(Approx. 840 words)

Read Before Opening!
by Bruce Jacobs,  Editor, Phoeniz PCUG, Arizona
http://phoenixpcug.org/
editor(at)phoenixpcug.org 

Obtained from APCUG with the author's permission for publication by APCUG member groups.

So you just bought a brand new computer.  Before you get all settled in there are a few steps you should take to help make your new computer safer and more fun.
 
Note: I am assuming that you bought a computer from a major manufacturer and that the computer has a Windows operating system installed.
 
If you are eligible for any rebates, make sure you collect all of the information needed to submit the rebate and place the paperwork in a place where you will not forget to send it in.
 
Check for the Windows COA (Certificate Of Authenticity)  sticker. It is very unlikely that this will be missing unless the computer was purchased from a disreputable company. If it is missing, take the computer back at once! This is what allows you to run Windows,  If your machine does not have this it is not legal.  While you are looking at the back of the case, write down the computer’s serial number for insurance purposes.
 
If the computer is visibly damaged or missing parts either return it or ask for a free extended warranty and a discount.
 
Before assembling the computer make sure you have read the manual. (OK.  I know you will not read all of it)  Find the section that talks about how to do a full restore of the computer.  One of four strategies will be in use by the manufacturer to allow the operating system and drivers to be restored.
	
 Media Supplied.  All the CD/DVD materials are in the box with the computer.
 
 Hard Disk based.  A program is on the computer which will create the CD/DVDs needed to do a restore.  The files are probably on a hidden partition
 
 A combination of the above where you boot a CD and it gets some of the files off a hidden partition
 
 A request based system.  Where you ask for the media from the company.
 
Method 1 above is the best but rarely used.  In my opinion, anything else is rudeness to a customer. Unfortunately, it is also slightly more expensive, so most manufacturers don’t do this anymore.
 
Method 2 is quite common.  They save 2 dollars(or so) and you spend lots of time making disks when you could be using your new computer.  I strongly urge you take the time to create these disks before you connect your computer to the internet or install any software.  If the disk is corrupted,  before you get to creating them, it can cost you some money to recover from the problem.
 
Method 3 is also common.  If you cannot find a way of creating backup media when this method has been used, contact the manufacturer.  Tell them you might upgrade the disk drive and need to do a clean install.
 
Method 4 is the nastiest of the four.  Many people never ask for the media until after the 
support has expired.  Then, when you eventually need to reinstall, you have to pay extra costs.  (Note:  if you are currently in this situation, and you are legally licensed for Windows,  a group member can probably help without having to pay for another copy of the media )
 
(optional) I will scratch build any computer after this point for a couple of reasons. I can test the restore media to make sure it works (it does not always work). It is helpful to do this before the warranty expires.  Usually I can repartition the disks as I see fit without paying extra for other software.  It may also give me a chance to remove any unwanted software that was installed at the factory.  I don’t like to be prompted to sign up with other ISPs for example. If you purchased a demo/floor model computer, always scratch build as you can never know what teenagers may have installed on it.
 
It may be best to install your long term antivirus solution at this time.  If you like McAfee and the computer comes bundled with a 30 day trial of Norton Antivirus, consider installing the McAfee right away. This way, you do not need to worry about any files of the Norton Antivirus not being completely cleaned up when it is removed.
 
If you are eligible, now is a good time to go to the company’s website and apply for the free Vista upgrade.  When it arrives you may not want to install it unless you have set up an extra partition.  But there will probably be a time when you will want to have a copy.
 
Finally, figure out how you will be doing backups.  If you are like me,  it is very easy to put this off  until you have a problem.
 
This article has been provided to APCUG by the author solely for publication by APCUG member groups. All other uses require the permission of the author (see e-mail address above).