I always seem to get a questions from family and friends about what to do when you get a new computer. Of course its going to have junk on it you don't need. Of course its going to start up slow because of all the junk. Yes, I will tell you that you paid too much. So lets walk through the basics:
Basics
1. If you are surfing the web and reading emails don't buy the most expensive computer in the store.
There are several computers and netbooks within the $300 - $500 range that will perfectly meet your needs. No it will not have Microsoft Word on it, but do you want to spend another $150 or so? Use OpenOffice or other tools. I'll get to this point later.
If you don't understand gigs, hard drive space, RAM, and you know you aren't going to be doing any cutting edge gaming or video rendering I say go cheap.
2. Do not take their "Anti-Virus" package
Remember when I said your computer will start up slow because of all of the junk? Well chances are they want you to pay another $40 - $60 to put their anti virus software on there that will make your computer noticeably slower. Again, were going with a free solution.
3. Extended Warranty?
Ask what the manufacturers warranty is first. If it will suffice that save the cash. Companies make their money on those warranties but if you are buying a bargain laptop I may consider taking that warranty.
4. Don't pay for someone to set it up.
If you fear technology and "plugging things in" then why would you want a computer in the first place? Most computer out of the box have a very easy to follow guide for hooking up everything you need. Plus, its always more satisfying doing things yourself. If you get stuck give the neighbor kid a call. But please, try!
Software/Services
I'm going to provide you with things you will likely need.
AntiVirus
There are many options and its very likely you have a trial on your machine when you bought it. Please go and remove this in Add/Remove programs (if your using a windows operating systems). I use BitDefender just because its quick and intrusive. There are several viable options. Actually pick anything other than Nortons. I have provided a few free ones below.
Office Suite
You don't have to have Microsoft products. There are several online office suites that will probably meet your needs such as Google Docs and Zoho but for the standard desktop office suite I highly recommend OpenOffice. It will come with everything you need and the interface is very much like Microsoft.
PDF Viewer
PDF is a format that is used quite often on the web and typically how your eBills / bank statements come. So it is important to have a viewer. While the widely accepted PDF viewer is the Adobe Acrobat Reader. It is a large download and its not really needed. Foxit Reader is a much better alturnative.
Email
You are probably saying that my service provider gives me an email account. I can also use Outlook Express. If you wish to change your ISP they will not let you keep your email account. I strongly recommend going with Gmail. Several gigs of space and very intuitive. It is web based but provides excellent instructions on how to use with your existing email client like Outlook Express or maybe even try Mozilla Thunderbird
Backup
Backing up files is very very important. You don't want to lose your school or work things because your computer went down. Make the easiest decision ever and install a backup program that is web based just in case. Hopefully you will never have to use it. I have a list of several alternatives on my blog. For this kind of setup I'd recommend Mozy. Just select their Home user. This will give you 2 gigs of storage and will run automatically for you.
That about covers what you "Need". Please let me know if there is anything else you'd like to discuss.
