Tips & advice to get u started with ur PC

From: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/yournewpc.mspx

Tips and advice to get you started with your new PC

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Have you gone out and treated yourself (or someone you love) to a new computer—or perhaps a new toy that hooks up to your old computer? If you're like most of us, chances are you're excited—and you've probably got some questions, too. Fortunately, with the advent of intelligent, user-friendly technologies like USB and hardware auto-detect install, setting up and maintaining your new PC and devices is an easier process than it used to be.

That's especially true when you have resources like the ones on this page! Here I've created a one-stop resource for most of the questions you might have.

Have more questions? Want to share your experiences? You can discuss this article in the Windows XP Setup and Deployment Newsgroup.

Enjoy!

Useful Resources to Get You Started

Microsoft At Home community
If you're up at 3:00 A.M. trying to set up your teenager's MP3 player, there may be someone else online who's solved the same problem. So don't forget to check out our communities, where you can get helpful advice from other users at any hour.

Microsoft At Home support
If you're trying to connect your new digital camera to your PC or install the latest game, take a look at our special support guides, which are designed to help you with common tasks.

Keep your new computer secure
Get the latest security tips and advice specifically for home users, from avoiding spyware and online fraud to blocking spam and preventing viruses from infecting your new system.

Windows Marketplace
Want new software or hardware for your new PC? Check out the Windows Marketplace to discover a world of products that work with Windows.

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Other Helpful Resources

Microsoft Windows XP Professional and Home Edition

Set up your computer
Find information on installing Windows XP and setting up your computer.

Maintain your computer
Get advice on how to keep your computer up to date and running smoothly.

Customize your computer
Set up your computer so it suits your personal style, and tweak settings the way you want.

Troubleshoot your computer
Troubleshoot common (and not-so-common) issues with Windows XP.

Tips
Get quick tips for setting up and maintaining your computer.

Support options
Get access to a variety of support options available for Windows XP, including support centers, chats, and online help for new users.

Keep your computer current with the latest fixes, enhancements, and drivers straight from Microsoft.

Fun, Free Downloads

Newsgroups
Find other Windows XP users, seek help, and share your experiences to help others.

Expert Zone community
Learn, share, and stay up to date with the premier online community for Windows XP users.

Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition

Get started with your Media Center PC
Get basic and essential information to start using your Media Center now.

Set up your Media Center PC
Learn how to set up your Media Center PC to get the most out of it.

Enjoy TV with your Media Center PC
Check out these articles to enhance watching TV with your Media Center PC.

Enjoy videos, pictures, and music with your Media Center PC
See how pictures, videos, and music all come together in a Media Center PC.

Use Windows XP Media Center Edition
Take advantage of these resources to help you effectively use your Media Center PC.

Media Center community
Share ideas, experience, and expertise about Windows XP Media Center Edition.

Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition

Get started with Tablet PC
Hit the ground running with helpful information for new Tablet PC users.

Work with pen and ink
Tap into these resources to make your handwriting tasks easy.

Use Tablet PC on the go
See how to keep Tablet PC humming when you're on the move.

More tips
Get even more tips to help you make the most of your Tablet PC.

Use Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
Learn how to put the features of Windows XP Tablet PC Edition to work for you.

Tablet PC newsgroup
Get community support from the Tablet PC newsgroup.

Microsoft Office

Update your computer, new or old
Use Office Update to automatically find and download the latest updates for your version of Office.

Demystify a few computer terms
The Crabby Office Lady explains some commonly used—and misunderstood—software words and phrases.

Find free 60-day trials for Office Standard Edition 2003 and all included programs.

Beginners' training for Office 2003
Just getting started with Office 2003? Find in-depth training for new users of the latest Office programs.

Have a question about Office? Get answers from other users
Visit an Office Community to share ideas and get your questions about Office answered.

Get cool clips to decorate your documents from the Clip Art and Media page.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

Web browsing basics
Explore some of the Internet Explorer features that can help you get started browsing the Web.

Customize your browser
Learn how to customize your Web browsing layout and other features so you can browse the Web the way you want.

Get e-mail and news with Outlook Express
Learn how to use Outlook Express to stay in touch with friends and family, and share information in newsgroups with other users like you.

Make your browsing experience more secure
Read easy-to-follow, practical articles that explain how Internet Explorer can help make your online experience more private and secure.