A lot of people will get a computer for Christmas. You’re likely to get a pretty good deal according to Des Moines Area Community College computer-science instructor Jeff Gullion. Before you go cruising the shelves for software, check what’s come with your computer, as there may be all the programs you’ll need.
You’ll know you have a lot of programs that came with the computer if you start it up and see a lot of icons on the screen, and Gullion says it may take a lot of work to un-install the ones you don’t want. The most important thing for a new owner to do is make sure there’s virus protection in place on that machine.
Most package now come with one of the two major providers’ virus software. It’s likely to be a 30-day trial program by Norton or McAfee, which Gullion strongly suggests you set up and put into action as soon as you start the computer.
Some experts even recommend before you wrap the big box, open it and set up the computer. Install and activate a good anti-virus program even before the gift is given. Gullion agrees, saying it’s especially appropriate for a young recipient, who’s likely to set the computer up and start using before taking precautions. Gullion says it’s worth your time to set it up ahead of time, because “this is truly an area where prevention is way better than a cure.” You’ll likely have to go buy a program after the anti-virus program’s trial period runs out. He says most brand-name software programs that prevent infection by a worm, virus or other attack from the Internet will be worth the money.
