close Gifts, eggnog, flight delays: Expert shares holiday travel tips Travel expert Gabe Saglie explains his top holiday travel tips on Your World. Got new electronics for the holidays? Whether you've unwrapped a shiny new smartphone, tablet or laptop, the first steps you take can set the tone for your entire experience.We'll walk you through essential steps to ensure your devices are secure, functional and ready for your enjoyment.From setting strong passwords to enabling tracking features, these tips will help you make the most of your new gadgets. A person opening up new tech gifts. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What do I do if I get a new laptop, tablet or smartphone?Set up strong passwords and PINsChange default passwords and PINs immediately. Use a combination of letters, numbers and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names. Consider using apassword manager to generate and store complex passwords.Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)Wherever possible, activate2FA for added security. This provides an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification step, such as a text message or authentication app.Consider privacy screen protectors (for smartphones and laptops)Privacy screen protectors can prevent others from viewing your screen from the side, enhancing your privacy when using your device in public spaces.Create a backup system for photos and documentsIf your device stores important data (e.g., photos, documents), immediately set up a backup system. This can be done throughcloud services orexternal storage devices to ensure your data is safe.Install strong antivirus protection on all your new devicesThe best way to ensure that your devices are protected and that no one is snooping around on your data orbrowsing history is by purchasing antivirus software. To protect yourself from having your data breached, have antivirus protection installed on all your new devices. Having good antivirus software actively running on your new devices will alert you of any malware in your system, warn you against clicking on any malicious links in phishing emails, and ultimately protect you from being hacked.Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. A woman looking at her new smartphone. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Avoid these common mishaps on your new deviceIgnoring updates: Dont skipsoftware updates when setting up your new device. These updates often include critical security patches and new features. Enable automatic updates wherever possible to ensure your device remains up-to-date.Overloading with apps: Its tempting to download every app or tool that catches your eye. However, too many apps can slow your device and increase the risk of downloading malicious software. Stick to trusted sources like the Apple App Store or Google Play.Forgetting about privacy settings: Take time to review and configureprivacy settings on your devices. Disable features likelocation tracking ordata tracking if theyre not necessary for your usage.Neglecting physical protection: A single drop can ruin your brand-new device. In order to protect and enhance them, it's important that you have some quality accessories, like a laptop bag or backpack, messenger bag, laptop sleeve, portable hard drive, headphones, webcam cover, attachable portable display, portable laptop stand, Bluetooth mouse, a good power strip and surge protector for your devices. Youll also want a good phone charger. Check out our picks for thesefive best portable phone chargers. The last thing you'll want is a device that dies on you all because you didn't have a decent charging accessory.Set your new devices to be findable if lostThe best step to take if you have received a new laptop, tablet or smartphone, whether it's an Apple orAndroid product, is to turn on any 'Find My' settings in case your device ever gets lost or stolen. Here are the steps you can take for the following options:How to turn on Find My on iPhoneOpen theSettings app.Tap yourname.SelectFind My.TapFind My iPhone and toggle it ON. Steps to turn on Find My on iPhone. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?How to turn on Find My on my MacBookGo to theApple menu (the small Apple icon) in the top left corner and selectSystem Settings.Then clickPrivacy & Security in the sidebar (you may need to scroll down).ClickLocation Services on the right.Turn ONLocation Services, then turn ONFind My in the list of apps.Note:Details, then turn on Find My Mac.How to turn on Find My Device on Windows 11Select theStart button at the bottom left of your PC screen.Go toSettings.SelectPrivacy & security.SelectFind My Device and select ON.Go toLocation Services and select ON.How to turn on Find My on iPadGo toSettings.Tap yourName.ClickFind My.TapFind My iPad and select ON.How to turn on Find My Device on Android or Google TabletSettings may vary depending on your Android phones manufacturer.Go to yourSettings app.Select Security.TapFind My Device.EnableFind My by toggling the slider on.What do I do if I get a new Smart TV? A boy playing a video game on a Smart TV. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Smart TVs are a great device to receive for the holidays. Not only do they give you access to tons of streaming apps, but they also allow you to browse the internet, stream music and videos, and even look at photos. With all these features comes a certain amount of risk regarding targeted ads and malware. While any Smart device can be infected with malware, Smart TVs are usually not the devices that experience this kind of attack. Although it has happened in the past with both Samsung and Apple TVs, those cases are extremely rare. However, before you begin enjoying your favorite movies and TV shows, take these steps to protect your Smart TV:Disable ads and trackingDisabling ads and tracking on your Smart TV will mostly limit your TV from collecting data on you and the content you're watching. Here's how to disable that feature on Samsung, LG and Vizio TVs:LGSome models may have different settings or options, so you should always check the user manual or the official website of LG for the most updated information.Go toSettings >Additional Settings >General.SelectLive Plus to disable Automated Content Recognition (ACR).SelectAdvertisements and change the setting to"Do Not Sell My Personal Information."Review terms of use and privacy policy and thenopt out of Viewing Information, Voice Information, Interest-Based & Cross-Device Advertising, and Live Plus Automatic Content Recognition.SamsungSome models may have different settings or options, so you should always check the user manual or the official website of Samsung for the most updated information.For example, some models may haveSmart Features instead ofSupportin the Settings menu.Go toSettings >Support >Terms & Privacy >Privacy Choices.SelectViewing Information Services to disable Automated Content Recognition (ACR).SelectVoice Recognition Services to adjust voice data collection.VizioSome models may have different settings or options, so you should always check the user manual or the official website of Vizio for the most updated information.Go to Settings>Admin & Privacy.SelectViewing Data to turn off Automated Content Recognition (ACR).SelectAdvertising to adjust ad tracking.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HEREDisable all camera and voice recognition settingsMost Smart TVs do not come with built-in microphones and cameras, but there is a way to turn off those features for the brands that do.SamsungSome models may have different settings or options, so you should always check the user manual or the official website of Samsung for the most updated information.For example, Some models may haveSmart Features instead ofSupportin the Settings menu. Some models may haveVoice Recognition instead ofVoice Recognition Services in the Terms & Policies menu.Go toSettings >Support >Terms & Policies.Go toVoice Recognition Services and select Off.Some Samsung models come with retractable cameras in the middle of the device. Gently push it back without touching the lens until you hear it click to turn it off.LGGo toSettings > All Settings > General.SelectUser Agreements.Disable theVoice Information setting.Some LG TV models come with retractable cameras. Keep the lens pushed down when you are not using it.Other Smart TV brands may come with external cameras. Make sure they are unplugged whenever you are not using them.Sell, donate or recycle your old devices A woman scrolling on her smartphone. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)If you have old devices that you dont need, you can sell them or recycle them. Some services will pay you even if your devices are not working. To get the best deal for your devices, you need to choose the right service. Here are some services that you can use:Amazon Trade-In: If you're a big Amazon shopper, it might be worth it to try trading in your old device with their trade-in company. You can swap your device in exchange for an Amazon gift card, and they accept even non-functional items. This is a convenient way to get rid of your unwanted electronics and get some credit for your future purchases on Amazon. You can also check the trade-in value of your device before sending it in. Before you do get rid of your old device, be sure to follow these steps: How to securely get rid of your old PC or Mac.Kurt's key takeawaysAs you dive into setting up your new electronics, remember that taking a few moments to secure and personalize them can save you a lot of headaches down the line. By following these initial steps, you're not just protecting your investment; you're also enhancing your overall experience.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPHave you encountered any challenges while setting up your new devices? How did you overcome them? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/ContactFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/NewsletterFollow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.