Something we geeks take for granted, like the ability to stock up your fresh install of Windows with all the essential apps and settings, can be a nightmare for the common Joe or any noob for that matter.
Inspired by a good friend who is frustrated at just how blank her newly installed Windows looks, here are a few things you can do to your Windows to at the very least, get you going.
Update Windows
I know, such a trivial thing can very easily make or break your experience with Windows. That said, if you find yourself with a fresh install of either Windows 7 or 8, your first task should be to update it to the latest version available, and that would be Windows 10. Of course, you might get your savvy friend to install a clean copy of Windows 10. But if you want to do it yourself, Windows offers an inbuilt method of upgrading to newer version of the operating system. To do this, follow these steps.
Upgrade Windows 8.1 to Windows 10
Even if you don’t see a message from the get windows 10 app on the taskbar, if the upgrade files have been downloaded to your PC, you can start the process via Windows Update.
However, you won’t be doing it through Windows Update in the modern Settings app. If you try you will see the following message:
You need to use the desktop version of Windows Update. To do that, use the keyboard shortcut Windows Key+X or right-click the Start button and select Control Panel from the power user menu – which is also available in Windows 10 (it’s called the Quick Access menu in 10).
Scroll down to the bottom of Control Panel and select Windows Update.
There you will see that the Windows 10 upgrade is ready and you can get started with the click of a button.
Note that the upgrade might fail at first. I retried it three times before it started to work. Once it does begin, just like with the upgrade in Windows 7 , you’ll need to agree to the
After that, you get the option to begin the upgrade now or schedule it for a later time. Again, just like upgrading Windows 7, you only get a three-day window to schedule the upgrade.
After it starts, just sit back, grab your mobile device and play some Angry Birds or something, because the process can take quite a while.
You’ll get the familiar screen shown below that lets you know where the upgrade process is at. If it seems to hang, just be patient, especially the first couple weeks…a lot of people are upgrading at the same time. Also note that your PC will restart a few times, just let it do its thing.
After it completes you’ll get a Welcome Back screen and you start clicking through the on-screen setup instructions.
Unless you’re particular about how you want your Windows settings, just go with Express Settings during setup (versus custom settings). It allows you to get up and running a lot faster, and if you want to make any adjustments, you can do that later.
It will also tell you about new apps like Groove Music , TV&Movies Store, Photos, and the new Edge browser . And after that, you can log in with the Microsoft Account credentials you used for Windows 8.1.
Next, you’ll need to wait a bit while Microsoft sets up your apps and gets things ready for you .
When that’s done, you will be brought to your new Windows 10 desktop and can start checking out all of the cool new features like the new Start menu , Cortana , and Action Center .
Also, keep in mind that there will be updates waiting for you. Windows 10 requires that you install updates automatically, so you will get them without thinking about it. But, if you want to make sure you have everything updated right away after the upgrade completes, go to Settings > Update & Security > Check for Updates .
If you’re running Windows 7 and looking to upgrade, check out our step-by-step guide: How to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10 .
For tips, tricks, and how to articles on how to use the new OS, make sure to read through our Windows 10 article archive . We are adding new articles daily!
What are Drivers?
What are drivers you might ask? Good question. See, Windows is a very popular operating system and it runs on hardware from many different makers, from HP to Asus to Dell and everything else in between.
Drivers are, therefore, hardware-specific programs that like the operating system functions to the hardware it runs on. I’m sure I’ve botched that explanation but you get the idea.
This is a rather painless method as you won’t have to deal with the hustle of looking for Drivers and Windows tries to update all the relevant drivers during the update. If you get your friend to install Windows for you, ask him to run Driver pack Solution. In my experience, you have better luck finding your specific drivers using this service.
Install your basic apps
A clean install of Windows can feel like an empty apartment. Your next task should be to identify and install your frequently used programs to ‘furnish’ your PC. Everyone has their own preferences so we’ll take a look at some of the mainstream apps for various tasks. Techies out there, please give us better recommendations if you have any.
Media Players
By default, Windows comes with Windows Media Player for most of your media needs. You can use this to play mp3 files, movies, and many other media file formats. However, some proprietary codecs haven’t been included for copyright reasons. As a result, popular file formats like .mkv,.flv and many others aren’t supposed.
We recommend VLC Media player . This is the Swiss army knife in media support. It’s got every codec you can think of and plays any media file on the planet. It’s simple to use and free to download and install so it’s a no-brainer.
Web Browser
By default, Windows comes with the now infamous Internet Explorer. Windows 10 throws in the Microsoft Edge browser but both of these aren’t all that.
In this Android age, we recommend you install Google Chrome . It offers some level of seamlessness of service, especially when using Google services, and who isn’t using Google services anyway?
Mozilla Firefox is another solid option. It’s been around for a while now and the add-on ecosystem is limitless. The possibility with this browser is endless.
