There is no feeling quite like unboxing a new gadget. Whether it’s the sleek aluminum of a new MacBook, the vibrant display of an Android phone, or the sheer raw speed of a gaming laptop, that “new device smell” is intoxicating.
But here is the hard truth: That fresh, lightning-fast device is at its most vulnerable the moment you connect it to Wi-Fi.
Many people make the mistake of jumping straight into downloading apps, syncing photos, and browsing the web, leaving their new tech exposed to malware and bogged down by “bloatware” before it even has a chance to shine.
Don’t let your new gear lose its edge. If you just unwrapped a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, do these three things immediately to keep it fast, clean, and safe.
1. Security First (But Keep It Light)
Your new device is fast because it’s clean. The last thing you want to do is install a “heavy” antivirus program that runs constant, resource-hogging background scans, turning your snappy new laptop into a sluggish brick.
You need security that is proactive, not reactive.
Recommendation: PC Matic
PC Matic is designed to be incredibly lightweight. Instead of constantly scanning your hard drive for threats (which eats up processing power), it uses a unique technology called SuperShield Whitelisting.
- How it works: It blocks everything unknown by default and only lets trusted programs run. It stops malware, ransomware, and even “fileless” attacks before they start, without slowing down your system.
- Cross-Platform: Did you get an iPad or an Android tablet instead? PC Matic covers those, too. One account protects Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.
Pro Tip: Install your security software before you start downloading your favorite apps or browsing heavily. It’s your first line of defense.
2. Update Everything (Yes, Right Now)
It might seem counterintuitive—”I just bought this, isn’t it new?”—but the software on your device was likely installed months ago at the factory. In the time it took to ship to the store and sit under your tree, hackers have found new loopholes, and manufacturers have released patches to fix them.
- The OS: Go to Settings > Update & Security (Windows) or System Settings > General > Software Update (Mac/iOS) and run every available update.
- The Drivers: For Windows laptops, ensure your graphics and chipset drivers are current.
- The Bonus: PC Matic actually includes an automated Patch Management feature that keeps your drivers and common software updated automatically, closing security holes without you having to constantly check for them.
3. The “Debloat” (Remove the Junk)
Manufacturers are notorious for loading new computers with “Bloatware”—trial versions of software, random games, and manufacturer-specific utilities you will never use. These programs run in the background from day one, eating up your battery life and system memory (RAM).
How to Debloat:
- Windows: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps. Scroll through the list. If you see 30-day trials for software you didn’t buy, or “shortcut bars,” uninstall them immediately.
- Android: Go to your App Drawer. Long-press on pre-installed carrier apps or games. If you can’t uninstall them, choose Disable to stop them from running in the background.
- Mac/iOS: These are generally cleaner, but check for pre-installed versions of iWork (Pages, Keynote) or GarageBand if you know you won’t use them—deleting them frees up gigabytes of storage space.
Keep That “New Computer” Feeling
You didn’t ask for a slow device; you asked for the latest and greatest. By stripping away the junk, updating the essentials, and installing lightweight security like PC Matic, you ensure your new gadget stays as fast as the day you unboxed it.
