Whether you received a new computer as a holiday gift or not, there are some standard things to do after you’ve enjoyed the out-of-the-box experience and configured some initial settings. PC World \/ MacWorld has some useful summaries. More below.<\/p>\n
“7 critical things to do immediately with a new PC<\/a>” discusses getting Windows Updates (yeah, new doesn’t mean all’s up-to-date), installing an alternate Web browser, deciding whether malware proaction is adequate and to your liking, checking for crapware, adding some useful (free) programs *, and starting a backup plan.<\/p>\n * Their “Your new PC needs these 22 free, excellent programs<\/a>” has some suggestions for useful apps. I’ve used and recommend Chrome, AVG AntiVirus Free, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free, and CCleaner (for the more technically inclined).<\/p>\n Got a new Chromebook? Here’re some things to do: “How to set up your new Chromebook the right way<\/a>” — like getting familiar with what you can do offline and printing.<\/p>\n Got a new Mac? Check out “The first 10 apps to install on your brand-new Mac<\/a>” for some useful apps — Default Folder, 1Password, Dropbox, Skype, …<\/p>\n