Buying a laptop / taking a road trip

[RacerX]

Hey guys, I've never had a laptop before and want to take one on a road trip. I need to buy it soon, will probably get the Toshiba that's $349 at Best Buy (C655-S5049), I need some quick advice...like on a quick & hopefully free way to get rid of "bloatware" - whatever that is - and how to find & get on Free Wi-Fi

BTW I'm driving from Lake Tahoe -> Sacramento -> San Francisco -> south on PCH for a few days -> back to LA

Leaving tomorrow!

[Grim]

Getting rid of bloatware? Uninstall all the pre-installed stuff that came with it (Unless there is an anti-virus program, leave that), and install just graphics drivers, mobo drivers and antivirus. Your PC will be a lean mean speed machine.

As for how to get on WiFi, I'm assuming this comes with Windows 7, but bear with me.

You'll just need to right-click on the Network connections button in your action bar. It should come up with a list of wireless connections. Pick the one you wish to join and connect.

[Trussrod]

Look up de-crapifier software for the manufacturer of the laptop you buy. The best way is to overwrite everything by installing Windows yourself but that might void the warranty.

[Grim]

Look up de-crapifier software for the manufacturer of the laptop you buy. The best way is to overwrite everything by installing Windows yourself but that might void the warranty.

You don't need software - all manufacturer added programs can be uninstalled through Windows.

Just uninstall all the crap and go.

[Sharkfin]

It does look like it comes with Win 7 Home. I've never used it but here's a guide on how to connect to hot spots.

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-connect-to-a-wireless-hotspot-with-windows-.html

Use add remove programs to get rid of any software that you don't want/ need.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Uninstall-or-change-a-program

From the BB site it looks like you get free antivirus for 6 months.

I use this site to get other free software, VLC Player is worth the download. Plays almost every media type I've thrown at it. CD Burning software, Anti-virus... I use Avast! Never had a problem with it.

http://www.filehippo.com/

Also OpenOffice is a whole MS office type suite that is also free.

http://www.openoffice.org/

[Spivonious]

Windows 7 is incredibly easy to use. Toshiba doesn't install too much crap, so you shouldn't have problems. Just go through add/remove programs and uninstall things you'll never use. If it comes with McAfee or Norton, leave it on until the subscription runs out and then uninstall it and install Microsoft Security Essentials. It gets great reviews and is completely free for home use.

As far as connecting to a wireless network, Windows will show the wireless signal bars down next to the clock. Just click on that to choose a network to connect to. Remember that just because a wireless network is unencrypted doesn't mean it's free. Connecting to someone else's network without their permission is a federal felony.

[Grandturk]

Pack extra undies!

[Spivonious]

Pack extra undies!

And stay away from any crazy looking Brits on motorcycles.

[RacerX]

Hi guys, thanks for the feedback! Sharkfin, I'll definitely check out those links.

Well, I'm sitting here at the gate at Long Beach Airport where my flight has been delayed 3 hours!
But, there was a fella here with a Mac and he showed me how to get connected on the WiFi here. So this is my first experience doing the WiFi laptop thing; I feel like such a hipster.

I already d/led Firefox and JCF is my first bookmark!

[toejam]

Anti-virus... I use Avast! Never had a problem with it.

I use Avast, too, and I love it, as well as Malware Bytes and CCleaner. I always uninstall Norton and McAfee completely because they're a pain in the ass.

[guitarsjb]

I use Avast, too, and I love it, as well as Malware Bytes and CCleaner. I always uninstall Norton and McAfee completely because they're a pain in the ass.

Yep. Avast and Malware Bytes have been great for me too. Never tried CCleaner.

[Spivonious]

I'd just like to point out that I've never seen a malware/virus problem on Vista or Win7, even with really idiot users, so you don't need to load up on anti-virus programs.

[RacerX]

Pack extra undies!

Did & done!

[DonP]

Here's what you do. Get a bbry/mifi and teather. This way you can reply/spell check on the JCF while driving. There are no-texting laws, but there aren't forum spell checking laws that I'm aware of

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

Make an admin account and convert your "regular" account to a standard user.

I wish I could do that on my Asus, but they can't figure out how to make the function keys/buttons work without administrator access.