Getting started with your Dell Linux PC

Once you are over the excitement of receiving your new Dell PC, it's time to unbox the equipment. Seems simple? It should be, but let us walk you through that process to make sure you don't miss anything or discard important items.

1. Carefully open the outer box

2. Remove all packaging from this as you may find your charger and paperwork are in this outer packaging

3. If the laptop is boxed individually your paperwork and guides are included there

4. Do not discard any packaging until you are completely up and running

As mentioned, your system guides you through the set-up but let's detail the key points to help you on your way:

Are you connected to the Internet?  Make sure you have an active connection in the area where you are setting up as your system needs to be connected to complete the set-up process.  This can be a Wireless (Wifi) or Wired connection and if you have a password you should have this available.

Limit any peripherals and accessories during set-up, plugging in only the essential items like your mouse, external keyboard, etc.  Make sure these are plugged in and turned on.

Connect your power adapter, and turn on! On systems that were bought with Linux already installed by Dell, the Set-Up guide will display a series of windows asking for information and providing instructions to customize your experience. Follow these on-screen steps to completion.

(For those who have chosen to install Linux on their Dell PC, we recommend you read through our configuration article.)

Even though you have a new system it may require updates. This is perfectly normal as updates to your Operating System regularly deliver enhancements and fix any potential issues and you receive prompts on your system for these as and when they are required. Complete the required changes before moving on.

You will also need to configure your software center to access the open-source drivers and programs developed and released specifically for your operating system.

It's important to protect your system by setting up your Security Tools as part of the start-up process or make sure you have your Anti-virus Protection software ready to be loaded on your new system. You can also select an anti-virus from those offered in your systems support center. Your online security is vitally important these days and a robust program to protect your data is vital.

Activate any software you have purchased from our Dell Download Center using the options available depending on your needs.

Backing up your system data is vital to ensure that you never lose items that are important to you. It also helps your speedy recovery should something go wrong.  Back-up options are offered as part of the start-up process but you can use an alternative method if you prefer a different application. You can learn more about Linux back-up solutions by visiting our Back-Up and Recovery knowledge base articles.

At this point, you should have a fully configured and functioning new PC, with the only additional changes being your customization. To learn more about your system, one of the best resources is your Manual and User Guide. Alternatively, if the changes are related to your Operating System, there are our dedicated support pages with links and videos to give you more information.

If you haven't yet, we recommend you create a Dell Account.

A Dell Account allows you to control your personal information and postal addresses, account settings, subscriptions, and manage your different Dell orders and products. You will also be able to get the list of service tags.

The Dell Support site has a wealth of information about your Dell products.

For help with specific issues or topics, we have many Linux knowledgebase articles available online and a comprehensive Support Library at your disposal which contains dedicated pages hosting knowledgebase articles, how-to guides and a Video Library for instructional guides on many topics.