Getting used to a new computer

Learning a new computer can be a little frustrating because the system is normally set up differently from the one you are used to. You will need to learn the new programs (think of the difference from Windows 98 to Windows Vista) and find out where everything is and how to access it. Most computers have a tutorial program you can use that will walk you through the basics of how to start using your new computer. If it doesn't have a tutorial, or you just don't like using the tutorial, you can learn about your new computer by clicking on the "my computer" icon. Normally this tells you a little bit about the computer you have like the memory and the system you are running.

If you can manage to find the internet icon and you can get that set up, go to the web site of the computers manufacturer or the operating system you are running. There are always question and answer web pages that are extremely helpful at getting you started with your new computer. Most of them have online support as well in case you are really lost.

Normally you will have a series of CDs you need to insert and install on the computer. Sometimes the computer will already have everything programmed on it and you just need to connect to the internet to register it all and download the updates. Hang onto the disks and try not to rip the product key information. If you ever need to re-install the software, you will need to have the product key information or else you will need to purchase the software again.

Once you have everything installed, you can start to customize it a little bit. Start with the simple things like setting up the different desktop options. If you plan on sharing the computer with other people, you should have a different desktop for each user, this allows them to set up their own preferences and organize the desktop however they want.

Play around with your new computer by changing the background, adding a screensaver, moving icons around, and customizing the start menu. Take a look at all the programs that are installed on the system so you know which ones you want to keep and which ones you can get rid of.

Depending upon your preferences, you need to determine which web browser you want to use. Many people prefer to use Internet Explorer, but millions of people are shifting to Mozilla Firefox. Determine which browser you like best and remove the other one from your system, this saves memory.

If you already have an email account established, it won't take long to transfer it to your new computer. Windows Outlook seems to be the standard email on most computers and it just takes a couple minutes to set up. The program will actually walk you through all the steps you need to follow when you click on it. The downside to using Outlook is that it is a target for a lot of viruses. It doesn't have the email settings like other systems and this makes it vulnerable to attacks. Save yourself the time and use Gmail or another email service instead.

Always read through the instruction books that come with the computer. The books contain keyboard shortcuts and other things you need to know. This information can also be found on the tutorial and the "help" section. If you do have questions about your computer, you can always find the answers on the company web site or by using the "help" tools in practically every program.