The O/S installation. A routine project, but here is the high level checklist:
- Install XP Professional SP2. This machine has two internal drives, so I gave one (40GB) to C: and created G: for user files on the other (200GB). This was quite generous, but I will never need to start over with a reinstall after filling up disk. As a general guideline, allocate at least 10 to 12 GB for C: to allow extra space for installation of build tools, as well as plenty of swap and temp.
- reboot
- Install hardware drivers for video and networking using the vendor CD
- reboot
- Adjust video resolution
- Configure DNS
- Windows update: 90 patches downloaded and installed
- reboot
- Install firefox
- Install anti-virus and firewall software, as required by corporate policy
- reboot
- Download the most recent AV definitions from vendor
- Enable NTP to keep an accurate clock
- Enable remote desktop
- Install VNC and configure as a backup for remote access
At this point I shut down the system and moved it to a lab bench. Once there I reconfigured with a fixed network address.
rdesktop allows me easy access to the machine from my home or office systems, which are currently running SXDE. I am far more productive sitting at my own desk, using my familiar Unix style keyboard.