These instructions are best viewed on paper or on another device to start with. After Completing the First Things section, use your computer's internet browser (Brave, Firefox, Edge, Chrome, other) to navigate to the webpage PinedaleComputer.com/my-computer-helpful-information.
This guide is for users of new and refurbished computers purchased through/from Pinedale Computer, or for new installations of Windows. This user guide will help you 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 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 Pinedale Computer 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.
- Open the Task Manager by simultaneously pressing “ctrl” + “alt” + “del” on your keyboard.
- Click “Task Manager”.
- Click the “Startup” tab. (This may be hidden under the menu tab, which looks like three stacked horizontal lines.)
- Right-click on 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.
- Open File Explorer (the manila folder icon on your desktop taskbar or in the Start menu).
- Click the “View” option on the toolbar, located at the top-middle of the File Explorer window.
- On the pop-up menu click “Preview pane.”
- Re-open “View”, click “show” at the bottom of the menu, then 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 pane should show the contents in 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 or program corruption. Blank previews indicate the document is blank or formatted incorrectly.)
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, which brave will prompt you to install. You may also temporarily use another browser, such as Firefox, Chrome, or Edge. These rare occurrences require a little effort, but the increased privacy & security are 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. ESET offers the best anti-malware protection, and 1, 2, or 3-year licenses 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 price competitive copies of Microsoft Office if you prefer that suite of office programs. Ask us for affordable, full-featured options.
Additional Resources
Many Windows 11 guides can be found on various websites. If you aren't sure how to start searching for guides, try some of the videos on YouTube.
Warranty
Pinedale Computer warranties only our labor. Some computers and other devices sold by Pinedale Computer come with warranties. Below is a list to help you understand your warranty coverage.
- Manufacturer Refurbished Computer:
- OEM-direct computers have 1-year hardware warranty, starting at your purchase date. Each manufacturer handles things differently.
- Computers supplied through our 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 most of this for you, charging a handling fee.
- Custom Built Computers:
- The storage drives in your computer have a 3 or 5-year hardware warranty, covering only the cost of a new drive.
- Other components may or may not have warranty, depending on whether they are used or new.
- Most new components have a 1-year warranty, starting at the time Pinedale Computer receives them.
- Used components are not warrantied.
- Other Devices:
- 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.
- Other devices may have various warranties. Let us know your device is having trouble, and we'll let you know what can be done.