When you buy a brand new computer, take it home with you, run through the installation process and then the moment of truth – press the on button. It is vital that you realize just how important this very first step actually is. How this first step proceeds, will determine how you computer will run forevermore.

Many different things can cause computer issues including problems with the manufacture of the system components, incorrect installation of the software or human error that makes your investment turn sour. It is only when you turn on your computer and begin to use it that you know how well it operates.

Make sure that when you turn on your new computer that you watch closely. Does it start without errors? Does the monitor work properly without blurring or lines?

If everything is operating smoothly the computer should boot through several startup screens until your desktop appears on screen. If the process freezes, restarts or error screens appear, then you have a problem. You will then be free to run some of your own casual tests to check that everything is okay.

If this is the first time you have used the computer it is recommended that you test out the various technology components of the system such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and email and Internet. You might also want to take this opportunity to test out the drivers to ensure that all of your equipment has been installed properly. The drivers are related to items such as the modem, audio card, video card and printer. To test them you simply need to use the components themselves use the speakers to listen to some music, play a graphics intensive game or print a sheet of word processing. You will soon identify a problem when you are unable to get these items to run and this will allow you to get it rectified before you become too reliant on the machine and find it difficult to get it back to the dealer for repair.

Computer software are special programs that you can install on your computer or laptop that help you to undertake a variety of functions including word processing, spreadsheets, desktop publishing and email and Internet. Generally a consumer buys a software package in a retail computer store or in an online store, then follows the step by step instructions and installs it on his or her own personal computer or laptop. Sometimes the software comes as part of a complete computer package that has been purchased by the customer and it is installed at the store before the customer takes it home. In this case, you should check that each piece of software is working adequately so that you don't need to call for technology replacement.

There are two distinct categories of software - system software which provides the basic non-task oriented functions of the computer such as the operating system and device drivers for printers, modems and scanners etc. System software also usually comprises of utilities such as disk formatters, file managers, text editors, and user authentication tools.

Computers also require application software, which is used to undertake specific user-oriented tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets and desktop publishing. Application software can consist of a single program, such as an image viewer or text editor or a package of programs that works together to accomplish an overall task.