How-To Geek
Ask the Readers: What’s the First Thing You Do After Installing a New OS?
You’ve just booted up your new OS for the first time after a fresh install. What’s the first thing you do? Install specific apps? Tweak settings? Bask in the new-computer-smell of an uncluttered OS?
Once a week we put a question before the How-To Geek readership to give you all a chance to share your knowledge and tips with your fellow readers. This week we want to hear about your tips and tricks for whipping a new OS installation into shape. Whether you’ve just installed Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux, we’re curious what kind of computer-warming rituals you visit upon your new OS.
Sound off in the comments below and then check back in on Friday for the What Your Said roundup.
Got Feedback? Join the discussion at discuss.howtogeek.com
Comments (203)
Jason Fitzpatrick is warranty-voiding DIYer and all around geek. When he's not documenting mods and hacks he's doing his best to make sure a generation of college students graduate knowing they should put their pants on one leg at a time and go on to greatness, just like Bruce Dickinson. You can follow him on Google+ if you'd like.
- Published 03/16/11
i just bought one and i first installed google chrome dev then i copied my pictures and music from old computer.
Install whether Chrome or Firefox. Then IDM. Then download all the software that i need.
Install updates 1 of 86.
What happened for JP over at Lifehacker?
Sell it.
lol @Blueeyce, very true very true.
First off is to always unleash the unrelenting torrents of microsoft updates then install AV.
install an antivirus
Run Windows Update 5-6 times, install Winzip, Adobe Reader, Flashplayer, Shockwave, Anti-virus, Anti-spyware, update device drivers, then bask. I just did this with Windows 7; it always makes me appreciate the Apple products…but not enough to pay for a Mac!
check out tweaks on howtogeek.com !!!
1. Install Antivirus, like MSE or any other you like (well, only for Windows users)
2. Install utilities (Office, and other essential software). NO BLOATWARE YET
3. Create a restore point, or create an image with Macrium Reflect
Install all the available updates and drivers. Install an antivirus (if needed), after that install all my applications. Restore my data backup and voilà.
1. Install windows 7/ubuntu
2. Update
3. Go to ninite or allmyapps/software center
4. Configure 3 min
5. Profit! (usually $30 :) )
aprox. 30 min job
$ sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install chromium sun-java6-jdk netbeans && sudo apt-get upgrade
Install firefox with adblock plus. Set firefox as default browser. Install antivirus. Install updates. Also, I create a restore point after all the updates are installed(Windows typically creates one tto)
1. Update, update, update.
1a. Install antivirus (Windows)
1b. Add repos (Ubuntu)
2. Install Chrome Dev
2a. Install other software (Ninite on Windows, apt-get on Ubuntu)
3. Copy over data (if on new computer, otherwise, data stays on separate NTFS partition)
Ubuntu = Install Ubuntu-Tweak (then install all the apps i use)
Windows = NINITE (although ninite supposedly works with Ubuntu Now as well…)
Install foobar and point it at my external HD with all my music.
Then, Windows Updates -> drivers (that WU didn’t find or are too old) -> software
Chrome && updates &&
1: create a software bundle with http://ninite.com/, download the bundle to install all my programs in one run with out a hassle. (I have all my files on seperate HDD’s and in Dropbox so the system disk is clean of important files and has only the )
2: log into Dropbox to get my documents (after installation in prev. step) and sometimes, if needed, copy my user home directory in place to get all my settings back.
3: tweak my programs
this usually takes around an hour, and after I have a fully working desktop.
http://www.ninite.com to install the usual suspects then migrate my files across (Until I can afford a NAS)
antivirus… (Microsfot Security Essentials)… then… MS Office
I remove all the bloat! all OS’s have it one a new install…
Install my apps with ninite.com. No clicking next, just relax :)
install online armor firewall then do updates.
Install all of the software I have on disk, download software that I own a lisence key for, get the fundemental downloads (Chrome, Spotify :3), then copy the old documents over. I the spend the next few weeks just downloading and installing things I will no doubt have forgotten about.
1- Install Window & Ubuntu.
2- install big apps like office from the external harddisk.
3- install small apps by downloading them from the net using IDM.
4- Download the updates.
5- postpone any restart requests and do it only once or twice if needed.
