Today was truly one of those “how would anyone else know how to do this?” days

A few days ago a new computer I ordered over the Internet to replace one of my more outdated computers arrived on my doorstep. I put off setting it up because I knew it would not be a quick task. But it eventually had to be done so I started bright and early this morning and got right to work setting up and configuring the new computer. For those wondering, I am still not done configuring the computer. Not because I am having any problems, but because I am so picky about how a new computer needs to be configured. It has to be exactly to my specifications.

Shortly after lunch a question my father frequently asks me popped into my head. The question, which is usually asked after he watches me perform some complex series of steps on his computer to solve an issue he is having is “how would anyone else know how to do this?” The question popped into my head because of the complexity of what I was doing with the new computer. In a nutshell, here’s what I did today:

• Powered down and disconnected old computer. Moved old computer to new location and powered back up with separate network connection
• Unpacked new computer, set it up and powered it on
• Ran through the Windows XP setup screens answering all questions until the setup was complete
• Uninstalled every piece of software that came with the computer that I knew I would never use (ahem, AOL) or that was only on my computer as a limited, free trial
• Installed Windows Live OneCare for virus and firewall protection. Configured firewall to allow network connectivity from other computers on my subnet
• Added all local and network printers
• Exported all e-mail folders and mail messages from the old computer and imported into the new computer
• Re-installed all software that was running on the old computer (and there was a lot of it!)
• Copied all of the documents from the Desktop and My Documents folder from the old computer to the new computer
• Installed new version of iTunes and imported entire music library. Authorized new computer to play music under my Apple ID
• Configured Start Menu properties, display properties and folder properties to my liking

I’m sure I’ve missed half a dozen other things but I think I’ve made my point. The answer to my father’s question of “how would anyone else know how to do this?” today would definitely be “I have no idea.”

So does this mean that noobies have no hope of setting up a new computer themselves? Of course not. In fact, computer manufacturers have made big strides in helping to make it easier. Most noobies are plenty capable of taking a new computer out of the box matching the now color-coded cables to the right pieces of hardware and powering the computer on. Some noobies might even get through the Windows XP setup process but that’s probably where noobie confidence level peaks.

But like I said earlier, I like things on my computer neat and tidy. I don’t like “extra” software and I like the preferences to be set exactly to my liking. If you’re not like me, don’t lose any sleep over it. If you are like me, hire a professional techie. Or better yet, a Noobie coach!