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SU Freshers/Move-In 2025: the new-laptop setup checklist for Stellenbosch students

Stellenbosch new-laptop setup: updates, antivirus, privacy basics, OneDrive/Google Drive, residence Wi-Fi, and quick fail-safes before classes.

· Digissential Team · 2 min read

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TL;DR: Update first, protect with built-in AV + MFA, sync OneDrive/Google Drive, and place/choose Wi-Fi bands properly. Add a restore point/Time Machine and keep your recovery codes handy. If you’d like, we’ll set it all up remotely before classes start.

What you’ll set up in 30–45 minutes

1) Updates & drivers (speed + stability)

  • Windows: Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates (repeat until clear).
  • macOS: System Settings → General → Software Update.
  • Optional OEM tools (Dell/HP/Lenovo/ASUS) for chipset/storage firmware.

2) Protection that isn’t noisy

  • Windows Security (Real-time + SmartScreen) or one reputable AV.
  • Browser hygiene: remove shady extensions; enable automatic updates.
  • MFA everywhere: email, cloud storage, and banking. Save recovery codes.

3) Cloud sync that actually restores

  • Sign into OneDrive/Google Drive.
  • Redirect Desktop/Documents/Pictures to your cloud (Known Folder Move on OneDrive).
  • Do a test file to confirm sync on another device.
  • If you need a belt-and-braces copy, add a small external backup too.

4) Residence/apartment Wi-Fi that doesn’t lag

  • Placement: router high, line of sight; avoid cupboards/microwaves/mirrors.
  • Bands: 5 GHz for your laptop/phone; keep 2.4 GHz (20 MHz width) for reach/IoT.
  • Channels: 1/6/11 on 2.4; 36–48 or 149–165 on 5 GHz.
  • Zoom/Teams tip: if calls still stutter, use Ethernet (USB-C adapter) during classes.

Common pitfalls (and quick fixes)

  • Duplicate antivirus → uninstall extras; one good tool beats two fighting.
  • Only-cloud or only-external → use both if you can.
  • Printer chaos → install the full driver for your model, then set duplex + grayscale by default.
  • Squeezed lids → don’t pack the laptop tight; it’s how screens crack in week one.

Book help (we’ll do it with you)

Quick checklist you can keep

  • ✅ Windows/macOS fully updated
  • ✅ AV on (no duplicates) + browser clean
  • ✅ OneDrive/Google Drive mapped; test file synced
  • ✅ MFA enabled + recovery codes saved
  • ✅ Router placed high; 5 GHz preferred; channels set
  • ✅ Restore point/Time Machine made

Welcome to SU! If you want this done for you today, we can jump on a remote and hand you a ready-to-study laptop by the end of the call.