6- Configure apps settings like ff addons.
@Jason: You MUST include NINITE, its awesome (i forgot to mention it !0
And I guess it must be a hard work, sorting out all the suggestions :) Keep it up !
Windows Update
Chrome Dev
Dropbox+ Modify user doc directories to reflect Dropbox
MS Office+Photoshop stuff
Gunz from ijji
I’ll do the following:
1- Install Window & Ubuntu.
2- install big apps like office from the external harddisk.
3- install small apps by downloading them from the net using IDM.
4- Download the updates.
5- postpone any restart requests and do it only once or twice if needed.
6- Configure apps settings like ff addons.
First, I run Windows Update and then I install the 3 programs I cannot do without – Firefox, Norton Internet Security, & Quicken.
Install my favorite, basic applications and then rip an image of the hard disk in case I need to wipe the drive at some point in the future.
Extra note:
I will finish the previous steps with transferring my backed video and music. And then I would get my online stored docs from live mesh and from dropbox.
I disable system restore first. After that installing updates and software go a lot faster because Windows won’t create a restore point for them. After all installations I put it back on.
I click the start button!
If it’s a brand new installation:
Install OS
Perform all windows updates
Install WHS client and perform backup to give me an up-to-date OS install.
Install Antivirus and some other primary applications and do another backup to WHS.
Install the bulk of remaining applications, then another WHS backup.
If it’s a re-installation, pick the most relevant starting WHS backup and start over from there.
$ sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude full-upgrade
On Arch Linux :-
sudo pacman -Syu
yaourt opera
On Windows :-
Opera, Firefox, NVIDIA Drivers, then LibreOffice, Mediamonkey & then finally update..
On Linux Mint 10 32 bits
- Update the SO (368 MB!!)
- Add some PPA
- INSTALL: Guake, Chrome, Libreoffice, Dropbox, VirtualBox, Docky, Synapse, Nevernote, Google Earth, p7zip-full, p7zip-rar, vim-gnome, wireshark, aircrack-ng, conky, and some new themes and icons…. for now, i remenber that…
- PURGE: Giver, Openoffice.
Some realeses (brazilian portuguese only, sorry!) in http://thiagofalandosobre.wordpress.com/
depends. if it’s windows, install all the apps that stop the stupid security apps then the endless update cycle. if it’s linux, install fav. apps.
1. Install updates
2. Install new browser
Install Opera ^^
Install Anti-Virus
Install Drivers in order.
Install Chrome and the gpu drivers
Then som registry hacks to make windows work my own way :)
After the fresh install I make an image of the OS-disk.
Then install antivirus, firefox with adblock and noscript.
Then install apps I really want AND need on the machine.
Install Virtual Machine software.
Take an update of the image.
Install updates by the dozen.
Take another separate image update so I can still go back to the situation before the updates in case some update makes the PC go nuts.
Then mess around with it ;)
Visit ninite and make a cuppa
Windows: Antivirus (panda cloud) and Chrome
Ubuntu: Ubuntu tweak, chromium and restricted-extras
Windows: Remove Crap (if installation is not pristine copy of windows e.g. Recovery disc from HP or so), then, install Anti-Virus software,
Mac: Fix mouse and dock settings (and a few hotkeys)
Linux (Ubuntu): install additional drivers, also disable PulseAudio if causing some audio problems… also, install Compiz manager
For all three: Install Google Chrome, and VLC,… then run update
install drivers
run win update
install mse & malwarebytes
tweak windows services
disable indexing, restore points and all that stuff (blackviper style)
disable/uninstall unused windows apps & functions
install chrome with extensions
install ccleaner & TuneUp utilities
install picasa, your uninstaller, kmplayer, ashampoo bs, soluto, nitro pdf, office, winrar, filehippo update checker, flux, skype, digsby
Roust a negro out of bed is the first thing I do.
drivers for windows then file transferring, i skip to file transferring for Linux, then updates for both
Chrome is the first thing I install then itunes.
Install essential apps, then clone disk for easy reinstall if/when needed.
1. Install Updates
2. Install AVG
3. Install Firefox
i should have mentioned that install updates if i didnt use a slipstreamed cd for installation.
