Help With A New Computer

Jordan2 · ‎03-16-2010

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.

RainyDayGal · ‎03-09-2010

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!)

Nuttmeg · ‎03-09-2010

@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

chickenbutt · ‎03-09-2010

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.

Peaches McPhee · ‎04-19-2010

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.

-- pro-aging --

Rochester, New York

Gokat · ‎03-22-2010

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.

A Dimitri Dazzler. Need I say More?

Jordan2 · ‎03-16-2010

@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.

Gokat · ‎03-22-2010

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.

A Dimitri Dazzler. Need I say More?

chickenbutt · ‎03-09-2010

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!

glb613 · ‎03-09-2010

@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.