You just brought home a shiny new computer — congratulations! But before you dive in, there are a few critical steps that can mean the difference between a machine that runs great for years and one that’s slow, cluttered, and frustrating within months. In this episode of Tech Talk with Refresh Computers, Greg Rhodes and technician Adam Littlefield walk through a real-world new computer setup plan, plus share smart buying advice, online marketplace safety tips, and a surprisingly useful tech tip you’ll want to try today.
Listen to the Episode
Step One: Back Up Your Old Computer Before You Do Anything Else
This is the part most people skip — and the part that causes the most regret later. Before you even unbox that new machine, take time to figure out what you need to move from your old computer. Photos and documents are the obvious ones, but don’t forget about the little things that make your computer feel like yours:
- Browser bookmarks and saved passwords (most browsers let you export these)
- Important documents, spreadsheets, and tax files
- Photos and videos stored locally on your hard drive
- Any specialty software license keys you may need to reinstall
Adam recommends keeping your old hard drive even if you’re getting rid of the old computer — it serves as a backup of all your data. Even better, copy your important files to an external drive or use a cloud service like Microsoft OneDrive. With OneDrive, your files sync automatically between devices, so when you sign in on your new computer, everything is right there waiting for you.
Pro tip: If you use OneDrive, any changes you make to a file on one computer will automatically show up on the other. It’s a simple and free way to keep your files in two places at once.
Step Two: Run Updates Immediately — Yes, Even on a Brand-New Computer
Here’s something that surprises a lot of people: a brand-new computer sitting on a store shelf for a few months can already be seriously out of date. Adam shared that he’s seen brand-new machines from big box stores that were so far behind on Windows updates that they couldn’t even update anymore without professional help.
The very first thing you should do after connecting to Wi-Fi is check for updates. On Windows, go to Settings → Windows Update and click the big blue “Check for updates” button. On a Mac, head to System Settings → Software Update. Let the computer restart as many times as it needs to. It might take a while, but this step is essential for both security and performance.
Software is a living thing — it has to be updated. A “brand new” device is not automatically up to date just because it’s new from the factory.
Step Three: Remove the Bloatware and Set Up Security
Many new computers from big box stores come loaded with trial software, adware, and pre-installed programs you never asked for — toolbars, driver updater programs, trial antivirus subscriptions, and games you’ll never play. These programs take up space, slow your computer down, and can even bombard you with pop-up ads weeks after you start using it.
Go to Settings → Apps → Installed Apps and do an audit. Remove anything you don’t recognize or don’t need. If your computer came with McAfee or Norton pre-installed and you don’t plan to use them, uninstall them. (McAfee even requires a separate removal tool to fully uninstall — which tells you something.)
For most people, the built-in Windows Security is perfectly sufficient for everyday protection. If you want an extra layer, Adam recommends Malwarebytes or Bitdefender — both solid, trusted options that won’t turn your PC into a pop-up factory.
Step Four: Sign Into Your Accounts and Make It Yours
Once updates are done and bloatware is cleared, it’s time to sign into your email, Microsoft or Apple account, Google account, and any other services you use daily. This is what truly makes the computer yours. And don’t stress if you don’t get everything set up on day one — setting up a new computer is never a one-day project. You’ll discover a missing program or a forgotten file over time, and that’s perfectly normal.
Why Refurbished Business-Class Computers Are a Smart Buy
Adam made a compelling case for refurbished business-class computers as the best value for everyday home users. Models like the Dell OptiPlex, Latitude, and Precision, or the HP ProDesk, EliteBook, and ZBook, are built to a higher standard than most consumer-grade laptops and desktops. They’re designed for corporate environments where reliability is non-negotiable.
At Refresh Computers, “professionally refurbished” means every machine is tested, worn-out parts like batteries and thermal paste are replaced, a brand-new solid-state drive is installed, and a fresh, clean copy of Windows is loaded — no bloatware, no trial software, no Yahoo search bars. Prices typically range from $300 to $500, and every machine comes with a 90-day hardware warranty that’s extendable.
90% of everyday home computer users do not need a $1,500 laptop. A professionally refurbished business-class machine at a fraction of the cost can handle email, documents, web browsing, and banking with ease.
Staying Safe on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Craigslist
Online marketplaces can be fantastic for finding deals, but they also come with real risks. Here are Adam’s top safety rules for buying and selling online:
- Always meet in person and use cash. Cash eliminates the risk of fraudulent payments, bounced checks, and chargebacks.
- Meet at a police station. Many stations have designated exchange areas with cameras. This alone scares off 99% of scammers.
- If you can’t meet at a police station, choose a busy public place like a shopping center or coffee shop — and always during daylight hours.
- Bring someone with you. Let the other party know you’re bringing a friend. No surprises for either side.
- Never move the conversation off-platform. If a buyer asks you to switch to WhatsApp or text, that erases any record and any protection the platform offers.
- Watch for manufactured urgency. “I need it shipped tonight” or “someone else is about to buy it” are classic pressure tactics designed to make you stop thinking clearly.
- Beware of overpayment scams. If someone “accidentally” overpays and asks you to refund the difference, that original payment is almost certainly fraudulent.
- Trust your gut. If something feels off, drive on by. No deal is worth your safety.
Remember: items sold on marketplaces are sold as-is. There are no built-in warranties, and a seller can block you and disappear at any time. Know what you’re getting into before you hand over your money.
Tech Tip: Voice Dictation Is Way Better Than You Remember
If you gave up on voice-to-text years ago because it mangled every other word, it’s time to give it another shot. Thanks to advances in AI, voice dictation has become remarkably accurate on both phones and computers.
On your phone, just tap the microphone icon on your keyboard whenever you’re in a text box — whether it’s a text message, email, or search bar. You can even speak punctuation by saying “period,” “comma,” or “question mark,” and it’ll type the correct symbol.
On a Windows computer, press Windows Key + H to open the built-in voice typing bar. It may walk you through a quick voice recognition setup the first time — do it, because it makes everything more accurate. On a Mac, just enable dictation in your System Settings and press the designated key to start talking.
Windows shortcut to remember: Windows Key + H opens voice dictation instantly. It’s free, built-in, and perfect for anyone who finds typing frustrating.
Adam even shared that one of his customers writes entire novels using nothing but voice dictation. Whether you’re sending a quick text or drafting a long email, this feature can save your thumbs — and your sanity.
Need Help Setting Up Your New (or Refurbished) Computer?
Whether you just bought a new laptop, you’re looking for a reliable refurbished machine, or you need help transferring data from an old computer, the team at Refresh Computers is here to help. Visit refreshcomputers.net to browse their live inventory of professionally refurbished desktops and laptops, learn about their services including data transfers and Refresh Plus protection, or call their free tech support hotline at 407-478-8200. You can also stop by the Refresh Computer Superstore in Longwood at 820 E. State Road 434 — open Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 7 PM.
Is Online Banking Safe? Yes. If You Build These Simple Habits