Tips for Starting From Scratch with a New Laptop

So you've gotten a brand new laptop, decked out with Windows Vista and lots of bells and whistles. Now you have to get up-to-speed on your new system, and make the transition from your old one.

1. The first thing you have to do is connect the new notebook computer to a power source. Powering up your battery is first on the agenda.

2. The next major step is to install any programs you have disks for. I bought Microsoft Office separately, so I had to take the time to put it on the new laptop.

3. If you're transferring from an XP operating system to Vista, or Vista to Vista, run to the store and buy a Belkin Easy Transfer Cable. It's the best purchase you'll ever make. You won't have to worry about saving your files onto cds or an external drive. This cool device even transfers your computer's settings and email accounts.

I just got a new Vista laptop, and though it was awesome, the best thing was how easy it was to transfer everything over. If you have an XP system, you'll have to install the software that comes with the cable. But since I had Vista on my old laptop, the transfer was so simple. I plugged in the hardware and followed the prompts easily, and it took only about 30 minutes.

I have three email accounts, several Outlook rules, and tons of feeds I'm subscribed to. Everything transferred flawlessly. The only thing that didn't show up on the new computer were the downloads I stored in the download folder. Lesson learned for the next time. After you've gotten everything transferred, you're well on your way to computer bliss.

4. Double-check to be sure everything transferred over in one piece.

5. Skim the manual if you're pressed for time. Otherwise, read it. The manufacturers included it for a reason.

6. Call the technical support team for your computer and confirm your warranty coverage. Also, write down your serial number and product number in a safe place, just in case your computer ever goes missing.

7. Begin a backup procedure immediately, starting with a full backup of your notebook before you get too much data on it. I use an external hard drive, but even simply copying your important pictures and files to flash drive or cd-rw will do the trick.

8. Finally, consider what may be some of the best investments for your laptop (aside from the transfer cable). Belkin also makes a Laptop Cooling Pad. I lost my first two laptops due to overheating, and I'm convinced it's time to bring out the big guns. And if you plan on moving your laptop anywhere outside of your home or office, buy a laptop bag for protection. Notebook computers are very sensitive to heavy vibrations, so safeguard your new baby.

9. Now comes the absolute best part. Get to know your new laptop. Give it a name (just like you name your pets), talk to it, and welcome it into your life. Have fun!