[Tom White]

Right, I'm awaiting delivery of a new computer; nothing fancy; just a new one 'cos my old un' is getting really slow.

This is what I've done:

1.  Backed up all my files to Dropbox (thanks Stu), also backed them up to an external hardrive (just in case).

2.  Printed off a hard copy of my customer spreadsheet which contains all the info I have on dates, names, addresses, telephone numbers, e-mails, frequencies, who owes me what.  This is 16 pages of info.

3.  Found installation discs for my broadband and printer.

Is there anything else that I need to consider?  It's been five years since my last computer change, which was a right palaver.

Thanks in advance.

[Tom Kelly]

Antivirus.

I suggest uninstalling whatever comes on the computer (usually McAfee or Norton) and installing Microsoft Security Essentials.

Make sure you do all the updates that need to be done.

Install Firefox.

You're good to go.

[Tom White]

Antivirus.

I suggest uninstalling whatever comes on the computer (usually McAfee or Norton) and installing Microsoft Security Essentials.

It's free, but is it good?  I take it is if you're recommending it:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/products/security-essentials

[Tom Kelly]

Yeah. I recommend it to anyone.

Doesn't lean heavy on your CPU and Memory like AVG does. Less space, and just a generally better cover I think.

And it's just 100% free!

[H S and Son]

e-mail addresses, site log-in details (passwords), previous paper-work such as invoices and quotes, your web-site details (log-in info, FTP details if required)

[Tom White]

Cheers, guys, I'm ready for the change over; it's a pain to be honest, but my computer is steam driven; it takes longer than me to warm up in the mornings.

[Alex Gardiner]

Hi Tosh

What I used last year was PCMover Professional from http://www.laplink.com/. This is a brilliant bit of software that replicates your entire computer including all programs and data on to your new mahcine for you. Basically your new machine will look and act like the old one. You will need to have the activation codes for any programs that you are copying across.

There are other firms that offer similar software, but this is what I used.

[Frankybadboy]

dont for get to get rid of all the porn before you sell the old one.

[elite mike]

Antivirus.

I suggest uninstalling whatever comes on the computer (usually McAfee or Norton) and installing Microsoft Security Essentials.

It's free, but is it good?  I take it is if you're recommending it:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/products/security-essentials

i recommend  as well tosh , have been using it for around a year now,

[Granny]

I.T. for 17 years - Your Profile !!!!!!
If you're XP C:\documents and settings\"Your login name" or Vista C:\Users\"Your login name"copy this folder off to your new PC via external drive or use Micro$haft USMT - User State Migration Tool - free download to copy to ext drive - bit of a faff to be honest.
If you use Outlook there will be all your settings in your profile folder you may have to turn on Hidden Files and Folders to see them.
My Computer or any Explorer Window  - Tools - Folder Options - View tab - Show Hidden Files and folders - Uncheck Hide Protected Operating System Files.
G.

[Tom White]

Too late, guys, I've done it; it's went fairly smoothly!

So far!

Thanks for your help though.

[Justen Uff]

They're a right pain ain't they.  I think the best thing to do with your old one is drill a few holes in the harddrive and drop it in the sea!

[Paul Coleman]

If you need ay activation codes for any MS software, they can be obtained by using www.belarcadvisor.com.  It gives loads of other info about your PC which probably won't be of interest but those registration codes might be (if you have any).