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The excitement of purchasing a new computer can quickly turn to anxiety a few moments after you get it home and switch it on.
“People get nervous about how to bring all their stuff to their new device,” says Mike Nash, chief customer experience officer at HP. So how do you transfer your files, user settings and favorite applications efficiently?
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Here are some tips to make the process relatively stress free.
1. Prepare yourself mentally
This isn’t the same as plugging in a new toaster. Ken Colburn, founder and chief executive of computer service chain Data Doctors, likens it to moving to a new house.
You’ll likely need a budget for new software, cables and the like.
“People just don’t realize all the things that have to be done to get that new computer to work like the old computer,” he says.
2. Take care of the basics
Your computer probably has a tutorial to help. Some of the first things you’ll do:
- Link your computer to your home Wi-Fi network.
- Create user accounts and passwords.
- Set up your desktop the way you like it.
- Figure out preferences for things like icon sizes, type choices and screen backgrounds.
All this could take an hour or more, so be patient.
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