By the time you read this, your presents are all unpacked and the wrapping paper mess cleaned up. But a more challenging task is ahead - making that stuff work!
If your product is a PC peripheral, such as a printer or scanner, I would first check on the manufacturer's website to see if there are updated drivers - especially for Vista. If you can, use the later driver rather than what came on CD. Even though you have just opened the box, it may have been manufactured six months ago.
If it is a USB device, always check the installation instructions. Some devices require you to plug in the device first, but more often you have to install the driver software first before plugging it in. Doing this incorrectly can result in problems.
If your present was a new digital camera or camcorder, you can probably start using it in a basic way right away. Take some time to learn what kind of battery is used - your charging habits may have to change depending on the type of battery - your battery life may depend on it.
Most cameras and camcorders these days come with a vast number of features, usually accessed by menus on the LCD display. You may choose to ignore them, but if you take some time to read the book and get into it, you will find many ways to take much better photos and videos. Consider learning about your new camera as a hobby in itself, not just the picture taking hobby. You might be surprised what techniques you might learn.
If you need parts such as extra batteries or memory cards, the local stores usually don't have the best prices - you may have more luck on such sites as eBay or NewEgg.
But if you got the big present - a new PC - that will require some more work on your part. Setting up a PC is pretty straightforward these days - plugs and cables that are unique can only be plugged into the correct place. Cables with general connections, such as USB, can usually go in any correct socket.
Before you turn on the PC for the first time, make sure that your Internet connection is working and plugged in to the PC. Windows will attempt to set up the Internet connection during initial installation. This is easy if you use a cable from your modem or router, but more difficult if the connection is wireless. If your wireless network is protected (and it should be) then the Windows setup will not be able to use it. Turning off the wireless protection temporarily may allow this to work.
What I usually recommend is that you set up the new PC on a separate table or desk first. Keep your old PC in place and operational, especially if you have specific club or business requirements. Only physically switch the PCs when the new one is fully up and running. You will have to copy your data from your old PC to the new one - there are a number of ways to do this, but the easiest is to get an external USB hard drive. These are handy for backup purposes, and by using it to copy your data you are in effect making your first backup. The biggest issue here is knowing (or remembering) where your stuff is. And even when you switch the PCs, don't be too quick in giving away the old one - you may have forgotten to move something important over.
As above, don't go plugging in your old peripherals right away - especially if you are going from XP to Vista. A tendency is to just remove all the old plugs from the back of the PC and plug them all into the back of the new one. Check with the manufacturer's website for the latest drivers before plugging in your printers and other peripherals.
Remember to use the Internet to make your present better. If you search, you may find lots of help out there. There are often websites devoted to a particular brand or device and you may find lots of helpful information and tips.
But remember to enjoy your new presents. I really like the present I gave myself (my new AT&T Tilt cell phone) - more on that later.
(Bob Seidel is a local computer consultant in the Southport - Oak Island area. You can visit his Website at www.bobseidel.com or e-mail questions or column ideas to him at bsc@bobseidel.com. For specific inquiries, please call Bob Seidel Consulting, LLC at 278-1007.)