Setting up your new computer

Are you setting up a new computer? I do that all the time, so I have a routine for setting up the new machine and transferring files from the old. If you decide to do this yourself, these tips should keep you from reaching for the Aleve. Better still, these same tips will save time --- and therefore money! --- when you pay someone to set up your new computer.

Files and programs are not the same thing. Documents, music, pictures, email, address books, and internet Favorites/Bookmarks are files, and can be transferred if you know what you’re doing.

Programs are the software that create and handle those files. Word is a program. It lets you read and create documents. Programs need to be installed, not transferred. You need a version of your program that is compatible with the version of Windows on the new computer.

Windows 7 and Windows 8 are really smart about printers. If you have one that is compatible with Windows 7/8, plug the printer in, follow the directions to install the ink and the paper, connect it to the computer, and turn it on. Windows will recognize it, install the drivers, and you’re good to go in under two minutes.

Connecting a printer/scanner/copier is not like connecting a printer. You have to install the software first. If you don’t, Windows will (probably…) recognize the printer function, but not the scanner or anything else. Install the software, and don’t even think about connecting the device until you’re prompted to do so!

Please know your email address and password. Trust me. You DO have an email password. If you think you don’t, it’s probably because someone set up your email on your old computer and told it to remember your password. That’s worked out well for you … until now. You’re going to need that password. If you don’t know it, call your email provider and have them reset it.

That is also true for your wireless network. When you (or someone) set up that network, your old computer needed the password to connect to the network. It still does, but again, someone told the computer to remember it and it did. You have to know what it is to tell your new computer to remember it! If your wireless router is from Telus or Shaw, the information is on a sticker on the router.

 

If you are going to be using Windows 8 (and whatever comes after Windows 8) you need a Microsoft Account (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/sign-in-what-is-microsoft-account ). You need it to sign on to your computer, to access the Microsoft Store (even the free apps in the Store), to make your OneDrive work, and for new versions of Microsoft Office.

You might already have a Microsoft Account. See this column for more: http://rlis.com/columns/column452.htm. If you already have a Microsoft Account, you need to know the password. If you don’t know it, you need to recover it (https://account.live.com/resetpassword.aspx).

If you don’t already have a Microsoft Account, you can save yourself time and aggravation by setting one up before you start setting up your new computer (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/sign-up-create-account-how). Why? Because there are a couple of steps in the process where you have to verify your identity. If you still have access to your email, this is a lot easier.

The final tip for this week: Write down your Microsoft Account user name and password!

 

Do you need help with your computer? I'm here to help you and your home or business computer get along!

Cate Eales runs Computer Care Kelowna (http://computercarekelowna.com/) a mobile service helping home users and businesses get along with their computers. To arrange an appointment phone her at 250-764-7043. Cate also welcomes your comments and suggestions. Send email to [email protected].

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This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.