"Install the operating system software in your new computer"

1. Install the operating system: Place the Operating CD into the disk drive and turn on your computer. The computer will boot from the CD since the boot from CD is the default option.
2. Language Selection: The welcome menu will next appear. We selected English then the "install now" option was clicked.
3. Activation Code: Enter your code found on your CD case. The computer will accept your code.
4. Next the licensing terms appear. You will need to "accept selected" to continue the installation.
5. We selected a custom installation from installation options.
6. The drives selected to install Windows was the primary drive.
7. Choose a username and password.
8. Using windows for the first time.
   

"Install the hardware drivers in your new computer"

1. Disabled the floppy drive: Enter the BIOS setup by pressing DEL key and going through the various submenus making sure it is disabled in all settings. (Some computers require you to use the F1 or F2 key)
2. Enable the CD/DVD drive: This was accomplished when the floppy drive was being disabled
3. Saving settings: Once all the drives were disabled or activated, F10 was pressed to save the chosen settings and the computer was rebooted.

"Install anti-virus software in your new computer"

There are many different types of anti-virus programs that can be found for free on the web. The product that we are using on our PC is the AVG free edition, but that is not the only product that can be found. Other common ones are Microsoft, McAfee, and Norton. Some less common companies are Secure Computing, Avira AntiVir, Zone Alarm, and Kaspersky. These are not the only products available, but they are the easiest to find. The important thing is that you use some type of anti-virus software to protect your computer and prevent passing along viruses to others without your knowledge.

"Install other software"

You will need to install or download any other software that you want on your computer, whether it is a productivity package such as Microsoft Office, or a game. To install these programs from CD, simply place the disk into the drive and follow the onscreen directions, or the printed directions on the package. Most of the time a typical installation works best, especially if you are a novice. You will need to accept the license agreement before the install shield will allow you to successfully install the program.

If you are downloading the software via the net, you will need to decide whether you want to "run the application" or "save to desktop" before installing. If you have a slow Internet connection, it is best to save to the desktop, then run the installer at your leisure.

Some programs will require you to restart your computer before using so be sure and save any files you have open before launching the restart option.