No user guides with new computers?

[Red H.]

My admittedly ancient desktop PC still works and meets my needs, but I have gone ahead and bought a 23-inch all-in-one model with triple the memory and loads of standard built-in features that are nonetheless new to me. To my dismay, the entirety of the user guide is a few child-level diagrams showing how to angle the desk stand and plug the computer into a wall outlet. That’s it. Nothing whatsoever about the pre-installed software, gaming capabilities, DVD drives, 3D camera, etc. Nothing more than a page of fine-print boilerplate about not getting electrocuted.

Am I in the Twilight Zone, or what? I mean, this is the second new computer (different brands) I’ve tried that has no instruction manual. All I can find on the Internet is spec sheets, rave customer reviews, patronizing computer tutorials for slow seniors, and expert user forums where computer gamers/geeks talk about customizing internal hardware.

Please advise. I have only a few days left in the 2-week window for returning this beautiful affordable (under $600) computer, and I really would rather keep it and learn to use all its features, even its features I may never use.

Thanks.

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[J242]

What’s the model? I can look up the guides for you online pretty easily. Since it’s a Windows system (No 3D cameras on Macs), the OEM most likely included a DVD or apps to help walk you through the additional hardware functions.

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[JanS]

I find most of my manuals online these days

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[Michael Waldo]

If you know how to uninstall programs, the first thing I do with a new computer is uninstall any programs or games that I will not use or need. Also, Trial programs that are free for 30 days but then you get annoying pop ups to buy it. It is called Bloatware. Computer companies get money from companies to pre-install it on the device. Thats how they can sell them so cheap.

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[marco]

I would claim that most new computers have a software manual installed. Check your start menu for something like “Dell Help” (or whatever Brand you bought)

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[Red H.]

Thanks for the replies and advice.

The computer model is Lenovo AIO 700-22 ISH, with 2.9 Ghz Intel Pentium processor, 8 GB memory, and 1 TB hard drive. It runs well enough for my Internet surfing needs, but it runs slower than my old PC when working with desktop folders and documents. I know how to uninstall software programs, and I expect/hope the computer’s off-line performance will improve once all the bloatware (I’m looking at you, free trial of Microsoft Office) is gone. Meantime, my pressing concern is learning to use the unfamiliar hardware.

Thanks again.

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[newnative]

To answer your question, yes, you are in the Twilight Zone.

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[JayDee]

Your Lenovo Model # appears similar to those they have but just off a bit. Try:

http://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/ and look for your model. They should offer a users manual.

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