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Starting from scratch - what should I install and do?

Discussion in 'Techno-Magic' started by Bahir the Red, Dec 20, 2006.

  1. Bahir the Red Gems: 18/31
    Latest gem: Horn Coral

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    Remove all ads!
    So, I'll get a new hard drive soon, and this time, I plan to make everything right. So, with the help of you guys, I would like to make a list of all the things to do on the computer before starting to use it normally.

    What I've got so far, on the top of my mind:

    Install:
    Firewall (Zone Alarm)
    Anti-virus (avast)
    Anti-spyware (ad-aware)
    RamBooster
    Tweak UI

    Help me please.
     
    Bahir the Red, Dec 20, 2006
    #1

  2. Wordplay Gems: 29/31
    Latest gem: Glittering Beljuril

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    Based on my own setup, which has never failed thus far:

    1) Install WinXP and updates. There are special versions of Windows that have updates and no-activation cracks pre-installed.
    2) Install ZoneAlarm.
    3) Install DirectX 9.0c
    4) Install drivers and whatnot.
    5) Defrag and tweak the settings, especially those under the properties of "My Computer."

    You can also skin the GUI with a tool available from my homepage. Makes it look so much prettier. No AV software (if you trust yourself) and remove all unnecessary background tasks. Makes your comp run smoother.
     
    Wordplay, Dec 21, 2006
    #2

  3. Erod Gems: 14/31
    Latest gem: Chrysoberyl

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    Do not plug it in the net before installing a firewall that limits inbound traffic.
     
    Erod, Dec 21, 2006
    #3
  4. Taza

    Taza Weird Modmaker Veteran

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    I usually just put it behind a router with NAT enabled.

    My routine:

    Install Windows and updates. (Reboot)
    Install latest DirectX and WMP. (Reboot)
    Install ZoneAlarm. (Reboot)
    Install AVG. (Reboot)
    Remove unnecessary services. (Reboot)
    Change user settings. (Reboot)
    Defragment. (Reboot)
    Install Opera, Filzip, IrfanView and VLC.
    Disable Drive Indexing.
    Disable Mouse Shadow.
    Configure Control Panel settings.
    Configure Computer Management settings.
    Set swap memory (usually 2x physical).
    Reboot.
    Defrag.
    Reboot.
    Install user-specific programs (such as Firefox).
    Reboot.
    Defrag.
    Reboot.
     
    Taza, Dec 21, 2006
    #4
  5. Disciple of The Watch

    Disciple of The Watch Preparing The Coming of The New Order Veteran

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    Which services can be removed safely, Taza? My housemate wants me to optimize her own comp, but I don't really want to screw up her installation. (Not that I really care, but anything to avoid reinstalling Winblows one more time)
     
    Disciple of The Watch, Dec 21, 2006
    #5
  6. Taza

    Taza Weird Modmaker Veteran

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    If it has startup type as automatic, and looks useless, I change it to manual. Such things as Workstation and Server outside a workgroup, ipsec policy agent, file tracking, messenger, NetBIOS support...

    Generally, changing the type from automatic to manual should be safer.
     
    Taza, Dec 21, 2006
    #6
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