Computer tower - This may be all you have if you just purchased a tower. If that’s the case, you will need to obtain a monitor, mouse, and keyboard before you can use the computer. Monitor - Not all computers come with a monitor. If you’re upgrading your computer, you can usually use your old monitor. Mouse and keyboard - Most complete systems come packed with both of these, though you may want to consider upgrading for higher-quality peripherals with better ergonomics Speakers - These are sometimes built into monitor, and are not always included. Printer - Some systems come packaged with a printer, though typically this is purchased separately.
The monitor will also need to be plugged into a power outlet.
See this guide for more details on setting up computer speakers.
You may need to flip the switch on the power supply to ON. The switch is usually located near the power cable.
See this guide for details on installing Windows.
See this guide for details on setting up a wireless connection. If you want to connect via Ethernet, connect the Ethernet cable to your computer and to your router or modem. You won’t need to perform any additional setup. See this guide for details.
See this guide for details on installing the latest Windows updates. You may be prompted to restart your computer to complete the update process. Updating your computer is extremely important to keep you safe when browsing the internet. PCs are a homogenization of all sorts of different parts and pieces, and the operating system’s manufacturers are always working hard to make sure that everything works together.
Antivirus - This should be the first program that you install, no matter what. An antivirus helps protect your computer against malware and other malicious software, and is essential if your computer is connected to the internet. See this guide for details on installing antivirus software. Favorite browser - Windows comes installed with Internet Explorer, but many people prefer other browsers. There are a variety to choose from, including Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. Word processor/productivity - Most people use their computers as a home office, which includes installing a word processor and possibly a spreadsheet program. Microsoft Office is designed to integrate into Windows, and you may have a trial already installed on your computer. Games - Everyone likes to relax once in a while, so consider installing a game or two! Windows supports the most games out of any operating system, and there are countless ways you can find and purchase them. Some of the most popular storefronts include Steam, GOG, Origin, and Desura.
See this guide for details on completely customizing your Windows desktop.
In general, it is recommended that you only transfer your essential files. Any apps you used should be reinstalled. This will lead to better performance, as you won’t migrate anything over that slowing down your previous system.
See this guide for detailed instructions on connecting to a wireless network. If you are connecting via Ethernet, simply connect the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the back of your Mac, and then connect the other end to an available port on the router. Your Mac will do the rest.
To check for and install any updates, click the Apple menu and select “Software Update”. After the program takes a moment to check for available updates, you will be provided a list. Confirm that you want to install the updates. You may need to restart your Mac during the update process.
Productivity/Organizational - Mac has a host of productivity and organizational software available. Everything from day planners to full office suites can be found on the Mac Store. Microsoft has a version of Office available for Mac as well, and Apple has its own office suite in Pages and Numbers. Browser - Your Mac comes with Safari installed, but you can install other browsers if you prefer. Chrome allows you to sync your browser settings across any device you use it on, making it great if you have multiple computers with different operating systems. Firefox is another popular option, and both are free. Multimedia - Macs are known for their multimedia capabilities, so consider installing some good multimedia apps. VLC player is an essential video player, and there are tons of music, video, and image editing programs available. Games - More and more games are making their way over to OS X as time goes by. Steam is now a very popular and easy way to access a variety of Mac games, and there are lots to choose from on the Mac Store as well. Utilities - Macs allow you to have a lot of control over the system, and there are many utilities that can make your life a little easier. From storage management to system automation, there is a lot to choose from.
You can use the Dashboard to add widgets to OS X. These are tools that you can quickly access without having to start a program. To access the Dashboard, click the Dashboard icon in the dock. Add widgets by clicking the “+” button in the lower-left corner of the Dashboard, and then clicking “More Widgets. . . “. This will open the Widgets download page where you can browse through all the available widgets.
See this guide for details on setting up a wireless connection. If your laptop doesn’t have an Ethernet port but you want to connect via Ethernet cable, you can use a USB Ethernet adapter. Plug the USB adapter into a USB port on your laptop and it will be automatically installed.
See this guide for details on installing the latest Windows updates. You may be prompted to restart your computer to complete the update process.
Antivirus - This should be the first program that you install, no matter what. An antivirus helps protect your computer against malware and other malicious software, and is essential if your computer is connected to the internet. See this guide for details on installing antivirus software. Favorite browser - Windows comes installed with Internet Explorer, but many people prefer other browsers. There are a variety to choose from, including Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. Word processor/productivity - Laptops are great for doing work on the go, so you’ll want to install a word processor and maybe a spreadsheet program. Microsoft Office is designed to integrate into Windows, and you may have a trial already installed on your computer. Games - Everyone likes to relax once in a while, so consider installing a game or two! Laptops aren’t typically as powerful as desktops, so you may have difficulties running some of the more graphically-intensive games at their highest settings. This certainly isn’t true for every laptop though, as some dedicated gaming laptops can keep up with the high-end desktops. Some of the most popular storefronts for games include Steam, GOG, Origin, and Desura.
See this guide for details on completely customizing your Windows desktop.
