How to Get Started with a New Computer

abredt · 29 Nov 2015

My Windows 10 Dell XPS 8900 desktop tower is on its way. My current desktop runs Windows 7.

Is there a written guide anywhere that can tell me what to do to get it set up? I had such a guide for Windows 7 and it was very helpful.

Thanks, b

caperjack · 29 Nov 2015

hello and welcome to tenforums ,, it should be all setup when it comes ,just turn it on and get started ,enjoy . check link for some good info .
http://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows/emulator

Ztruker · 30 Nov 2015

You will have to create a user account and make a few other choices during the first boot.
Do you want to use a Microsoft Account to login with or a local account? I'd recommend starting with a MS account so you are able to use Apps and the App Store. You can add a local account later if you want.

NavyLCDR · 30 Nov 2015

Ztruker said:

I'd recommend starting with a MS account so you are able to use Apps and the App Store. You can add a local account later if you want.

I recommend starting with a local account first and then changing it to a Microsoft account. The reason I do that is because I want my user folder on my hard drive to be John. If you start with a Microsoft account first Windows creates the user name and I end up with something like johnhave or something like that that I don't want.

abredt · 30 Nov 2015

Choices already.

I was thinking of a step-by-step to start. Like:
1 Make a system rescue disk
2 Make a system image
3 Get an antivirus
... ???

caperjack · 30 Nov 2015

abredt said:

Choices already.

I was thinking of a step-by-step to start. Like:
1 Make a system rescue disk
2 Make a system image
3 Get an antivirus
... ???

just follow those 3 steps and you got the most important stuff covered ,, myself I don't make rescue disk or image ,or use 3rd party antivirus ,so I though you just wanted info on using win10 ..

abredt · 30 Nov 2015

If you don't have a rescue disk nor system image, how would you restore your system in case it has a serious problem?
cb

caperjack · 30 Nov 2015

abredt said:

If you don't have a rescue disk nor system image, how would you restore your system in case it has a serious problem?
cb

I have a win10 iso I use ,I got off the internet .I have one on thumb drive ,one on DVD , just generic ones, they work on any computer ,I back up personal content to portable drive, and only use basic computer programs downloaded from the web

Ztruker · 30 Nov 2015

abredt said:

Choices already.

I was thinking of a step-by-step to start. Like:
1 Make a system rescue disk
2 Make a system image
3 Get an antivirus
... ???

You can't do any of this until you go through the initial login. After that the steps you listed are a good start though I use the builtin Windows Defender along with Malwarebytes Anti-malware Premium and Anti-exploit. #2 is key as far as I'm concerned. I backup every Friday using Macrium reflect Pro set for 1 full and 6 incremental.

DavidG · 01 Jul 2016

abredt said:

My Windows 10 Dell XPS 8900 desktop tower is on its way. My current desktop runs Windows 7.

Is there a written guide anywhere that can tell me what to do to get it set up? I had such a guide for Windows 7 and it was very helpful.

Thanks, b

I know this thread is old but I just ordered the same computer. I was searching and found a Dell site with some interesting diagnostic tests for the Dell XPS 8900. (see below)
Test your system for hardware problems.
Run a quick test to check for common errors with the processor, hard drive, memory, and optical drive. Or, choose a full test that performs a thorough analysis of your system.

http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/product/xps-8900-desktop/diagnose
.