New ThinkPad T430

[norsecard]

I just got a ThinkPad T430i, its my first laptop, so what are some of the things I need to install, settings I need to change, to get it running and completely set up. Ive had some trouble clicking on items on webpages and it not clicking it and going to whatever it is linked too. Basically I have no clue, what to change,install etc.

[sarbin]

welcome to the community.

congrats on your new machine!

maybe just use it for a while to get familiar with it before changing much? install your favorite web browser, if it's not there. same with email client, but basically poke around and kick the tires a bit. if you have any specific issues that crop up, start a new thread and i'm sure we can help you.

one thing to do for sure, though, is create your rescue and recovery dvds. it's the first thing i do.

cheers!

[tripplec]

If you don't have the suppled antivirus installed you'll need something good. You can download and install MSE from microsoft. Their package is free. Then after it is updated run a full scan, takes a while but depending on what you've done you want to make sure there are no infections at this point or hijacking going on. Links should work on valid sites unless broken but thats not as common on major websites.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials

[hausman]

Welcome to this forum and to the world of ThinkPads.

I agree that first order of business is to create recovery DVDs and to make sure you have AV, firewall and other such protection enabled.

As this is your first notebook and first ThinkPad I'd also suggest you spend some time learning about the system and what it offers. Notebooks generally come with a lot of extra utilities that add value. Press the ThinkVantage button at the top of the keyboard and start exploring. In particular read up on the ThinkVantage software that came with your system.

In addition to all this

1. Run Windows Update and Lenovo System Update to get your system as current with maintenance as possible.

2. Go to Lenovo's support site, look up your model and download the User's Guide and Hardware Maintenance Manual. The User's Guide will give you a lot of information about the unique aspects of your ThinkPad like the function keys. You won't (shouldn't!) need the HMM right away but skimming through it will give you an appreciation of what's inside and how it's put together.

I hope you get many years of pleasure from your new ThinkPad.

[sarbin]

In addition to all of the above, Norsecard, please continue to participate here in the community. As your knowledge grows, you'll have the opportunity to help others, too!

Cheers!

[RedEd12 Support Specialist - Retired]

Wow, such a warm welcome for a new Thinkpad user! I need to get myself a new T530 so I can fully appreciate how supportive this community can be!

Welcome to the forums norsecard, and like already mentioned, congratulations on the purchase of your first Thinkpad!

Best regards,

Ed

*Edit* Really great suggestions were already put forth but I'd like to add Power Manager to the list of things to check out. Customizing that TVT offers many great options depending on your personal usage.

[norsecard]

Only thing I haven't done is the backup, it seems to be running slow, especially with multiple tabs, and how do I keep the screen from dimming when I'm watching videos, like on netflix.

[RedEd12 Support Specialist - Retired]

That would be Power Manager - check out the settings there. See the Power Plan settings, you can select Maximum Performance or Video Playback while streaming video.

Best regards,

Ed

[sarbin]

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norsecard wrote:

Only thing I haven't done is the backup, it seems to be running slow, especially with multiple tabs, and how do I keep the screen from dimming when I'm watching videos, like on netflix.

---

As Ed suggests above, you can use a power profile in Power Manager tailored to video playback. You can achieve the same thing using Windows' own power controls too. My main reason for installing TVT PM is to get full control of battery charging.

Cheers!

[nibs Guru]

Welcome to the community!

What are the specs on the T430i that you purchased?

How are you clicking? Tapping on the TrackPoint, TrackPoint Buttons, TrackPad tapping, or TrackPad buttons? In my experience there can be issues with clicking if you move the mouse as you click. I only use the TrackPoint and TrackPoint buttons, and I noticed when I first got my machine that I would hit the TrackPad when trying to click. This caused it to not click. My solution was turn off the TrackPad, since I never use the thing anyway.