Office Applications
Microsoft Office has over the years curved itself a place in computing. The popular office suite offers a word processor (Microsoft Word), a spreadsheet application (Microsoft Excel), presentation application (Microsoft PowerPoint) among many other invaluable applications.
Of course, there are numerous alternatives, many of them open source like LibreOffice, OpenOffice, WPS just to mention a few but you might want to invest in a Microsoft Office license. It’s a lot more mainstream and universal. You’ll also have avoided pesky file format issues when sharing these documents.
For PDF, we recommend either Adobe Reader or Foxit reader. For power users who really need all the PDF tools, Adobe Acrobat or Foxit Phantom will do.
Security
Your PC will hold some of your most personal files over time. It will hold the most important documents in your life and many other invaluable files. It, therefore, makes sense that security should be your utmost priority.
Your first line of defense should be a decent antivirus. for Windows 10 users, you already have one built in. Open the Windows Defender and make sure it’s up to date and that it is turned on. For most of your security purposes, this will do.
If your computer gets a lot of flash drives plugged in, you stand a higher risk of getting your PC infected with a virus. For this, you might want to install a decent USB security appliance on top of the antivirus. Our picks are other USB Disk Security or Smadav antivirus.
These should get you going for a while. The rest, you’ll stock up as you continue using your PC. Things like personalization, themes, wallpapers are what makes a computer truly personal and with time, you will get the hang on it.
I’m a tech enthusiast and digital explorer based in Kenya passionate about Android, Linux, and the world of custom ROMs. I love tinkering with devices to craft personalized, optimized experiences. When I’m not deep in code or tweaking gadgets, you’ll find me immersed in science fiction, philosophy, or writing about the ever-evolving tech landscape from an African perspective.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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Be it for work or home use, if you are in search of a new printer, particularly for the first time, there are always a lot of factors to put into consideration . From printer style to printer types, features, connectivity options, display/control options (touchscreen or non-touch) etc, buying a printer could be confusing. That said, one of the most crucial decisions to be made is the type of printer to buy: Inkjet or Laser printers?
If you have a printer sitting in your home or workplace, you most likely have had to make this decision too. For the printer rookies and newbies, however, the type of printer you choose to purchase is an important conundrum that must be made so as to avoid regrets and printer problems later on. But basically, whether (or not) to go for a laser printer or the inkjet counterpart usually depends on:
- Your printing requirement : will you be printing images? Texts? Or both?
- Printing volume : how often or how much stuff will you be printing daily or monthly?
- Printing budget : how long do you intend keeping your printer? How much do you intend spending on repair cost or replacement parts?
Inkjet vs Laser: Printing Material and Mechanism
One of the biggest differences between laser and inkjet printers is the material which they use to print on paper. While laser printers use toners (dry powder) , inkjet printers utilize (wet) ink to transfer texts and images to paper. From a cost and usage standpoint, both printers have their individual upsides and disadvantages.
Compared to laser printers that use (dry) toners, inkjet printers cartridges are made of ink that -wait for it- dries up easily, even when the printer is left unused. To add, the toners in laser printer usually last longer and can be used to print more pages of documents compared to an Inkjet printer.
Mechanism of action
Printing purpose
Laser Printer | HP LaserJet Pro
Print speed and frequency
Paper Sizes
Inkjet Printer | Canon Pixma iP7220
Unlike laser printers, inkjet supports a wide variety of paper types and sizes. With inkjet printers, photographers and creatives (or anyone) can print high-quality images on almost all types of material; paper (textured or glossy art papers, photo papers etc.) and fabrics, too.
Price and Cost-per-Page differences
Generally, inkjet printers are cheaper than laser printers. However, there’s a catch — which a lot of buyers usually do not take into consideration before making a buying decision. And that’s the cost of cartridges. If you print equal volume of pages on both laser and inkjet printers, it would cost you more money to refill the ink of the inkjet printer than replacing the toner of the laser printer.
Also, the overall cost-per-page of inkjet printers is higher than the laser counterpart. Cost-per-page is basically how much pages a cartridge is able to print before it runs out. Toner cartridges are generally more expensive but would take longer time to replace as they can print thousands of pages before exhaustion. Ink cartridges, on the other hand, are less expensive but can only print hundreds of pages.
Conclusively, while the one-off upfront cost of a laser printer is on the high side, you would spend more on ink replacement costs for an inkjet printer. Also, it is believed that inkjet printers are cheaper because they have a minimum life span of 3 years while laser printers can be used for at least 5 years.
If you aren’t a photographer, an artist, or your job doesn’t involve printing a lot of high-quality and complex images, then you are better off with a laser printer. But before you pick up that laser printer, you should check out this printer buying guide .
Sodiq Olamide is a tech writer based in Nigeria, covering the latest reviews, how-tos, and news on consumer tech trends with a unique African perspective. Whether analyzing emerging technologies or offering practical guides, Sodiq brings a deep understanding of how technology shapes lives across the continent.
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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