Step 1: check what's going on with the operating system
Many laptops in Batumi — especially from Alta, Zoommer and other stores — are sold with FreeDOS or no operating system at all. If you see a normal Windows desktop when you turn it on, great, move to the next step. If you see a black screen or FreeDOS, the first thing to do is install Windows. This starts from 50 GEL with a home visit.
Step 2: update the system and install drivers
After installing Windows, run the updates (Settings → Windows Update). This matters — updates close security gaps. Then make sure every driver is installed: Wi-Fi, sound, graphics, trackpad. If something isn't working, the correct driver for your exact model needs to be found and installed.
Step 3: install the essentials
Browser — Google Chrome or Firefox (the built-in Edge works fine too, but many prefer Chrome). Antivirus — Windows Defender is built in and generally sufficient; an extra one usually isn't necessary. Office — for documents you need Word and Excel; either paid Microsoft Office or free LibreOffice. Archive tool — 7-Zip (free, opens every format).
Step 4: set up a backup
As soon as you start saving documents and photos, set up automatic backups. The simplest option: Google Photos (free for photos) and Google Drive or a similar cloud service for documents. Set it up once — it works automatically after that.