I just bought my G50V-X1 yesterday and I wanted to know if I should get a laptop cooler for it since I will be in Iraq? Would it benefit from the cooling or just blow more dust in it? Also, what kind of Virus software should I get when it arrives? I have heard good things about Norton System works. I have also heard good things about registry mechanic. I don't want this laptop to fall victim to Virus's like the one I am typing on.

The cooler I gave you my thoughts in the other thread. Stay away from Norton and Mcafee as they are both resource hoags that will slow your system down and don't do nearly as well as other options, if you are going to pay I would suggest the below
Virus Software: (Pay)
http://www.eset.com/products/nod32.php
Virus Software: (Free)
http://free.avg.com/ww.download?prd=afe

As for reg mechanic I have found they do nothing or cause problems unless you know what you are doing. But if you want one a good one to use and its free would be:
http://www.ccleaner.com/

For AntiSpyware use the following:
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

Also turn on automatic updates and do not run as an admin.

Totally computer noob, so what you are saying about not running as admin is that I should run my Virus software in my guest account? Also should i purchase the smart security as well as the Anti Virus?

The Smart Security is a protection suite. It functions as an anti-virus (periodically scans your computer from viruses and prevents them from running), anti-spam (removes unwanted solicitations from your e-mail), and firewall (guards and regulates which programs have access to the internet and which websites have access to your computer). You definitely do NOT want to purchase both the anti-virus AND the Smart Security, as the Smart Security already has the anti-virus in there. I'd advise you to get only the anti-virus, as the firewall may confuse you and be more of a hassle than it's worth.

Agreed, no suites just the AV.

Just downloaded SpyBot and it works really good. Already cleaned 42 alerts! Will get the AV when I get the Asus in. Thanks again guys!

Run TeaTimer, and make sure you immunize.

How do I run TeaTimer?

It is an option when you install it. Or you can go to pref and turn it on.

One more for the mentally retarded. I went into settings on SpyBot and cannot locate the TeaTimer to turn it on. I might already have it on, not really sure.

if you did the default install its on.

I just got my Asus G50V-X1 today. Haven't turned it on yet but it looks sweet. I love the color. The build quality far surpasses that of my HP. I was just wondering; what are the first things I should do to my Laptop upon initial startup? I am not going to plug it into the internet just yet, as I don't want to screw this one up. I have a lot to learn. Thanks

David

*Set a password for the default admin account in safe mode.*

1. Unistall all the crapware you are not going to use. (Anti Virus Trial, Office Trial, etc.) Reboot.

2. Install and update Anti Virus/Spyware

3. Update Windows

4. Install office software. If you dont have microsoft office and dont plan on buying it the free and great solution would be:
http://www.openoffice.org/

5. Install everything else you want (games/codec's/photoshop/etc) update it all.

6. Copy over Music/Movies/Pics/Docs

7. defrag.

*
Double post

Sweet! Thanks a lot!.