Computer Basics

Starting up a new computer

When you start up a new computer for the first time, it will walk you through several steps to set up and personalize it. These steps usually only take a few minutes, and some of them are optional. The exact steps will vary depending on what type of operating system you are using, but here are a few things you will usually be able to do:

Selecting a location

• Choose a language and location: Your operating system may have many different languages installed, so you'll need to choose the one you want to use. You may also have the option of choosing your location.
• Watch a welcome video: Your computer may play a brief welcome video during the setup process, so it's a good idea to turn your speakers on to get the full experience.
• Create a profile or account name: Your computer will need to have at least one account name that you will use to sign in. You can also choose to create a password for extra security. If other people will be using the computer, you can set up a separate account for each person later on.
• Choose a wireless network: If you have an existing wireless network, you can select it during the setup process. If you don't have one, you can skip this step (we'll talk about Internet and network settings in Lesson 13: Connecting to the Internet).
• Register your computer: You'll probably have the option of registering your computer, which will send your name, address, and other information to the computer company. If you don't want to register at this point, you can skip it.

If you're not sure what to do at a particular step, read the instructions on the screen carefully. There may be a recommended option you can choose, which will keep setup as simple as possible. In addition, some steps are optional, so if you're still not sure, you can skip it.

If you're interested in creating multiple accounts, you can learn more in our Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows XP tutorials.

Whenever you're creating a password, it's important to create a strong one that will be difficult for other people to guess. For tips on creating a strong password, check out Passwords: The First Step to Safety in our Internet Safety tutorial.