Just bought an asus notebook, where to start?

Hello all!

I just bought an asus a6j notebook (after intensively reading this site and forums) and I am wondering if the good people here have any good tips for a new user. I couldnt find any faq on this subject, please be so kind to direct me to one if there is. I am ok with computers, but this is my first notebook and i am slighly confused by all the already installed software. Also, I am running a Spanish version of Windows Xp Media Center and I dont actually speak the language! So it would really help if any offered help would be slightly more detailed then normally.

Ok, on to the real questions:
1) First priorities: any things i should do directly with the machine? I read a bit about changing to an NTFS file system, but i didnt reallycatch how to do it.
2) I guess i should update windows, right?

Notebook software:
3) The preinstalled software on a new asus machine: Any tips on what is usefull, what is buggy and what should be removed inmediatly?
Especially there seems to be alot of software to control the performance vs battery usage of the machine (asus ones and ati catalyst control center), do these work? How do i use them?
4) Other usefull controlling software: Are there any other good options that people prefer over preinstalled software.

Notebook check:
5) Actually I dont trust the people that work in computer shops one bit (they told me the intel core duo is 64 bit, didnt know the hardisk speed and had no clue what the E in an T2300E stands for), so i would like to check i actually got what i paid for. Any good walkthroughs where to find everything or software that does this?
6) How do you check the temperatures the notebook is running? The outside gets pretty much very hot!

Drivers:
7) I got an ati 1600, tried to download updated drivers but they wouldnt install for some Spanish reason.... What is the place to get driver updates? www.ati.com?

A lot of thanks in advance to anybody willing to shed some light!
Tim

 

1) You don't have to mess with the partitions unless you plan on doing a reformat to clean your system.
2) You should check Microsoft/Windows Update every now and then, and especially when you install an OS or buy a computer to get critical updates.
3) If there's stuff you know you won't use or need, get rid of it. I suggest working with your computer for a while and exploring all the programs before removing them. But definitely get rid of the crap. You should make sure you have a backup if you want them later.
4) It depends. You may want your own music player, photo editor, instant messaging program, etc. Look around for some suggestions.
5) What exactly do you want to look for?
6) Programs like Notebook Hardware Control can display temperatures if your hardware supports it.
7) Yes, you should go to ati.com for ATI drivers. Some manufacturers don't let you upgrade the display drivers from ATI's site and will only provide them on their own site.

Check your manufacturer's site ( www.asus.com) for drivers too.

Good luck!

 

The E in the T2300E is that it cannot run Virtualization(basically run a program that can run another Operating System) Another good program is Mobliemeter which tracks the CPU temp and Hard Drive temp.

 

1) First priorities: any things i should do directly with the machine? I read a bit about changing to an NTFS file system, but i didnt reallycatch how to do it.

It is a good idea to convert to ntfs, all the Asus ensemble laptop hard drive is default to FAT32, you can use the program "NTFS Converter" that come with and on desktop, or type the "convert c: /fs:ntfs".

2) I guess i should update windows, right?

Yes, you have to do this if you would like that your Windows has more protection or security or fix some Windows error.


Notebook software:
3) The preinstalled software on a new asus machine: Any tips on what is usefull, what is buggy and what should be removed inmediatly?
Especially there seems to be alot of software to control the performance vs battery usage of the machine (asus ones and ati catalyst control center), do these work? How do i use them?

Please check this "http://power4gear.bk-kicks.com/", "BatteryLife 1053", and "HControl 0035"can help.


Notebook check:
5) Actually I dont trust the people that work in computer shops one bit (they told me the intel core duo is 64 bit, didnt know the hardisk speed and had no clue what the E in an T2300E stands for), so i would like to check i actually got what i paid for. Any good walkthroughs where to find everything or software that does this?

You can install a cpu-z-135, it will check all the spec of cpu and memory. A memtest86 will check the error of memory so that you can know your memory is good or bad.

6) How do you check the temperatures the notebook is running?

Mobmeter can show you the cpu and hard drive's temp, it also show you the frequence of cpu.

Cheers

 

Just a quick question. Any reason why you are using an OS in a language you're not familar with? I assume you plan to keep the Spanish version and not replace it with another different-language version.

 

1) There should be a utility to convert the HD to NTFS on your desktop
2) Yes update windows

Notebook software:
3) Remove Norton it slows your system down, get AVG and Zonealarm. Power4gear is a power management utility used to extend battery life/control heat. Change the mode by pressing the button of the running man in the set of button near the power button.
4) Instead of Power4gear i use RMClock but thats because i undervolt my laptop to consume less power. Power4gear should be fine for you.

Notebook check:
5) There is a program called Everest that gives a detailed report on your laptop. Run that and make sure everything is as it should be.
6) HD and CPU temps can be measured by mobilemeter, the GPU (graphics card) temps should be in the control panel. If not Everest displays all temps.

7) not sure of the exact address but its not on the ATI website.

Hope you are enjoying your A6J, i really like mine!

 

First of all: thanks to you all for the replies!

I use a Spanish version of windows xp because it is what machines here in Spain apparently come equiped with. I guess i could have gotten myself something in English if I would have tried harder (it is actually quite hard to get anything in Spain), but it is k for me. I am learning Spanish anyways since I will be living here for some time.

Most of my question were answered, but I still run into some problems.

I got Windows Xp Media Center Edition. I have been trying to update my ati GPU drivers, but without luck. Apparently ATI only has laptop drivers for windows XP. Trying to install these gives me an error telling me that my sytem is not suitable. 3dmark05 scores are pretty poor: 2400 for an ATI mobility Radeon x1600 (only 128mb dedicated, guess i should have gone for 256 afterall). I was hoping other drivers could help improve there a little.
Anybody has experience with ati drivers for Media Center on a notebook? What CAN I update?

Thanks,
Tim

 

try this: http://www.ati.com/online/mobilecatalyst/