Windows 10 support FAQ

Windows 10 support can come in many flavors.  We narrowed it down to five topics to select, get that computer going, and be assured that your data is being backed up.

What laptop?

What laptop do I choose for Windows 10?

• We tested and reviewed a bunch of laptops. Check out the other post.

New Computer Setup

I got a new computer.  How do I setup for first time use or remote Windows 10 Support?

• Turn on the computer and follow the Windows 10 prompts.
  • Change time zone – Next
  • Select the local Wi-Fi – Next
    • Hopefully, you have local wireless internet hotspot to select from or plug in the Ethernet cable.
  • Customize Settings (lower left)
  • Select No for the following:
    • Let apps use your advertising ID (No)
    • Let Skype connect with friends (No) – Next
  • Off for all:
    • Auto connect to hot spots (off)
    • Auto connect to networks (off)
    • Auto connect to hot spots (off)
    • Send error report (off) – Next
  • Get updates from and send updates (off) – Next
  • Who owns this PC?
    • I own it – Next
  • Make it yours
    • Skip this step
  • Create an account
    • Use your first name only for the user account unless told otherwise – Next
    • Hand off your new windows credentials you just created to your IT guy
  • Remote Support (3 options to choose from)
    • ShowMyPC work pretty well but sometimes it fails to work.
      • Run ShowMyPC from downloads after you click the link. Then click showmypc green play button to generate a code for handing off to your IT support
    • Join.me is your slower more reliable source for remote accessibility
      • Click “start meeting” and send the code to your IT guy
    • TeamViewer is your final option. You probably have serious remote issues if you are deferring to this final option or you just prefer to use TeamViewer

Cortana

What is it?  I actually find it useful once it is no longer ignored and actually setup.  Hopefully, you have a Microsoft email account to get you going.  The hot keys “windows, C”  provide a great experience from the Siri like assistant.

Backup

What’s a reasonably priced backup software?

• Mozy Free Home Backup.
• Carbonite
• Synology Cloud Station Drive
  • Use this option if you want backup to a local NAS called a Synology Diskstation.

Disaster/Recovery

I want to avoid four hours recovery time from a disaster.   A complete reinstall of applications and data is usually required.  Is there a faster disaster/recovery software out there for a reasonable price?

• Backup imaging software comes in several forms. These disaster recovery software typically provide incremental snapshot imaging of the entire Windows Operation System.  File explore can be used to recover critical files.
  • Use Veeam Endpoint backup, since it is free (even for business use), easy to install and use, it has required backup/ schedule, and works very well, at least for file level restore.
  • Alternatively, Storagecraft Shadows Protect SPX is the competitor to Veeam. $100 MSRP for a perpetual license, maintenance and support the following year will be $20

Protection

How do I protect my computer from malware and viruses and optimize it for fast performance?

• Uninstall 30 day trials of McAfee and Norton software. They are guaranteed to slow down your Windows experience
• Select these products to protect and optimize your experience:
  • Hitman Pro
  • Malware Malbytes
  • JRT

Why so dark?  Do the coders like The Cure?

• Launch the ‘Settings’ app. From the menu, select the ‘Personalization’ tile and chose ‘Colors‘ option. Then, look for the option ‘Automatically pick an accent color from my background’
• Remove unnecessary Start button tiles once complete.

How do I make sense of Office 365 and other email hosting plus productivity software options?

• Order volume license for over 25 user office.  Buy the local desktop office software suite if you are not concerned with every Microsoft Office upgrade.  Otherwise, subscribing is the SaaS way to go.  Follow our spreadsheet for the best value and the confusing branding of services offered below.
  

Hopefully, we have improved your experience using Microsoft’s latest OS with our basic guide for Windows 10 support.  Call us for local support in San Diego or remote support nationally.  The OS is far from perfect, these pointers should lessen the bumps along the road to this latest upgrade.

The post Windows 10 support FAQ appeared first on Network Antics.