What should you do first with a new PC, as a basic user?

    So, you got a new computer.  Congratulations!  This is a unique and exciting moment.  Once you are done unwrapping it, enjoying that new computer smell, I have a few tips to give you.   

First things first, you just invested in an expensive piece of equipment.  Let's protect it as best we can.  You should ensure that the area around your computer area is clean, clear, and not leaking any liquids on or around the space.  If you're using a desktop, I would recommend putting the desktop tower on a hard surface (preferably off the ground).  This is for two main reasons: airflow, and dust.  If it's on a carpet, it likely will not have airflow from any under carriage fans and the dust from the floor will more easily collect and accumulate internally.  

Whoa there!  Let's avoid this.

That's better.  You should add some personality, though (photos, etc)!

The next thing you should do is buy an appropriate surge protector.  The higher the rating on these, the better.  What you are looking for is a product that can handle a high amount of Jules (in the case of a brown out, or power surge) and will stop that excess electricity from surging into your valuable computer components.  The last thing you want is for your computer to be fried from an errant surge of power, rendering your device useless.  You don't necessarily want to go cheap on this, but you also shouldn't feel compelled to spend an excess amount of money.  I would say anywhere between $30-$80 is more than adequate.  Ensure you check the reviews and specifications to be sure!  Here's a great article that can walk you through this: Best surge protector in 2022 | Tom's Guide (tomsguide.com)

Something like this.  Ensure you check how many joules it can handle, and the reviews!

 If you are going to be performing work that you do not want to risk ever losing, I also recommend buying a Uninterruptable Power Supply.  These have a function of essentially being a battery that kicks in if your main power turns off.  These can range in price, but you will want to shop around and ensure you get a reliable model.  That way you don't lose any data!  Here's a great write-up on what to look for, and some products compared: The 9 Best Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) of 2022 (lifewire.com)

Let's get some fun stuff!

    Alright, you have unwrapped and plugged in your computer to a good surge protector in a safe area.  Let's download some fun stuff!  Instead of sending you all over the internet, I'm just going to discuss and share one link that will take care of the rest: Ninite.  Ninite is useful in that it collects a bunch of software in one place.  You can then choose which software you want (for instance, if you need an Office Suite but don't want to pay for Microsoft Office, you can download LibreOffice).  You don't even have to download a bunch of times.  If you select more than one program, it will collect all of these into a single download that you can then download and install.  Super fast!

Ninite is always the first place I visit when I get a new computer, or format an old computer.

Here's a few programs I recommend from Ninite:

1- A second browser (you likely have Safari or Edge, so I recommend Opera, Firefox, or Chrome.  I'm partial to Opera and Firefox).

2- Sumatra PDF reader

3- Steam (I'm a gamer, so I had to list this gaming software!)

4- Malware Bytes (my Antivirus of choice)

5- VLC (Will play video and audio files at high fidelity and compatibility)

6- WinRAR (You will need this to open .rar files)

    This post is already getting quite long, so I will end it here.  In the future I will go over settings to help make your device more secure, and your computer usage more accessible and comfortable.  Stay tuned!  I will also revisit some of the programs mentioned above, and my thoughts on how best to utilize them.