On Mac: install backup from Time Machine and it’s up and running in about 30 minutes with EVERYTHING installed;
On Linux: apt-get update then apt-get upgrade and only then the softwares;
On Windows: 9834675038649523649767 updates and 972461248756 reboots, then defrag, then install all the apps, then defrag, then its ok. And it took only 84765 hours. :)
First thing? I backup the operating system image on a 2nd drive – so when something goes wrong as I load drivers, etc I can revert to the clean install. Then after I’ve installed drivers and a few programs (AV, etc) another system image backup.
- Install Arch
- add [archlinuxfr] repo
- pacman -Syu
- install xorg, packer, yaourt, OpenBox, Thunar, Slim, Dropbox, Thunar additions, Opera, nitrogen, LibreOffice, lxappearance (with obconf integration), flash, java, evince, viewnior, Audacious (+ Grey theme), conky, pastie, caffeine, pidgin, devilspie, lxterminal, cairo-compmgr, ADeskbar, tweaked NotifyOSD, KeepassX…
- configure all of this
- configure fstab for tmpfs
(most in a script)
________________
- install Ubuntu
- enable proposed and blackported updates
- install ubuntu tweak
- tweak and and some usefull PPA’s not in the tweaker
- apt-get update && apt-get upgrade
- install ubuntu-restricted-extras + usefull things in Medibuntu + burg + synapse + pastie + caffeine + compiz-fusion-icon + AWN + conky + Wine / PlayOnLinux / vineyard + Mechanig + BleachBit + Arista Transcoder + tweaked NotifyOSD + Opera + Chromium + VLC + KeepassX…
- reboot
____________________
- install Windows
- reboot
- update
- reboot
- update
- reboot
- install Opera, Comodo, MBAM, Foxit, iTunes, WinAmp, VLC, Flash, DirectX, Games For Windows, Java, .NET, Paint.NET, Evernote, Dropbox, Steam, Keepass, CCleaner, Daemon Tools Lite, 7zip, (Ninite, yeah)
- reboot
- tweak & THEME
- boot on linux based operating system
Oh, I forgot the driver installation at each point, shame on me (+ 1 or few more reboot for Windows)
Once it’s in a state which I am happy with…
GHOST
Just had to do this yesterday, my Windows 7 got hacked! First thing I do is get some type of security protection, Next I download all updates. Then I download Google Chrome and other favorite apps.
Straight to http://www.filehippo.com for Chrome, etc!
1. Updates
2. Easus Partition Magic and split the drive.
3. Install Acronis and make an easy restore DVD.
Bask, definitely, because I know that in a few hours it’ll be loaded with all my essentials.
install and run glary utilities, M Bam,Firefox AVG, winblows updates after registry is defragged and Mbam scan is done. Then install all apps like MS Office, CAD software, PM Software, scan with M Bam again, rescan and defrag registry with Glary again, connect to network and use.
Install Firefox, and then some sort of antivirus.
Ohhh, dont forget Musicbee!
“elvin
1. Install windows 7/ubuntu
2. Update
3. Go to ninite or allmyapps/software center
4. Configure 3 min
5. Profit! (usually $30 )
aprox. 30 min job”
install OS updates > firewall > AV …wait 1-3 days (use other computer in meantime) > malware tool …wait 1 day > malware tool…wait 1 day > FF > what i need as i need it with no downtime b/w
Disable windows Firewall and automatic updates and action center.. ‘cauz they are very annoying..
Install Microsoft Security Essentials and after that all the SP and available updates.
Uninstall Bloatware / “Free” Antivirus / Basically everything that came pre-installed. Clean it up .. then make an Image.
Update every single “driver” !
Jose Ureña
1. Copy my home folder over
2. Copy my sources.list over
3. sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude full-upgrade && sudo dpkg –set-selections < installedsoftware
4. Make a sandwich and play a game of solitaire while step 3 is executing
For Windows I don’t input the activation key during install
1. Reboot
2. Log in to Safe Mode
3. Reboot
4. Install any Service Packs
5. Reboot
6. Install any Drivers needed
7. Reboot
8. Install main applications
9. Reboot
10. if all is fine then only now do I input the key and activate Windows
For Windows: http://ninite.com/ which installs several freeware programs with a single installation.
