Make backup image, then update, install software that I use and configure my system and software. I make few system image backups during this process so I can easily revert back if anything goes wrong.
May I ask you what software do you use and how you configure your sys ? Where do you store the backups?
Here is a little outdated list of software that I use: https://www.wilderssecurity.com/threads/whats-your-favorite-software.363862/#post-2372077 It's hard to list all system changes I make. I disable unnecessary services and tasks and make other security related tweaks. I store backups on separate HDD and copy it regularly on external (otherwise disconnected) HDD.
See what crap is installed by manufacturer, most can be deleted, anything that says Dell, HP etc is probably no use to you, there are better options that to the same thing better. See what anti virus they installed if any, if you don't want it do not activate it, uninstall and user their removal tool to make sure it is completely gone. Make a backup, you can use Windows backup for this if you like, probably a good idea to backup to a separate hard drive as well. Install any security software and browsers you want to use, update all your software including Windows update, you might want to do this before you back everything up. Uninstall Java, not really needed and a security risk, same thing for Adobe, other options available such as Foxit Reader. Read this forum and you`ll learn alot.
I install all Windows Updates until there are none left to install. Use any provided update software to check for and install any software and driver updates. Uninstall any preinstalled software I don't want. Uninstall the supplied trial security software and replace it with a free antivirus.
Very vague question. Generally though, I go right for stability testing, cause if the hardware or BIOS settings are messed up then it's pointless to go setting up the operating system and other software. So I run memtest on the ram, and then either prime95 or OCCT. Then maybe a few benchmarks, like Unigine Valley. If the system doesn't restart, or BSOD or show any odd behavior for a good day- then I consider it stable.
For my own, I download everything that I'll need with another PC, drivers, updates, etc. I then partition and format the hard drive(s). I install the OS and necessary drivers. Depending on the OS, I'll strip out unwanted components/services during the install process or immediately afterwards. I then install and configure the security package, the updates, and a browser. Only after this will I connect it to the internet. It doesn't see the internet until it's already hardened and secured. I make backups as needed during the process.
Q: What do you do with new PC? A: Format the HDD and re-install the OS by my own disc installation. No pre-installed OS for you.
Windows & Drivers Updates, other software (e.g. security software, 3rd-party browser(s), image viewer, adobe flash, Java etc.), system maintenance (e.g. junk file cleaning, hard disk defragmentation etc.), and system backup (i.e. imaging).
Before hand i head over to ninite.com and tick all the software i want to install and it gives me one exe to download and install my basic install without toolbars etc
New install on an old PC; everything is based on XP SP-2. The most recent archived image is installed on a hard drive which has been wiped via Part Image so that the DCO and HPA are also overwritten. This Image will be one created by Paragon 12 or Macrium 5.0.4522. I've been imaging XP for years, each new image builds on the previous and is an incremental change and improvement based on my concept of what is absolutely necessary in conjunction with what is desirable. My current image of choice includes Firefox 28 with Adblock Plus, Flashblock, Easy Video Downloader 1.97.27, and also has Adobe, Java, Shockwave, and WMP plug-Ins. Auto-update is disabled in Firefox. Third party software includes CCleaner 3.26.1888, Glary Utilities 2.6.0.228, TempCleaner 3.0.2.0, MBAM Pro (auto-update) with self-protection disabled, Win Patrol Pro 26.0.2013, and PopPeeper version 3.7 e-mail notification. Adobe reader 8.1 (yes- 8.1) is also included. Except for MBAM, all applications are older versions but work as desired. Java is also installed and configured to notify only regarding updates. Following install of the image, I update (if deemed necessary) my FF bookmarks, MBAM, Java, and Adobe Flash. Following updating, I check to confirm that I have internet access, then run CCleaner, Glary 1 Click Maintenance, TempCleaner, and run a full scan with MBAM. I then reboot with Paragon 12 and create a new updated image which will be the base for my next install and repeat the process with Macrium 5.0.4522 (two images from each application stored on separate hard drives). The final step is to boot to the new install and add in this order; Comodo Time Machine 2.6, then sandboxie 3.76. Virtually every application is an older version deemed obsolete and even dangerous. I run SP-2- not SP-3, haven't updated the OS in more than two years, Firefox is almost 10 versions out of date, as is Adobe Reader, and SBIE. CTM is a favorite whipping boy at most forums, yet it works great for me. On occasion I will add HMP.Alert and other applications of interest or necessary to accomplish a specific task, such as Imgburn and/or Video to Video Converter, Faststone Image Viewer (older version- of course), and Eraser 5.7. All of this has and continues to work for me. No known infection for over two years. When the time comes to retire my old Dell E510, I will probably build a new machine with parts fully compatible for XP. If that can't be done, Linux it is !
On Win 8: - Install Classic Shell (to get rid of Metro) - Install security tools (anti-executable, firewall, sandbox) - Install favorite and most used software (about 50 apps) - Install video games (FIFA 06, Unreal Tournament, Need For Speed) - Disable Services (that are not needed) and Task Scheduler - Disable Windows Update (automatic updates) - Disable WIFI and Bluetooth - Disable Remote Desktop and File Sharing - Disable Windows Defender, Windows SmartScreen and User Account Control
Perform a full HDD image with HDClone, then install several imaging tools like Casper, R-Drive Image & Drive Snapshot. Then I try to create an incrementakl or diff image before any major changes.
Forgot about this: - Configure Windows Explorer and Taskbar (Quick Launch and Notification Area) - Remove pre-installed software (McAfee, Nero, MS Office and Wild Tangent crap) - Choose desktop wallpaper - Make desktop shortcuts (+ save layout)
I agree, the first priority is to have a functional backup/image system. A lot of advice given in this thread is very arbitrary, part of the excitement of a new computer is to be able to try things out. Furthermore there are programs supplied by the manufacturer which are dedicated for the hardware in use that work perfectly, why discard them a priori? For example my Samsung machine came with its own Samsung backup system which has worked flawlessly every time it was needed...
The thread title and the first post are kind of not relating each other. For a new PC I've already stated that I'll re-install the OS from the disc I bought separately. But if I was about to do a fresh install of the OS, I'll tweak it in which, mostly about disabling things as many as I possibly could.
