Re: Help With A New Computer

Jordan2 · ‎03-16-2010

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.

ChynnaBlue · ‎05-22-2012

@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.

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Jordan2 · ‎03-16-2010

@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.

goldensrbest · ‎03-10-2010

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

When you lose some one you L~O~V~E, that Memory of them, becomes a TREASURE.

ChynnaBlue · ‎05-22-2012

@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.

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Jordan2 · ‎03-16-2010

@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.

goldensrbest · ‎03-10-2010

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

When you lose some one you L~O~V~E, that Memory of them, becomes a TREASURE.

ChynnaBlue · ‎05-22-2012

@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.

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Jordan2 · ‎03-16-2010

@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.