For Linux: Go to the terminal or Synaptic and open up the respitories, then put in all my Facebook, Email, etc. passwords for saving.
Windows 7- Install Firefox, install updates, put all my files on there, load programs
Ubuntu Linux- Install updates, enable special effects, try internet
Mac OS X- Use iMovie
Install a firewall and Antivirus obviously.
1) Format Windows
2) Install Ubuntu :-)
Install anti virus program and diskeeper. Then defrag the disk.
Then winzip,office and ace utilities.
By that time the updates have been downloading all along.
Update may be mandatory.
Anti-virus is not necessary in my opinion for Linux (and Mac?).
And most Linux distro include already Firefox so maybe just install a bit add-on?
Set up IM software…
etc…
I head on over to ninite.com, and grab most of what I need, then install all my music production software, then copy my backed up music and whatnot to the new system if I have to.
Install total commander!!!
Install Windows updates, install AV, install FireFox.
I’m glad I checked this out, since I found out about NINITE. That seems like some awesome software and I’ll be checking it out down the road.
After installing Ubuntu:
$ sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude full-upgrade
Next, restricted extras, Chrome, Dropbox, Keepassx, VLC, Opera, Banshee. This is usually all done through Ninite for Linux, although I realize that’s the lazy way to do it.
Install the updates/patches.
All OSes: Updates
Windows: avast! Anti-virus and Firefox
Mac: avast! for Mac and Firefox
Linux: avast! Home Edition Linux
MAKE RECOVER DISK !!!!!!
Move my music over
Drunk dial all my ex-girlfriends and tell them about my new OS.
Install anti-virus, minimal updates and install preferred software.
I always install my AV, MalwareBytes and CCleaner first before doing anything else.
Make sure the porno still works then install mse.
LOL @ Wayne
Clean up Windows crappola
Updates
Image
AV/MBAM
FF
Ninite
Whatever other software
Data
I usually get the updates going in the background first (unless drivers are an issue, in which case I tend to deal with those first), and then install MSE, MBAM, Firefox/Chrome (depending on the system), CCleaner, and Filehippo Update Checker, generally in that order. Afterwards, I will often go through and tweak some settings to make things run a little smoother (especially with older Vista machines), and disable unnecessary startup programs/services.
After everything is done, if it’s a client’s computer, I will restore all of the private data to a folder on the desktop (unless specifically asked to put everything back).
Install Firefox.Disable Windows search and Indexing then install Search Everything. Then update.
1- Antivirus, Firewall
2- Updates
3- Install Drivers
4- Install Utilities (and supposedly other apps) and set the preferred settings
5- Delete temp files
6- Boot Defrag
7- Create Restore Point or whole partition image
i start installing my drivers, followed by an antivirus, then other programs
Install Graphics Drivers, Restart, then bask in the 11 seconds Bootup time, cause from the first update to be installed, it’s just all downhill from there…. That Win 7 Service Pack *UGH* talk about murdering a pc.
P.S. I do a clean install at least once a month,if not more, moment it takes 30 secs to startup, reformat and start again.
Bloody Microsoft.
I head over to ninite.com and get everything else installed all at once!!! Ninite FTW
1. Remove bloatware.
2. Install MSE.
3. Install Chrome.
4. Install everything else I use i.e. Skype, Office, Google Earth etc.
tweak the system, turn off system restore and install needed softwares
Windows
1) Prepare Clean Tools for your setup later: IDM, Firefox, Y!M …
Recommend: Download from it’s homepage
Note: Restart your PC each time you Update or Install new Tools
2) Must Update first (Win7: SP1, XP: SP3)
3) Turn On: Firewall, Turn Off: System restore, Remote, Autorun
4) Install at least 1 Antivirus like AVG (Free) or Kaspersky (Shareware): Remember to Update for it
5) Install IDM, Firefox, Office, Flash, FoxitReader …
6) MOD something to boost your PC
7) Use Ghost to save this Partition
1. Go to ninite
2. ????
