New Laptop Today, Tips?

[IErrantVentureI]

Hey all,

I got my new laptop today and I wondered if you all could give me tips and pointers as to how to get a good running machine. It's for college.

It's a Dell Studio 17", the screen is huge, and much heavier than I thought it would be.

This is my first laptop and I'm not sure how it's different than a desktop other than the obvious.

Do I need this Mcafee thing? I got 15 months for free, but is that a good antivirius?

I have an iPod, should I transfer all music and video over to my laptop or leave it on the desktop?


Thanks in advance!

[R33DH4M]

use the mcafee.

get all the windows updates.

transferring music is up to you whether you want it backed it up.

uninstall unnecessary programs (like AOL trials and whatnot)

do things and stuff.

the end.

[HeyRiles]

I think that's the same computer I got last week (Dell Inspiron), do exactly what the guy above said, and also do exactly what the guy below says

[kiggidykev]

Hide all your naughty bookmarks

[IErrantVentureI]

Ha.

It comes with a fingerprint reader which is cool, I no longer have to log into the forums anymore, I just swipe!

It also has an integrated webcam which is really awesome.

What does 64 bit mean?

I was downloading iTunes, and it said I needed the 64 bit version. I now have two versions of Internet Explorer too, ones normal and ones 64 bit.

Should I stick with Internet Explorer, or get another browser? If so, which one?

[kiggidykev]

I recommend Firefox as a browser

[bermuddy]

never touch the screen. ever

[IErrantVentureI]

Why not, exactly?

[back_blows]

If you haven't already, invest in a cloth, screen spray and compressed air dust cleaner.

[IErrantVentureI]

Have the compressed air cleaner.

What about a carrying case, usb mouse, those things?

[moshun]

USB mouse is good... padded carrying case is good.. you may want a laptop cooler thingy for your lap so you don't burn yourself or overheat your laptop with pillows.

Don't drop it, and make sure you turn it off before putting it in a bag.

When you use the compressed air... spray it on all the keys and thru all the vents and ports to get the dust bunnies and crap out.

[The_Wurm]

hit it with a hammer!!!

[kiggidykev]

Install MAME, haha

[seinman]

Never use it on a soft surface, like carpet or a bed. If you put it down on something while it's running, make sure it's a desk or table of some kind. If you use it on your lap, make sure to not cover the entire bottom with your legs/pants. The majority of laptops running Windows have their air intake vents on the bottom. Without cool air coming in, the high temperatures inside the case will eventually lead to early failure of the cheaper components.

If you're a Macintosh user (I know the OP isn't, but I'm sure there's a lot of laptop users reading this thread besides him) then you can go ahead and leave your laptop on soft surfaces. Macs have no vents on the bottom; instead, their cool air intake is through the gaps in between the keys.