Set Up and Protect Your New Computer or Tablet
By Mike Agerbo
July 26, 2016
Teachers & Education
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When it’s time to invest in new technology, whether it be for school, business, or personal use, it’s important to protect and maximize your investment. To do this, I recommend ensuring it’s set up in a way that will help you get the most out of it while protecting it from viruses and malware. It’s also important to protect it from damage and malfunction. When you’re ready to bring home a brand computer or tablet, consider the following ways to protect and get the most out of it.
The way your device is set up will make a big difference in how useful it is to you. Every user has different needs when it comes computers and tablets. Some will use their devices strictly for work, while others might use them strictly for entertainment or a mix of the two. For example, my teenage son, who loves to play PC games will require a different set up than me. I use my computer for work and watching the occasional movie or TV show. With such a wide chasm between the ways we use our computers, it’s no wonder that we need completely different set-ups.
To ensure that your device is set-up in a way that makes sense for your purposes, it’s important to consider things like settings, peripherals, and software. When you need to perform a task quickly, the last thing you want to be doing is chasing down settings that need to be changed or installing software that you hadn’t thought of. To ensure your device is set-up properly, it’s essential to think through how you’ll be using it and go from there.
Virus protection is essential for a new computer. With a wide variety of viruses and malware out there, it’s important to protect your computer and yourself. Many of these threats can not only damage your system but also make sensitive data stored on your computer vulnerable. It’s also important to note that the moment you connect your new device to the internet for the first time, it becomes vulnerable to these threats. Therefore, up-to-date antivirus software should be your first priority with a new computer. When it comes to choosing an antivirus, trusted names like Norton, McAfee and Kaspersky are always my go-to’s.
Most of our devices are portable rather than stationary these days and the more you move a device around, the more room for accidents. A slip of the hand is all it takes to end up with a shattered tablet or computer screen. On top of that, hardware defects can sometimes surprise you months or even years after purchase. To make sure you’re not caught having to foot the cost of a replacement device if it’s damaged due to accidents or defects, I always recommend springing for an extended warranty and accident protection plan. The thing to look for when purchasing a plan like this is device replacement. This means that if your computer or tablet cannot be repaired, the retailer will replace it. It’s just a bit of added insurance to keep you from having to foot the bill in the worst case scenario.
Protecting your new tablet or computer from viruses or physical damage, and getting it set-up right will help you get the most enjoyment and utility out of your new device. If you’re not keen on spending hours getting yourself set-up and installing virus protection, you can purchase plans that include everything you need: custom set-up, virus protection, and extended warranty protection. For example, Staples offers a Ready, Set, Go bundle for new computers that includes the installation of Microsoft Personal or Home & Student and your choice of antivirus software from Norton, Kaspersky, or McAfee. They will also set-up your new device according to your needs, including installation of peripherals. Finally, the plan offers 1-year extended warranty and 2 years of accident protection. Starting at $199, this solution will save you time, money, and frustration while giving you peace of mind.
When it comes to tablets, Staples offers a Tablet Total Protection Bundle that gives you a 1-year extended warranty and 2 years of accident protection. They’ll also help you protect your screen from scratches by applying Liquid-Armour scratch-resistant screen protector to your device. Again, starting at $69 this offers you a lot of peace of mind at a very reasonable price.
Set-Up
The way your device is set up will make a big difference in how useful it is to you. Every user has different needs when it comes computers and tablets. Some will use their devices strictly for work, while others might use them strictly for entertainment or a mix of the two. For example, my teenage son, who loves to play PC games will require a different set up than me. I use my computer for work and watching the occasional movie or TV show. With such a wide chasm between the ways we use our computers, it’s no wonder that we need completely different set-ups.
To ensure that your device is set-up in a way that makes sense for your purposes, it’s important to consider things like settings, peripherals, and software. When you need to perform a task quickly, the last thing you want to be doing is chasing down settings that need to be changed or installing software that you hadn’t thought of. To ensure your device is set-up properly, it’s essential to think through how you’ll be using it and go from there.
Antivirus
Virus protection is essential for a new computer. With a wide variety of viruses and malware out there, it’s important to protect your computer and yourself. Many of these threats can not only damage your system but also make sensitive data stored on your computer vulnerable. It’s also important to note that the moment you connect your new device to the internet for the first time, it becomes vulnerable to these threats. Therefore, up-to-date antivirus software should be your first priority with a new computer. When it comes to choosing an antivirus, trusted names like Norton, McAfee and Kaspersky are always my go-to’s.
Accidents and Defects
Most of our devices are portable rather than stationary these days and the more you move a device around, the more room for accidents. A slip of the hand is all it takes to end up with a shattered tablet or computer screen. On top of that, hardware defects can sometimes surprise you months or even years after purchase. To make sure you’re not caught having to foot the cost of a replacement device if it’s damaged due to accidents or defects, I always recommend springing for an extended warranty and accident protection plan. The thing to look for when purchasing a plan like this is device replacement. This means that if your computer or tablet cannot be repaired, the retailer will replace it. It’s just a bit of added insurance to keep you from having to foot the bill in the worst case scenario.
Protecting your new tablet or computer from viruses or physical damage, and getting it set-up right will help you get the most enjoyment and utility out of your new device. If you’re not keen on spending hours getting yourself set-up and installing virus protection, you can purchase plans that include everything you need: custom set-up, virus protection, and extended warranty protection. For example, Staples offers a Ready, Set, Go bundle for new computers that includes the installation of Microsoft Personal or Home & Student and your choice of antivirus software from Norton, Kaspersky, or McAfee. They will also set-up your new device according to your needs, including installation of peripherals. Finally, the plan offers 1-year extended warranty and 2 years of accident protection. Starting at $199, this solution will save you time, money, and frustration while giving you peace of mind.
When it comes to tablets, Staples offers a Tablet Total Protection Bundle that gives you a 1-year extended warranty and 2 years of accident protection. They’ll also help you protect your screen from scratches by applying Liquid-Armour scratch-resistant screen protector to your device. Again, starting at $69 this offers you a lot of peace of mind at a very reasonable price.