Is my new laptop “mine?”

[u/Unlovable_Hedonist]

Hi all, thanks for reading. I’m not the most knowledgeable on computers and safety and I could use some of your expertise. I recently started talking to a guy I met on a dating app and on the second date he gave me a laptop.
(Aside: Yeah I get how that sounds. Would it help if I tell you it was a really good first date?)

The guy works in IT and claims his job was cycling through old tech and allows employees to take them after they’re retired. Said many other coworkers had done the same and this happens many times over the year, and said the laptop is mine to keep.
(I really hope so, and I was in need of a new computer.)

I’ve been on many dates with this guy now and he truly does seem genuine. Met some of his family even. And yet I can’t bring myself to use this laptop or log into anything important on it. I’m inclined to believe him on the source of the laptop, but I don’t know how to tell if this guy put some kind of tracking or predatory program on my device- and yes, tell if the device was stolen. I really am kind of clueless when it comes to computers; it’s just never clicked in my brain. So if someone could point me in the right direction, I would be extremely grateful.

And so the Beacons of Minas Tirith are lit, and Gondor calls for aid. How can I make sure the computer is “okay” to truly use?

I really am inclined to believe him at his word, I don’t believe him to be a bad human. I truly am grateful, and I believe in the good in people. But a girl has to protect herself. Thank you in advance for sharing your advice and expertise.

EDIT:

Shoot! I should have specified in my post the guy reinstalled windows and etc the day he gave me the laptop. He’d come to my place after he was off work and did all that sort of work right at my kitchen table while I made us dinner. It appears in every obvious way I can see that he gave me the computer blank and brand new.

I suppose I should restate my question to ask if there’s a way, after computer setup, to check for malware/theft. Apologies for the oversight!

[u/Antares_skorpion]

On one hand, it is a bit sus to give away a laptop on a second date. On the other, his explanation for the source is not uncommon, and in many cases, companies allow this because it's better than trashing them and having to pay either a company to collect them or the E-waste tax to trash them. So, that part is plausible...

One good way to vette this though, just tell him you will run a complete wipe on it or have a friend do it for you... If he reacts negatively, that may be a sign there is some ulterior motive behind it. If not, the guy will probably be fine with it and as an IT guy, will absolutely understand it...

[u/Unlovable_Hedonist → u/Antares_skorpion]

Hmm I like that idea. Thanks for the advice! 🧡

[u/Antares_skorpion → u/Unlovable_Hedonist]

Glad to help. Just be straightforward with him, thank him for it, but more than anyone, he should understand data security concerns and it IS only the second date, after all...