Taking your just-purchased PC out of its box can be a joyous occasion, one that evokes the same sensations as that new car smell. It’s a clean slate, a chance to reorganize your files, photos, and everything else that you’ve crammed onto your computer.

And yet, when you face down that gleaming new piece of machinery, it can be hard to know where to start. We put together this checklist to help you get up and running. For even more help, visit the Getting started with Windows 7 page.

• Connect to the Internet. The Connect to the Internet wizard guides you through the steps of setting up your connection. If you have a laptop, you'll also be able to see a list of available wireless networks and connect in a few clicks, no matter where you go.

• Transfer your stuff. Windows Easy Transfer makes it a breeze to bring over your files, email, pictures, and settings from your old PC. It's easier to use than in previous versions, and includes a file explorer so you can choose the files you want to copy.

• Set up security. From firewalls to virus protection to guarding against spyware and malware, there's a bunch to think about here—but Windows 7 offers lots of ways to help keep your PC safer and running smoothly. Get started with protecting your computer.

• Create a home network. There are a few different ways to link up the computers in your house—ethernet, wireless, and so on. Start here to learn about the choices, the hardware, and how to get set up.

• Set up a wireless network. It's the ultimate in networking flexibility, especially when you put it together with Windows 7 features like HomeGroup. And it's not as hard as you think to get set up.

• Parental controls. Parental Controls can help set limits on the games kids can play, the programs they can use, and when they can use the PC. Best of all, you don't have to look over their shoulders every minute.

• Back it up. Most of us know that backing up our files is a good idea, but some of us don't find time to do it as often as we should. Backup and Restore solves this nagging problem with a "set it and forget it" approach: once it's set up, it's automatic.