Our 15-step Computer Setup Process: What to Expect
Computers, unfortunately, don’t last forever.
We recommend replacing your computers every three to five years to keep your employees working efficiently while avoiding the frustrations that come with outdated devices.
When the time comes to replace computers at your organization, we handle the setup to get your employees up and running smoothly.
We’ve previously outlined what the entire process looks like, from ordering to setup completion, but now we’re going to specifically walk you through the setup stages.
New Computer Setup
Pre-delivery Steps
These are the configuration steps we handle in our office to get your new computer prepped before it even reaches your location.
- Run through Windows setup: Add your account, choose initial preferences, etc.
- Apply common configuration changes and security fixes: Make sure the computer’s software is up to date.
- Remove pre-installed apps and bloatware: Saves hard drive space and makes computer more efficient.
- Install basic software like Adobe Reader, Google Chrome, Microsoft 365 Apps, etc.: Everyday apps everyone uses.
- Install Pro-Care Agent: Our remote support app
- Install/configure security tools like antivirus and Huntress
- Configure VPN and any other client-specific software
- Schedule on-site visit
“We recommend replacing your computers every three to five years to keep your employees working efficiently while avoiding the frustrations that come with outdated devices.”
Once our initial configuration is complete, we need to deliver the computer to your location, complete a few more configurations and ensure you can access shared files or run client-specific programs.
Post-delivery Steps
Once the device is in the hands of the user, there are many more steps to ensure it is ready to use for the specific needs of that person.
- Set up hardware and connect to your network: Connect the computer to peripherals like a keyboard, mouse, docks, monitors, etc., join it to your organization’s network and domain, and connect to the internet.
- Migrate your files from old computer to new computer: Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, photos, internet bookmarks, other files.
- Connect to printers, set default printers and verify printing works
- Verify you can access shared drives and folders
- Verify you can log in to email
- Test VPN: Used to access network drives remotely.
- Determine disposal of old equipment: Will you be keeping the old computer or recycling it?
Overall, the post-delivery setup requires about one to two hours of your time to verify that everything on the new computer is functioning as expected.
We understand this can be a burden during a busy workday, but we want to ensure it’s right the first time to avoid headaches in the future.
Does Your Organization Need New Computers?
If your employees are inefficient because of slow, outdated computers or frequent crashes, contact us to see how we can help keep your business running smoothly while increasing productivity, security and profitability.
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