If you recently bought a new laptop, you should take good care of it. That does not only mean to protect it and clean it – but also know how to make it safe, secure and speedy from the inside as well.

In reality, there are tons of security risks your laptop may suffer from. Once you activate your Windows (we assume this is the OS) and create a system restore DVD, make sure to follow our six point checklist and ensure that your computer is ready for anything the online world may throw at it.

Step 1: Run The Windows Update

Windows Update is the first thing to do when you see the Start Screen. Your new laptop may come with the older Windows versions installed on it but the latest one will improve upon it in many ways – plus, it’s a free download.

Even if your laptop with Windows 8.1 is out of date by the time you open its box – it is important to download all the latest security fixes and other updates from Microsoft before doing anything else.

Step 2: Turn on Windows Defender

The Defender is Microsoft’s new anti-malware application which is built into Windows 8 however may be disabled. Laptop manufacturers often disable it because they bundle the free trials of other anti-malware software that you do not need. So, type ‘windows defender’ in the Start screen and select it from the list of results right of the screen.

Step 3: Install A Different Web Browser

Although the Explorer is Windows’ preferred browser, let’s face it – you don’t need it. The best alternatives are Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.

Step 4: Set Up User Accounts And Parental Controls

By typing ‘user accounts’ in the Start Menu and selecting Add, delete and manage other user accounts from the lis of results you can create and configure your account and save your settings. There is also an availability to add a child’s account from here – where you can set parental controls for any children using your laptop.

Step 5: Switch To Desktop-First Mode

This is a life saver. If the home screen bothers you on every start, you can get rid of it. By simply pressing Windows + D, you can boot straight to the Desktop and right-click the Taskbar to configure the Properties afterwards.

After you get in the Properties tab, just tick the box for ‘When I sign in or close all apps on a screen, got the desktop instead of Start’ and click the OK button.

We believe these tips helped you configure your new laptop!