Setup a New Windows XP Computer

Again, I am re-installing my system because I have a new hard drive and more memory. It takes hours, but it is nice to have an upgraded clean machine again.
* To make it easier, I have 2 hard drives:
1. System disk for the OS, and software that needs to be re-installed when the OS is re-installed.
2. Data disk which includes:
* OS updating software, example Winzip, OS patches.
* Photos
* Music
* Development work: programs, projects, etc...

After installing Windows XP, I complete the OS install:
* Set my video settings
* Apply patches because I have an older install version
* From Control Panel/System, turn off Auto-updates, and Remote access
* Disable unused/unwanted WindowsXP services. Click here to see the list.
* Install foreign language support: from Control Panel/Regional and Language Options/Languages: Thai, and East Asian languages
* Apply motherboard drivers: Sound, LAN, video
* Winzip
* Nero for CD burning

Install software from/for work:
* Virus checker from my work place
* Camtasia for screen/movie capture and editing
* Adobe FrameMaker to create books, and documentation

Now I install free software from the Internet:
* I use Microsoft Internet Explorer to download the FireFox web browser. Then I use FireFox there after.
* ThunderBird for email
* Documents: OpenOffice
* From SourceForge.net: Notepadd plus, and WinSCP
* Putty for telnet and ssh
* Music/sound: Winamp with the iPod support plugin
* Dix for movies
* Adobe reader
* For editing graphics, I use PaintShop. I'm testing Gimp, version 2.2.13 to replace PaintShop with a free software package.

Next, development environment:
* The Java SDK
* NetBeans IDE
* Sun Java Application Server
*** Click here for more instructions.

Hours later, I'm a happy camper.

Posted at 09:47AM Mar 18, 2007 by Stacy Thurston in Computers  |  Comments[1]