How should I set up a new PC

[alexander.roberts]

I just built a new $800 build and I would like to know what I can do to maintain it. What I mean by this is, what do you do when you get a new PC. Do I have to install things onto it, and how do I know what is happening to it on a daily basis. Basically, i'm a complete noob, so if there is anything at all I would need to know, say it here to me. Thanks.

 

[genca]

To maintain pc you just need to clear it from dust as often as you can. People says that it is enough to clean it once or twice a year but i think that it is too long period. Im cleaning my pc at least one time per month. Change cpu thermal paste once in year or two( two year in case you are using quality paste, like noctua nth1). This is jsut what you can physically do to maintain it. If you meant on using antivirus to maintain it, i think that you dont need that, just because it happens that when some1 install antivirus pc starts to be slower( i had same problem, when i deleted it it worked fine). However dont trust me so much, since im not much better than you

 

[tosi.kuvesi]

To maintain pc you just need to clear it from dust as often as you can. People says that it is enough to clean it once or twice a year but i think that it is too long period. Im cleaning my pc at least one time per month. Change cpu thermal paste once in year or two( two year in case you are using quality paste, like noctua nth1). This is jsut what you can physically do to maintain it. If you meant on using antivirus to maintain it, i think that you dont need that, just because it happens that when some1 install antivirus pc starts to be slower( i had same problem, when i deleted it it worked fine). However dont trust me so much, since im not much better than you

While this is pretty good advice, I'd like to amend it a bit:
Don't fix what isn't broken: Clean your case of dust, when there is dust buildup (Intake fan-mesh having a visible layer of dust is a good indicator). Change your thermal paste, when your thermals give reason to (Hitting 80C+ under load). If you've applied good quality thermal paste and done it well, you can easily go in excess of 5 years before you need to even worry. I put in some NT-H1 some 7 years or so ago, and after a 40 minute CPU torture test today, my cores were still 55C, 61C, 66C and 63C. And yes, I only occasionally shut down my machine for nights. Maybe run a torture test yearly if you feel like it.

Also, when you clean your PC, use canned air or a blower designed for the purpose. Don't use a rag or anything else you'd physically touch your motherboard/components with. Pretty much avoid touching anything electrical, you don't want to leave grease on it, you don't want to zap it with static electricity and you most certainly don't want to accidentally break something off (Although the components are quite sturdy, if you poke them monthly, they will break.)
Well, you can wipe the case of course, but if you're using canned air and haven't poured any cola on the PC, there shouldn't be much need to wipe anything anyways.

 

[genca]

And yea i forgot to tell you 1 thing. Try to NOT put your pc on floor even if you have carpet. It will pull very much dust. Even few centimeters above floor is better than standing direct on floor