-->Sign in/Sign Out) and see if your bookmarks change. If they disappear when you are signed out, they will carry over. If your bookmarks do not disappear when you log out of Google, then you may need to export your bookmarks from your old computer, save the export file, email the file to yourself (or transfer with your other documents or a flash drive), and then import your bookmarks in Chrome on the new computer. You can find Export/Import directions here: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/96816?hl=en

That Export/Import is probably a good test. If you read those instructions and think you can manage that, you can probably set up your own computer. If you read that and think "HELP!" then you should probably pay someone else to do it. And when the person does, you should probably watch how he or she does it.

Thank you so much for taking the time to address all my questions, it was very kind of you.

Re: Help With A New Computer

goldensrbest — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 14:22:51 GMT

@Jordan2, i have wondered the same thing, you know more than i do, glad to see your question.

Re: Help With A New Computer

ChynnaBlue — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 14:28:48 GMT

@Jordan2 wrote:
@ChynnaBlue wrote:
@Jordan2 wrote:
I am so not tech savvy and hope some of you can offer some advice and help like you have so many times! I'm in the market for a new a computer (that's a whole different thread) and have some questions. Last time I bought a computer I got it at Best Buy and paid to have them come to my home to set it up. Now I hope that I have learned something since the 5 or 6 years I got the computer. I have a router and know the name and password for it to get my WIFi connection. 1) Do I really need to have someone set up my computer for me or is it easy enough to do on your own? 2) Also is there a software program that will allow me to transfer files from my old computer to my new one, is it easy to do and can I pick and choose what I want to transfer to the new computer? 3) If I have passwords saved to my Google account will they be remembered on my new computer, and 4) can I transfer websites that I have bookmarked? I would buy an HP computer from their website but am afraid I couldn't get the computer up and running. All this may sound silly to some of you but I know how helpful you all are and aren't judgmental.Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

1) Do I really need to have someone set up my computer for me or is it easy enough to do on your own? It's really easy for me, but easy is a relative term. If you know your wi-fi password, you're better off than some. You can always ask the seller if getting a tech out to help you if you can't do it is an option. Windows 10 walks you through everything, so you might be okay.

2) Is there a software program that will allow me to transfer files from my old computer to my new one, is it easy to do and can I pick and choose what I want to transfer to the new computer? Yes, there are some. Asks the sales associate about them when you shop for a new computer. I have an external hard drive I use for this, so I can't advise you about software. Keep in mind that you can transfer files, but transferring software programs is another story. If you have any programs you use, like TurboTax or anti-viral software, that's handled differently. Some you can reinstall if you have the disc or install link and the key, but others you will have to repurchase. It depends on the program and the license, if any.

3) If I have passwords saved to my Google account will they be remembered on my new computer. I think that passwords will need to be entered once on a new machine and then will be remembered.

4) Can I transfer websites that I have bookmarked? Yes. If they are saved to your Chrome account, they will appear in your favorites on ANY computer where you log into your Google account. (To check this, you can log in and out of Chrome (Settings-->Sign in/Sign Out) and see if your bookmarks change. If they disappear when you are signed out, they will carry over. If your bookmarks do not disappear when you log out of Google, then you may need to export your bookmarks from your old computer, save the export file, email the file to yourself (or transfer with your other documents or a flash drive), and then import your bookmarks in Chrome on the new computer. You can find Export/Import directions here: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/96816?hl=en

That Export/Import is probably a good test. If you read those instructions and think you can manage that, you can probably set up your own computer. If you read that and think "HELP!" then you should probably pay someone else to do it. And when the person does, you should probably watch how he or she does it.

Thank you so much for taking the time to address all my questions, it was very kind of you.

You're very welcome, @Jordan2! Good luck with your new computer.

Re: Help With A New Computer

Jordan2 — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 15:19:31 GMT

@goldensrbest wrote:
@Jordan2, i have wondered the same thing, you know more than i do, glad to see your question.

Thank you! I always think no question is stupid, there is probably someone else who's wondering the same thing. Also everyone is always so helpful, I never feel like they're talking down to me.

Re: Help With A New Computer

goldensrbest — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 21:21:11 GMT

How does one transfer your anti virus,from the old computer to a new one?

Re: Help With A New Computer

ChynnaBlue — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 21:38:44 GMT

@goldensrbest wrote:
How does one transfer your anti virus,from the old computer to a new one?

@goldensrbest, it depends on the anti-virus program you use. An anti-virus is a program, not a file. You can transfer the program, but it may not work on the new machine for a variety of reasons, like licensing or incompatibility with a new OS.

Instead of transferring, you need to reinstall it on the new machine and, depending on the program, reactivate your license. How you reinstall depends on how you installed on the original machine - a CD, a download link, a USB stick, etc.

Some licenses are for multiple computers and you can activate easily on your new machine after you install. Others are for a single computer and you may have to deactivate it on the old machine and then reactivate it on the new machine OR you may not be able to use the same license at all and will need to buy a new one.

I usually use free anti-viral and malware programs, so I just install a fresh copy on a new machine.

Re: Help With A New Computer

Jordan2 — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 22:47:10 GMT

@ChynnaBlue wrote:
@goldensrbest wrote:
How does one transfer your anti virus,from the old computer to a new one?
@goldensrbest, it depends on the anti-virus program you use. An anti-virus is a program, not a file. You can transfer the program, but it may not work on the new machine for a variety of reasons, like licensing or incompatibility with a new OS.

Instead of transferring, you need to reinstall it on the new machine and, depending on the program, reactivate your license. How you reinstall depends on how you installed on the original machine - a CD, a download link, a USB stick, etc.

Some licenses are for multiple computers and you can activate easily on your new machine after you install. Others are for a single computer and you may have to deactivate it on the old machine and then reactivate it on the new machine OR you may not be able to use the same license at all and will need to buy a new one.

I usually use free anti-viral and malware programs, so I just install a fresh copy on a new machine.

Are the free anti-viral and malware programs good? I have been subscribing for 6 years for my Kaspersky anti-viral software.

Re: Help With A New Computer

goldensrbest — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 00:10:04 GMT

I have avast, downloaded it from link,just paid for it again,would not want to lose it,i just paid.