From Catherine Roseberry,
Your Guide to Mobile Office Technology.
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You have a brand new laptop and you're ready to get working and checking out all the great things that your new laptop can do. Before you jump in and start downloading like crazy and installing all your programs, take a few minutes to review these steps to setting up your laptop.

Set aside a block of time when you can work uninterrupted and then start setting up your new laptop.

1. Install a firewall and anti-virus program. Update all settings and run a scan on your laptop.
2. Update the OS. If there is more than one update available, only select one at a time. Install the selected update and then re-boot your laptop.
3. Install any programs or additional drivers that shipped with your laptop. Again, install one at a time and re-boot after each installation.
4. Go to the manufacturer's web site to check for any software updates for your laptop. Install one at a time, if there is more than one available and re-boot before you install the next update.
5. Install all your other programs that you need. Remember you should re-boot after each installation. When you have installed the programs, check for updates.

Last, but not least…sit back with your favourite hot or cold beverage and enjoy some music or perhaps even a movie on your new laptop. It will be time to work soon enough.

NOTES:

Why Install One at a Time?
It is much easier to troubleshoot problems if you have only installed one update at a time. This process does take longer but it worth it in the long run and will make it easier to keep track of what updates you have made to your laptop.

Program Updates:
For most program updates you should save the .exe file to your hard drive and run it from there. Once you have updated your laptop, copy these updates to a CD, DVD or portable hard drive, this way you have them for future use.

System Tweaks:
You don't need to adjust display settings or other system preferences immediately, wait and see how you work with your new laptop and make changes as needed based on your work habits.

Serial Numbers & Registration Details:
Make notes of all the serials numbers of your software programs and the details you used when registering your programs. Keep this information in a safe place and you should keep a copy of these details in an outside location.

What's Next?

Just in case you thought these steps would get you up and running, here are further steps to set up your new laptop.

*** These steps apply equally to both PC-based laptops and Mac laptops.