You have bought a new gadget or just unpacked your Christmas present? No matter which device it is, there are some basic tips to save you a lot of unnecessary trouble later on.

So you can make sure your gadgets and devices will run for years without problems.

1. Install updates

The motto is: switch on and update! Not a nice job, but it keeps your devices safe and working better.

Immediately after the first power up, you will probably receive some update notifications. Click on one of the notifications and the system will help you to bring the software up to date.

If you do not receive update notifications from your device, you can also search for the software updates yourself. Under macOS, you can find this option in the App Store at the bottom of the dock. Under iOS in the settings under the menu item "General" and "Software Update". On Windows devices you will find the Windows Update feature in the settings under "Update & Security". Android users can find the option in System Preferences and System Update Preferences.

2. Configures the security settings

Your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices are likely to have a lot of important personal information - and your new acquisition will not be an exception. Therefore, you should protect your data with strict security settings.

With smartphones and tablets , security already starts on the lock screen. It's best to set up a PIN code or password. If your device offers additional unlocking options, you can also register a fingerprint or face. For more tips, take a look at our guide to a secure smartphone lock screen.

Even with your computer, you should ensure that not everyone can log in easily. It's best to set up a password or other security feature. On Windows devices you will find this option in the settings under "Accounts and login". With macOS you can find them in the system settings under "Security & Privacy".

Once you have protected your computer from prying eyes, you should install antivirus protection. In Windows, the integrated Windows Defender is sufficient in most cases.

But if you want more security or are Mac users, you can install third-party software. According to independent test organization AV Test, Bitdefender Internet Security (25EUR) and Norton Security (24EUR) are best suited for Windows computers because of their high detection rates, ease of use, and low performance loss. For macOS recommend AVG Antivirus (free), Bitdefender Antivirus (20EUR) and Sophos Home (free), which also performed better in the test in terms of virus detection than the competition.

Smartphones do not need antivirus software because Google or Apple app stores are tightly monitored. Just do not forget to protect yourself from other security risks - stay careful not to fall for things like phishing attacks.

3. Transfer your data from the old to the new device

You should not leave your data on your old smartphone, tablet or laptop for too long. Because with each passing week, the likelihood that you will simply forget it increases.

Transferring apps and apps to a new device is not difficult, but it can be a bit of a hassle. You should create a list of all the programs you are currently relying on. Then download it from the App Store. Already purchased apps can be downloaded for free on your new device since they are linked to your Microsoft , Apple or Google account. Some apps, however, must first be deleted from your old device before you can use them on the new device. The last step is transferring your data, settings, and things like Spotify playlists .

The best way to transfer data is to use a cloud service. Apple, Microsoft and Google have their own services: iCloud , OneDrive and Google Drive . Dropbox is a reliable third-party option. All of these services are also compatible with many different operating systems except for iCloud, which only works with macOS and iOS.

All these cloud services are very similar. Install the app on your old device and upload your data to the cloud. Then install the app on your new device to access the uploaded content.

4. Back up your data

Now that you have transferred all of your files and photos to your new device, all you have to do is set up a backup routine. So you do not have to worry about your data anymore.

Android and iOS already back up a lot of important data automatically, only Android needs a little help in securing SMS messages. More information about what data is saved from your smartphone, you can find on the websites of Apple or Google and your smartphone manufacturer.

In addition, you can also use the cloud services listed above to back up your data. The simplest solution would be to use the built-in cloud storage ( Apple's iCloud , Microsoft's OneDrive or Google Drive ). You may need to get extra storage for this. But you already get this for a relatively cheap monthly fee.

Under Windows and macOS you can backup your data on an external hard drive. Just do not forget to make regular backups and keep your hard drive in a safe place.

These were our basic tips for new gadgets and devices!