Brand New M17X. What do I need to do?

I just received my new M17X in the mail yesterday. I figured I would come to everyone here to see what BIOS, drivers, protection, and software I need to download to keep this computer safe and running perfectly.

I'm not new to computers, but I am new to notebooks. I build desktops for fun, but I don't know much about software and whatnot.

I've already run across an issue where the battery was "Plugged In, Not Charging." I did a power drain and it has worked so far. Does this issue foreshadow future problems?

Also, what do I need to do myself to keep everything in the best order possible. Is there a certain way I should treat the computer? By this I mean during use....I know not to drop it or anything. How should I use the battery to keep it holding a charge well and prolong its life?

Sorry for all the questions, but I'm very excited about this computer and I want to keep it safe and working well.

Specs:

PROCESSOR: Intel® Core™ i7 720QM 1.6GHz (2.8 GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
OPERATING SYSTEM: Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
VIDEO CARDS: CrossfireX™ 1GB ATI Radeon™ Mobility HD 5870
LCD PANEL: 17-inch WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 RGB LED (1200p)
MEMORY: 6GB Memory (1x 2GB, 1x 4GB DDR3)
HARD DRIVES: 1TB Raid 0 (2x 500GB 7,200RPM HDDs)
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE: Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader (BR-ROM, DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
WIRELESS CARD: Intel® Ultimate N WiFi Link 6300 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO Technology

 

There are 10.7 drivers, but its a pain to update to them, since Dell made their own VBIOS, a thread gives instructions how to do that.

There is a newly released BIOS, A06 I believe. Don't see anything compelling, the most it does is add support for Intel x40 CPUs.

What you need to most do is to start enjoying this baby!!!

 

What do ya'll advise as far as protection (Antivirus, Spyware, Malware, etc.). I've had a lot of problems with these in the past and I want to protect this notebook from the start so I don't have to screw with these issues as much.

In the past, I've used Avast, but my downfall has been using only Avast, and nothing to protect against Spyware and Malware.

 

From my experience, Avast and Ccleaner have done well for me. I haven't had to install anything else other than those programs and it has worked thus far.

 

I strongly recommend a clean Windows install before even turning it on. I always do that once I get a new PC in house.

Then once everything is installed correctly, go through the screen calibration thread on this forum and do a few benchmark to make sure everything is working correctly.

You will be then set to use your PC for the next 3 years... (With few clean re-format every 3 to 6 months of course).

 

Can I get a link to that Screen Calibration Thread?

Also, should I do a clean install of Windows even now that I've used it? I had World of Warcraft Preinstalled, just because I could. I don't know if a clean install would get rid of this, but if it's something that would benefit the PC, then I don't mind doing it. I have never played WoW anyways.

What should I do to set up a reformat?

Also, what programs do ya'll use to monitor performance outside the BIOS? Like something that monitors temperatures and whatnot, and possibly allows for fan speed adjusments.

 

I would suggest THIS page for all your bios upgrades and upgrades to 10.7! Ask away if you get confused!

It's the M17x wiki for all your needs, including what to do when getting started!

 

i have a a dumb question to which i hope i get a straight answer? i have dual 4870's is the 10.7 driver for me or just for the people with the 5870's.

 

Everyone and I believe they work without any tweaks on the 4870.

 

I would keep your M17X stock so that you do not begin to experience majority of the problems that everyone else seems to experience. I have had my M17X since July 9th and have since kept everything stock. My lappy runs smooth as butter w/o any hiccups whatsoever. As far as software and apps to keep it protected, do some research on your own to find what's best for you?

 

AVG Free, Norton Antivirus, Spybot S & D, MalwareBytes.

 

1) put a anti-virus software on it.
2) update drivers
3) calibrate screen

The best paid av software is Kaspersky Internet Security (well worth it, you can get it cheap off Amazon too.)

if you want to go free, then use a combo of Malwarebytes and Microsoft Security Essentials

 

For anti virus I have always liked Norton. I am currently using Norton Internet Security 2010 and I think it is really good. It slows my boot times by a few seconds though but its worth it knowing im safe.

 

Where is the screen calibration thread I did a search and did not find one for the M17x did for the other M11 and m15 no M17. Can yall help out??

 

If searching, make sure you're not just searching the title but the entire post.


forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/481689-guide-m17x-r2-rgb-led-display-calibration-how.html

forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/467162-rgb-led-calibrating-m17x-r2.html

 

thanks I was just searching for title.

 

AV-Comparatives - Independent Tests of Anti-Virus Software - Welcome to AV-Comparatives.org

GData, eset, F-Secure are the best ones.

Antivirus Download, Antivirus-Software - G Data Software AG
edit: http://www.gdata-software.com/ (english version)
ESET - Antivirus Software with Spyware and Malware Protection
Antivirus Software, Anti-Spyware and Internet Security | F-Secure

GData is german, eset is australian, F-Secure is finnish. Stay away from the tradional free after rebate symantec & mcafee they've been troublesome over the past few years.

 

The battery issue is going on again. Am I doing something to cause this, or is it just a faulty battery? It says "Plugged In, Not Charging." I know how to fix it, but if it's going to be chronic I want to get it changed out.

 

Try this

1. Turn off your m17x
2. Take out the battery.
3. Turn on your m17x using wall socket power
4. Go Device Manager > Batteries
5. Uninstall Microsoft ACPI Compliant Control Method Battery
6. Turn off
7. Put battery back
8. Turn back on

Hope this works for you