Setting up new Toshiba laptop

Osem · 02-08-2011, 12:56

Hi guys. Just bought a new Toshiba Satellite C660-181 and, being an overcautious technophobe, I'm looking for some advice on setting it up. The very brief user guide states that the machine must not be turned of during initial setup and, as I've not done it before, this set me thinking about what to expect when I start the process. Can anyone run me through what steps are likely to be required and what options offered during the initial setup please?

Cheers as always.

Dai · 02-08-2011, 13:22

The initial factory installation of Windows 7 runs through a scripted set of procedures.

This invites you to create a user account of your choice and sets up the desktop. It normally includes invitations also to set up various bits of trial software.

It's important not to interrupt the script, however once it's done you can clean off any unwanted trialware in the normal way.

Osem · 02-08-2011, 13:37

Thanks Dai, I'm still using XP on this PC so do you mean it will ask me to set up a password protected Admin account at the initial stage or another user account? Also, will I need to set it up for connection to my wireless router or can I do all that later. Really, I just want to get the thing switched on and working before I start having to do all the other fiddling about.

Dai · 02-08-2011, 14:40

It does depend to a certain extent on the manufacturer's scripting but I would expect it to do an Admin password routine and also invite you to choose a name/password for your user account(s).

Once it gets through this setup routine at some point it will probably advise that wireless networks are in range and invite you to connect.

You may wish to delay that until you have your security sorted although I guess you'd be safe enough if you just want to download something like Microsoft Security Essentials.

Osem · 02-08-2011, 15:12

Thanks Dai.

I seem to have done it and managed to connect briefly to my network just to see if it worked which it did.

I was just wondering about the security side of things - it comes with a McAfee free trial but I haven't been asked anything about setting this up yet so am not sure if it's actually running. I know nothing about setting up security in Win7 so would appreciate your advice on this. I'm using and have been very happy with Avast v.6.0.1203 and the XP firewall so would like to ditch McAfee and use similar. How would I do this?

Sincere thanks for all your help!

Dai · 02-08-2011, 15:27

The firewall in Windows 7 is a great improvement on the XP version. I would stick with that rather than use a 3rd party firewall, particularly when you're behind a Hub/router that gives you an extra layer of protection.

I'm personally not a great fan of Mcafee products. For a free antivirus the Microsoft Security Essentials seems to be effective and not too greedy with CPU time. However, if you are happy with Avast there's no reason to change. It will work just fine with 7.

The McAfee trial offer should be easily removable from the control panel 'uninstall a program'.

Mick Fisher · 02-08-2011, 16:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaiNasty

The firewall in Windows 7 is a great improvement on the XP version. I would stick with that rather than use a 3rd party firewall, particularly when you're behind a Hub/router that gives you an extra layer of protection.

I'm personally not a great fan of Mcafee products. For a free antivirus the Microsoft Security Essentials seems to be effective and not too greedy with CPU time. However, if you are happy with Avast there's no reason to change. It will work just fine with 7.

The McAfee trial offer should be easily removable from the control panel 'uninstall a program'.

There a removal tool for McAfee on their site.

MadGamer · 02-08-2011, 16:45

I can also recommend PC De Crapifier

Osem · 11-08-2011, 13:28

Thanks guys. Not had time to do much of this but I keep getting Toshiba warranty registration reminders each time I turn on. I've had a look at the terms etc. and I'm a bit concerned that in addition to getting important updates, support etc., registering the machine leaves me open to getting all sorts of sales/marketing guff getting sent to me via Toshiba and their mates with no way of stopping it. There appears to be no 'opt out' option for third party marketing etc. I'm inclined to think registering for the warranty is important so am I being overcautious about the potential deluge of spam (which I've heard about in some reviews) and can I prevent it happening?
McAfee is also bullying me to register/pay but I'm intending to ditch that and download Avast free version when I have time.

Can anyone advise please?

TVM as always.

Osem · 23-08-2011, 08:40

As mentioned in another thread, I'm having problems getting a Trust wireless mouse to work with the laptop.

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/35291206-post6.html

Can anyone suggest what I may be doing wrong or anything else I can try?

Cheers.

Kymmy · 23-08-2011, 08:49

Please stick to the existing thread for the mouse problem