Configuring Windows 10 on your laptop

Did you just buy a new laptop? Then it probably has Microsoft's newest operating system, Windows 10, pre-installed. Windows 10 is packed with some interesting features and a revamped user interface. Even if you are an expert at navigating various menus and apps, you may still need help with Windows 10's approach to computing, so let's get you started with these tips.

The risks posed by Windows 10 bloatware

Have you bought a new PC or laptop recently? Don’t be too impressed by so-called value-added pre-installed software, as these take up storage space and use up processing power. More than this, a new report shows that free trial versions of browser toolbars, video games, and antivirus programs can make you vulnerable to cybersecurity threats.

How to configure your new Windows 10 laptop

Got a new laptop? Windows 10 includes some wonderful features along with a revamped interface for Microsoft's operating system. No matter how experienced you are with Windows, you still may need help getting used to this, so let's get you started.

#1 Check for updates

Your new laptop should check for updates automatically, but you can also check manually.

Enhance your new laptop in 5 steps

Laptops may not be the most powerful computers, but the benefits they provide are undisputable. For one thing, they deliver a similar user experience to your huge desktop PC, but much more conveniently and affordably. But before you reap their many benefits, learn five precautionary steps you should take before using them.

When Pre-installed Apps Create Risks

Bloatware is generally considered harmless, but what about when these unnecessary apps turn into a security risk? A recent report shows that a pre-installed app in some versions of Windows 10 had an alarming plugin flaw:

Tavis Ormandy, a researcher from Google's Project Zero, recently discovered that a compromised password management app, Keeper, had been installed with some versions of Windows 10. For a brief period, Keeper's browser extension, when enabled, allowed websites to easily steal login credentials.

Windows 10 makes decluttering easy

You may be surprised to know how many unnecessary files, or what we’d call “clutter,” are stored on your PC, causing it to perform at less than its peak. The good news is you can get rid of it easily with Windows 10’s new declutter tools. But first, you need to know exactly what clutter is, how it can harm your machine, and how to clean it up.