​This user guide is for new and refurbished computers purchased through/from Pinedale Computer, or for new installations of Windows. This guide will help understand your computer and some best practices, helping you get your best computer experience. Follow along for ten to twenty minutes to get yourself set up, and feel free to call us or visit for help!

​​If you chose to have us create a local account for you, you can skip the First Things setup instructions and go straight to learning how to check suspicious files, then familiarizing yourself with the default programs on your computer.

First Things

​If we transferred data to this computer, skip to Disabling Startup Programs. Upon first boot (power-on), your computer will ask you to go through an initial setup. You will be given several options by Microsoft, all of which we recommend declining. Declining all options improves your privacy & security.

NOTE: ​To improve privacy & security, and to reduce the risk of data loss, we also recommend bypassing the forced usage of a Microsoft account when setting up your Windows user account. This take special knowledge, and we can help you. We can even convert your user account to a local account after you have completed the Out of the Box Experience. If you have questions or are interested, simply call or visit.

​Now that you are logged into your desktop environment, take a moment to make adjustments to improve your security & privacy.

Disable Startup Applications

​We recommend turning off auto-start for several applications (programs) that come bundled with Windows. These apps are: Microsoft's OneDrive, Edge, Teams, Phone Link, and Mobile Devices. (You can ignore the other applications listed.) Use the steps below.

1. Open the Task Manager by simultaneously pressing “ctrl” + “alt” + “del” on your keyboard.
2. Click “Task Manager”.
3. Click the “Startup” tab. (This may be hidden under the menu tab, which looks like three stacked horizontal lines.)
4. Right-click a program, then select “Disable” from the context menu that pops up.

​Now your computer will be snappier, more responsive.

Adjust File Explorer Settings

​A few settings should be adjusted to improve your security, helping you spot malware. Follow the steps below.

1. Open File Explorer (the manila folder icon on your desktop taskbar or in Start menu).
2. Click the “View” option on the toolbar, located at the top-middle of the File Explorer window.
3. On the pop-up menu click “Preview pane.”
4. Re-open “View”, click “show” at the bottom of the menu, and enable “File name extensions” with a left-click.

​Now you are more able to catch malware that is disguised as other types of files. Use the Preview pane to check document contents, verifying that the file is - or is not - the type of file it claims to be. Additionally, use the file name extensions to check file types. Further instructions are outlined in the two sections below.

Checking Suspicious Files

​Below are instructions for two easy ways to check if files are what they say they are.

Preview Pane

​While in File Explorer, highlight the desired file with a single left-click. If the file is a document or picture, the Preview Panel should show the contents in the preview panel at the right side of the File Explorer window.

​If the preview panel does not show contents, then you have evidence that the supposed file is actually malware. (On rare occasions, a lack of preview could be system/program corruption or just a blank document/page.)

File Name Extensions

​To check file types, ensure the name extension matches. For example, PDF’s should end with “.pdf” and documents commonly end with “.docx”. If a supposed document, picture, video, or audio file ends with “.exe. Or “.msi”, it is likely malware, and you should seek advice from IT professionals.

​If you don’t download or receive things from dubious sources, you are already quite safe from malware attacks. If you are concerned or confused, please ask us for clarification or assistance.

Default Programs

Your computer comes with privacy-respecting alternatives to Microsoft’s software; we leave Microsoft's bundled software in place, but set these alternatives as default. The applications are Brave internet Browser, Thunderbird email client, VLC audio/video player, and ESET anti-virus. We also offer other reliable & competitively-priced programs for office productivity or backing up your data. 

Brave

​Brave internet browser respects your privacy more than other prominent browsers. Occasionally, it will not work well with a website. You can typically solve the issue by installing an add-on/extension, or by temporarily using Firefox, Chrome, or Edge. These rare occurrences require a little effort, but the increased privacy & security is well worth it.

Thunderbird

​Thunderbird is similar to Microsoft’s Outlook email client. Simply open the application/program and type in your account information & credentials.

​If you you have forgotten your email account password, we can help you attempt to recover your account.

ESET Anti-Virus

​If we setup your user account, ESET is installed on your computer as a fully functional trial. This is the best option for protection, and a 1-, 2-, or 3-year license can be purchased through Pinedale Computer. Steeply pro-rated licenses are available for additional computers. Contact us to learn more and get the best anti-virus available.

VideoLAN Client

​VLC is a multimedia player for playing music & videos. It looks dated but works well.

Other Software

​We have vetted a few software alternatives for data backup & PDF creating/editing. Additionally, we can get cheap copies of Microsoft Office if you prefer that suite of office programs. Ask us for affordable, full-featured options.

Warranty

​Pinedale Computer warranties only our labor. Some computers and other devices sold by Pinedale come with warranties. Below is a list to help you understand your warranty coverage.

1. Manufacturer Refurbished Computer:
2. 1. OEM-direct computers have 1-year hardware warranty, starting at your purchase date. Each manufacturer handles things differently.
   2. Computers supplied through other vendors usually have an All State 1-year hardware warranty. The warranty date starts at the date Pinedale Computer receives the computer. With this warranty, you need to file a claim, pay for the repair, then get reimbursed by All State. Pinedale Computer can handle this for you, charging a handling fee.
3. Custom Built Computers:
4. 1. The storage drives in your computer have a 3- or 5-year hardware warranty covering only the cost of a replacement.
   2. Other components may or may not have warranty, depending on whether they are used or new.
   3. 1. Most new components have a 1-year warranty, starting at the time Pinedale Computer receives them.
      2. Used components are not warrantied.
5. Other Devices:
6. 1. Phones purchased through Pinedale Computer typically have a 1-year warranty through All State. With this warranty, you need to file a claim, pay for the repair, then get reimbursed by All State. Pinedale Computer can handle this for you, charging a handling fee.
   2. Other devices may have various warranties. Let us know your device is having trouble, and we'll let you know what can be done.