What should be done after assembling a PC?

[sbab123]

Hi guys,

I successfully managed to build up my own PC.

With the help of people on this forum, I chose the proper components, managed to buy them for a good price and I finally assembled them. I also finished installing required OS + software and installed the licenses.

The PC works fine, without issues, and I must say I am very happy. I have played around.

I have also performed the CPU thermal test, based on the instructions of CompuTronix, which I must say is an excellent and comprehensive guide!

But is there anything else I should do before actually starting to use the PC? Should I perform any other tests?

Please let me know what you think.

Regards

 

[USAFRet]

Next up on your ToDo list...

ENJOY IT

Seriously. Sounds like everything is working just fine.

 

[DRagor]

NAME IT.

You've spent so much work on it, must feel almost like your kid.

 

[USAFRet]

Oh...one more thing you need to consider doing.
Design, implement, and test a good backup plan.

 

[sbab123]

Thanks for your replies guys!

@ USAFRet, could you give an example of a good backup plan?

 

[USAFRet]

Thanks for your replies guys!

@ USAFRet, could you give an example of a good backup plan?

I use a combination of Macrium Reflect and SyncBackFree or FreeFileSync.

This requires a second drive at a minimum.

Macrium Reflect to do a full drive image, off to that second drive. This image gets saved in a folde.
Whatever schedule you desire.
My two main systems (me and wife) does a full image of the C drive every night. Keep 7 copies, deleting the oldest as time goes by.

SyncBack Free does specific folders, off to another drive. Again, on whatever schedule you set.

Lastly...anything really critical lives on a drive in my desk at work.
Scans of birth certs, marriage licenses, stuff like that.


The main thing is to have things on more than one drive. And preferably in more than one location.

 

[sbab123]

interesting....are Macrium Reflect and SyncBackFree/FreeFileSync free softwares?

 

[USAFRet]

interesting....are Macrium Reflect and SyncBackFree/FreeFileSync free softwares?

Yes.
Macrium has paid levels, but the free version will do what you need.

It sounds like a lot of fiddly work, but once you get it set up, it's pretty much hands off.

What is it good for?
-Massive virus infection. Screw trying to "fix it"...recover the image from last nights backup.
-Ransomware virus, where they demand money to decrypt? Laugh, wipe the drive and recover from your backup.
-Dead drive? Put in a new one, boot from the Macrium Reflect Rescue CD that you make (yes...do that), tell it what image you wish to use...20 minutes, done. Just like the system was at 2 AM.
-oops..I accidentally deleted this whole folder of baby pics. Oh...the other copy on the other drive... Bring that back over.


A large percentage of the problems people come here with can be warded off by a good backup plan.
Far too many people don't think about it until 5 minutes after they actually need it.

Additionally, I have a couple of other C drive images.
One from the very basic OS install. Used if I wish to return this system to as it was on Day One of initial power on.
One from after my usual software stack is installed. Used to reconstitute from Day Two...

Either available at any time, ready to put on a new drive if needed.