Question Im a first time pc user, what do i NEED to download?

[ImAPleb]

I just recently bought a custom gaming pc as a gift for a family member who couldn't afford it and didn't know how to build one, I want to leave it set up as a surprise but I'm a newbie with PC's as well. What do I need to download? I've been looking at different articles online for best free antivirus (as well as other 'what a new gaming pc needs' articles)and they all show different rankings toms hardware, for example, ranks aviria low while pc gamer ranks it high. Please help me, the pc arrives in a few hours. I've also bought a wifi extender for it, how would that work? is it a plug and play sorta situation? (here's a link for the wifi extender) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CCMUN8C/ref=psdc_13983791_t1_B00K11UIV4

thanks for reading, I would appreciate any help, and sorry for all the questions.

p.s. I was told by the seller that the processer bios is up to date.

 

[The Paladin]

Personally I think if the system has Windows installed on it, I would leave it to the user to get their preferred software installed on it, a computer is a very personal system and customizing the programs, anti virus and games/utils is a personal choice.

suggest a web link to Toms Hardware and if they have a question we can help him/her with it

 

[wasshup]

Personally if I were you I'll do this

1)If there is preinstalled Windows just check for lastest update if it's not, download this tool https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 , create boot flash or cd and install it (depend on licence that you have)
2)Download some temperature monitor for your PC. I suggest HW info - lot of information about all components + you can put all individual values to system tray. Check the values if everything is ok and not overheating, you're fine
Link: https://www.hwinfo.com/download/
3)You can test the temperature with some benchmark + you'll know what to expect from your PC build. I'm using UNIGINE Benchmark(s). Link: https://benchmark.unigine.com/

That's what I would do.

The rest is on you and your family member preferences.

 

[Ralston18]

I am in agreement with The Paladin.

Not only with respect to the PC being "personal" but also as a matter of practicality.

If you immediately start installing software and things go astray it may be difficult to identify the reason/cause and find a fix.

Be patient and let the recipient use the new PC and work with it as is for a few days. Ensure that the basic functions are as they should be.

Very likely there will be some issues right out of the proverbial box. Once the system is known to be working then add new software, etc. but only one app at a time and keep notes about what was done. You may need to uninstall some application or undo some configuration change.

All too easy to end up chasing issue after issue if you install too much too quickly. And remember that a lot of software will launch in the background to do updates, backups, just phone home, etc.. Even the new build OS likely to be looking for updates....

Things will be happening that you may not even be aware of.

Go slow and cautious. Do make a recovery disk and a backup image or clone. Just in case.