New Computer Setup Center

A few honest factors, not brand loyalty:

• If you or family members already use one platform and know it well, staying consistent usually means less relearning.
• If specific software you rely on (certain accounting, medical, or hobby programs) only runs on one platform, that decides it for you.
• Windows machines span a wider price range; Mac laptops tend to have longer typical hardware lifespans but a higher upfront cost.
• Both handle everyday tasks (web, email, photos, video calls) equally well today.

• Memory (RAM): 8GB is a practical minimum today; 16GB is more comfortable if you keep many browser tabs or programs open.
• Storage: An SSD (solid-state drive) rather than an older-style hard drive makes a bigger everyday speed difference than almost any other spec.
• Screen size and keyboard feel: If possible, try the keyboard and screen in person — comfort matters more day to day than most spec-sheet numbers.

These are optional and the value varies by retailer. We don't sell them, so we have no stake either way — read the terms and decide based on your own comfort level with keeping the device a long time.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi and let it install any pending system updates before doing much else.
2. Sign in with (or create) your Microsoft or Apple account.
3. Set up a screen lock (PIN, password, or fingerprint) right away.
4. Install the handful of programs you actually use regularly — resist installing everything at once.
5. Turn on automatic backups (see the backup section below) before you start storing anything important.

See our full Photo & File Transfer Planner for the right method based on your old and new devices.

A simple, sustainable backup plan matters more than a complicated one you'll abandon. Common options: automatic cloud backup (OneDrive, iCloud, or Google Drive) for documents and photos, or an external drive with automatic backup software for a full-computer safety net. We're glad to set either up and explain how to check that it's actually working.

Signing out of accounts isn't the same as erasing your data. Before donating, recycling, or selling an old computer, it should go through a full factory reset (Windows) or "Erase All Content and Settings" (Mac) — done after you've confirmed your backup is complete. This is general guidance, not a substitute for checking your specific manufacturer's current instructions; we can walk you through it or do it for you during a visit.

Many electronics retailers and some municipal programs accept old computers for responsible recycling — check your local municipality's electronics recycling guidance, since options vary by area.