Now that Christmas is over and you have a new Windows 10 computer, what should you do?
I suggest the first thing you do out of the box is run a windows update. It may be running a second after you boot up the computer; however, check to make sure.
It is quite easy to run an update. You can click the start menu button (or press the Windows key) and type, "windows update." Next, click the "Check for updates" link. It has a gear icon to identify the correct link. Yes, there are other ways to get to that point; however, this is the easiest way.
Now, if it is there, click the "Check for Updates" box. If it is not showing, it means that the system is already running an update. Then you can relax and go back to what you were doing.
I do have one word of advice. I just experienced the update titled, "Windows 10 Version 1511." This was a very large update and you may get it with a new computer or your existing Windows 10 computer if you have not already. This one will take possibly an hour or more to complete. Once it completed on my system it told me that several applications had been removed by Microsoft as they are not needed.
Now wait just a minute, MS! This is my computer and you need to calm down a bit. I hope they stop this foolishness…soon. The main one it removed is one of the ones I use regularly, the CCleaner utility. After researching a bit I found that many people have been bothered by this. To correct it you must reinstall the applications removed. Then it will be fine until possibly the next update.
Next, as I have advised you in the past, be cautious of the "free" antivirus that came with your computer. No, nothing is bad about the software at all but you need to be aware that "free" may not really be free.
Your antivirus software is probably excellent; however, you only get somewhere from a month to 90 days or so before it expires. At that time you will get notices to renew your license. This means you have to pay to keep it active. You would be surprised at the number of emails I get where people ignore those warnings and let their antivirus expire. Then they email me with all sorts of problems, i.e., viruses running loose on their systems.
I personally uninstall the "free" antivirus and get a free one that does not expire and leave me exposed. However, you may want to keep your freebie until the point it notifies you of its expiration. At that point either pay their fees or uninstall it and get a real free antivirus application.
Personally, I don’t advise paying because I hate giving money for things I can get free. Currently I am using the Avast! Software but there are others out there that are also good.
