Resolved new insprion 15 W-7 64 bit on the way, a few ?'s

I have a few questions regarding a Dell insprion 15 doucore W-7 64 bit Windows Premuim on the way.

1. I just found out a W-7 Premium OS has no system backup network. I can pay $90 to upgrade to W-7-Pro that has it. Create a VHD, or use Paragon free system BU & restore. I already have a ex HD.?

2. It comes with free 1 year of McAfee, also a free trial of office 2013. I don't want either. I was going to delete these programs before I connect to the internet before they start to update. Does this sound like a plan?

3. Use Office 2003, I read that it will work with W-7 64 bit.
4. use AVG or MSE along with Malwarebytes Anti Makware

Oh yeah, I am coming off an xp system.

Thanks Gary

 

Hi Gary,
1. for backup I would use Macrium Reflect. It is free and does a great job. get yourself an external hard drive and you will be fine
2. I did the same thing, did not like McAfee and installed MSE more than a year ago and had no problems. as for Office 2013, I have it and like it very much, but since it is only a trial version, you might as well get rid o it unless you want to spend some money.

office 2003 will work just fine. you may want to download the compatibility pack here:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=3
this way it will read the .DOCX files
Have fun with your new Computer

Sven

 

Gary, you might want to take a look at these (free) programs too...

Should I remove it?

PC Decrapifier​

I don't think Dell PCs have as much bloatware installed on their units as some of the other brands do, but I am not sure about laptops. Most laptops that I have ever seen come preloaded with an abundance of unnecessary programs. The two programs above should help you to reclaim harddrive space and to remove unnecessary processes and services.

I agree with Sven, ditch McAfee and chose MSE or Avast (my favorite). Been a while since I used AVG, so I have no idea how intrusive it is.

 

Have a look here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions The first thing you should do Is create a set of Recovery DVD disks and a Windows 7 Repair DVD disk.

 

^ Thank you very much guys, I'll leave this open for a few more additional days for any other helpful comments.

I checked all your links and tips, this is the stuff I am looking for. New computer should be here sometime next week I hope. I am trying to get as prepared as I can without actually having the computer in my possession.

Gary

 

Excellent point.

Something I failed to do myself.

 

Thanks James.

 

I understand creating a windows repair disc,but if I am going to use Paragon, or Acronis to take a snap shot of my system HD and save it to a ext HD or Macrim Reflect, could you explain why I need the recovery disc? Seems I am not getting something here.

Thanks

 

Just in case the ext HDD fails it is a good idea to have a set of recovery disks.

 

It's always a good idea to make a set of recovery discs when you first set a computer up (before you install anything else). It gives you the means to restore your computer back to the time you first took it out of the box, and in case you lose access to your recovery partition too.

 

I happen to be a "belt and suspenders" type myself. It never hurts to have those recovery discs sitting on the shelf. I use Macrium Reflect for disc imaging and it even requires it's own recovery disk.

 

Thanks everyone I will make the windows repair and recovery disks, but now I know what they are for why I need may need them....

Gary..

 

Good move. Enjoy your new computer.