Got a New PC? 11 Things to Do Right Away

pcmag.com:

Did you get a new computer recently? I wish I could say you're ready to go, but out of the box, no computer is perfect; Windows-based PCs especially need some adjustment before they're ready for everyday use.

You need to make your new system safe and personalize it with your own preferences. There are programs on the drive to get rid of, and other software you should add immediately. If you haven't yet been introduced to Windows, or it's been a while since you've set up a new PC, we'll walk you through it. If your new baby is a Mac, you've got a much shorter to-do list.

After you've made the basic initial connections (power, plus monitor, keyboard, and mouse as needed), Windows will ask you to do various things, like setting your language, time zone, and clock and calendar. Microsoft will push you to create a login—preferably by signing up for or using an existing Microsoft account. The upside is that by using the account, you can sync your wallpapers and settings among all the Windows PCs you own. It's linking your PC to the cloud.

You may not want that. So instead consider creating a local account. This isn't as easy as it should be, but the secret is to disconnect from the internet when setting up Windows. You may also want multiple accounts on the PC for use by the kids or other family. You don't have to set that up now, you can do that anytime.

Big-name system vendors typically install software on their consumer PCs at the factory. These "extras" go by many names: bundleware, begware, bloatware, shovelware, and perhaps the most accurate, crapware. That's because a lot of it is just that: Useless crap.

Vendors install it under the guise of helping you out, but mostly they do it to get money from the software