Advice to new computer users

[cliffordcooley]

1.There's always another way.
3. There's probably not another way.

If you are confused by this, don't worry, everyone else is probably confused as well.

 

[MarkHughes]

Take a look at Ninite.com for your computing basics with installers that wont put any other software on.

Learn how to search online/forums/websites/windows

Learn to manage your files effectively giving them sensible names, storing them together in named directories and have some kind of cloud storage for important stuff. (Google drive, dropbox etc)

Find and bookmark a list of trusted websites that have help forums and use the search there, Almost every question you have has been answered already.

Use a password manager like Lastpass. Use an add blocker like uBlock

Don't just install every app for everything, If you can do it in your browser do so.

Turning it off and back on can often work wonders

 

[Kibaruk]

If you are confused by this, don't worry, everyone else is probably confused as well.

I understand that one, been there done that and it usually goes like: "yeah sure this will work"... "oh shi... oh shi... I made it worse".

 

[learninmypc]

But be sure not to plug the power strip into itself.

 

[bazz2004]

If it's a laptop be aware that despite the name they aren't meant to be used on your lap. Whenever possible use it on a flat hard surface to avoid overheating and damage through jolts. This will also avoid unnecessary build up of dirt inside. Computers do need cleaning out from time to time or they will overheat. A desktop is easy to do with a careful blow around with an air can maybe twice a year. Cleaning a laptop is tricky because it's hard to dismantle without breaking something so it's a job better left to a computer shop.

 

[bazz2004]

Fight the compulsion to upgrade everything in sight. For the most part you can forget about drivers so long as everything is working fine. If you are a serious gamer you may want to keep an eye out for updates to drivers for your graphics card but otherwise leave well alone. Same too with BIOS updates. If these go wrong you are in big trouble and they are useful only if the manufacturer advises that such an update will eliminate an existing problem or enable some new feature. If it isn't broken don't try to fix it.

 

[Cycloid Torus]

First, Read the manual....um, twice.
Second, Google with keywords ("computer smokes", "pc fan screeches", "Windows13 won't start", etc).
Third, Check your warranty.
Fourth, Visit support at system maker's website.
Last, Post Question on Techspot Forum (list OS and model numbers for system OR motherboard & video card.)

 

[learninmypc]

First, Read the manual....um, twice.
Second, Google with keywords ("computer smokes", "pc fan screeches", "Windows13 won't start", etc).
Third, Check your warranty.
Fourth, Visit support at system maker's website.
Last, Post Question on Techspot Forum (list OS and model numbers for system OR motherboard & video card.)

Guide To Making a good thread, thanks to @SNGX1275 https://www.techspot.com/community/topics/guide-to-making-a-good-post-thread.33297/

 

[learninmypc]

 

[DelJo63]

for shared family computer, let each family member have his/her own windows account.

MAKE EACH

 

[MirekFe]

Don't panic, every time an error message pops up.

 

[deepweb]

Make sure disable all privacy related setting on Google, and Windows 10 App Settings

 

[deepweb]

Always user anonymous PGP based Email Service like protonmail.com for email sending or receiving.

 

[Kshipper]

What do you mean "Left Click?"...<<those are the types of customers I get =(

 

[crazichic]

New computer users, you are talking to teenagers and young adults. A third of the people that read this site do not understand what you said.

Im a new user iam clueless but iam trying learn how to use a 2nd laptop I got ,Can I just say I sometimes feel dumb if asking a question and sometimes the replys can be bit harsh if you dont no wot your doing and there mite be genuine reasons why people are beginers ,iv not had any harsh on ere .Just thought id comment from a newbie prospective

 

[bazz2004]

Before Covid there were free courses held in UK public libraries to encourage people to use computers. Library members can reserve a computer for short sessions too. That's the best way for complete beginners. If you can cope with the forum you can simply pick things up as you go along. Hardware and software has come on by leaps and bounds. It's not like the early days when one false move meant Windows would crash with terrifying blue screens of death. It takes time but it's not that that difficult.

 

[captaincranky]

First, Read the manual....um, twice.
Second, Google with keywords ("computer smokes", "pc fan screeches", "Windows13 won't start", etc).

Speaking of which, I wonder if M$ well skip Windows "13", it being a supposedly unlucky number, and go straight from Win 12 to Win 14?

"7" was a very lucky number for M$, (still is IMO), but "8" not so much. In fact 8 even cost 9 it's job.

So what have we learned? Good versions of Windows, like alcoholism, tend to skip a generation.