3. profit.
problem? xD
After fresh installation of Windows 7 I usually do next steps:
1. Install all drivers (Video, Audio, Atheros, ESU, Synaptics)
2. Turn off System restore
3. Shut down Windows Search service
4. Turn off all animation & slide effect
5. Install system apps: Ashampoo Burning, ImgBurn, CCleaner, Cybershredder, Auslogics Disk defrag, 7zip, Uniextract, AxCrypt, PDFCreator, Avast, ERUNT
6. Install web apps: JAVA, Flash, Opera, Firefox, Skype
7. Install office apps: MS Office 2007, Mindjet MindManager, LibreOffice, UK Kalender, MemPad, SpeedCrunch, Eigenmath
8. Install graphics apps: Paint.NET, SoothDraw, PickPick, FSViewer
9. Install sound & video apps: foobar2000, VLC, Sharpcodecs, MP3tag
10. Set my wallpapers
Done :)
For Windows 7 using a SP1 disc:
1. Create a temporary user to log in to
2. Open regedit
3: Modify profile locations to main data drive at HKLM/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows NT/CurrentVersion/ProfileList
4:Create new profile/delete temporary profile
5: Install current drivers from drvier disks
6: Run Windows Update, tweak setting to gain applications updates
7: Install updates not covered by SP1
8: Install general applications
9: Install security software (removes the chance of any conflicts appearing on other software, has conflicted in the past)
10: ????
11. Profit.
Windows
Install all Service Packs available, then all remaining updates from Windows Update.
Then Opera, All Piriform programs, Office and some minor tweaks.
1. Antivirus and Anti malware
2. Stardock Fences (best windows desktop tool)
3. Windows updates
4. Steam
5. Google Chrome
Installing Arch Linux
After standard install, I run the following commands:
> wget http://omnsproject.org/build-scripts/archives/openboxarch-beta.sh
> chmod +x openboxarch-beta.sh
> nano openboxarch-beta.sh
add my apps in script:
# System
sudo pacman -S lxappearance base-devel jre conky htop dmenu brasero file-roller p7zip gparted slock
# Office
sudo pacman -S gcal orage evince openoffice-base geany speedcrunch
sudo -Sy gnote
# Graphics
sudo pacman -S gtkam cheese scrot gcolor2 viewnior
# Sound
sudo pacman -S moc audacious sound-juicer soundconverter easytag (((gnomad-2)))
# Internet
sudo pacman -S claws-mail claws-mail-extra-plugins skype xchat elinks
Now run the script
> ./openboxarch-beta.sh
It is very elegant way to set up Arch.
Thanks to greenblob & omns :)
restart
When I’m installing Windows 7:
1. Install update 1 to 1.000.000
2. Install anti virus.
3. Install Google Chrome
4. Import bookmarks to Google Chrome
5. Go to http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/37920/the-50-best-registry-hacks-that-make-windows-better/ and tweak windows to your likings.
6. Install VLC, MediaMonkey, MS Office, Java, Flash, Skype etc.
7. (On my desktop PC) Setup OC for the GPU, and install latest drivers for GPU and the mobo.
8. Install various games.
When I’m install Linux Mint:
1. Install Google Chrome, bluefish, java, cairo-dock, screenlets.
2. Install new GDM theme.
When I bought a new laptop recently-an HP Mini 210 Netbook. after first time set up was completed I then did a minimized image restore. This is a factory restore that HP have that puts the computer back to factory setting,without all of HPs unwanted software-just Windows software. I did this so I would not have to uninstall all of HP’s boatware(unwanted software.) Then I installed Safefox ,Chromium and other web browsers. Then I uninstalled Internet Explorer.I used IE for first time set up for one reason only-to download Firefox or another web browsers. And then I get off of IE and remove it as I don’t need IE once I have got my other web browsers. Once I have installed all of my software from the Internet,I may or may not upgrade from Windows 7 Starter. Which is all you get on a Netbook. I upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional,using Windows anytime upgrade. Then at the end of all that I run Windows Updates which I set to never install updates. As I like to download updates manually in my own time and can choose which updates to install or reject.After that my system is set up. Andrea Borman.
http://WWW.NINITE.COM you get everything there Antivirus, software with just one click
I might install the necessary programs using Ninite, or manually. Then I may leave it overnight to update or something. I may personalize some stuff here and there. What else?
Anti Virus MSE, Malware Rootkit scanner
MS updates
Uninstall MS propriety Drivers,download vendor driverss
Set themes, wallpaper, dock,deskdrive (brilliant)
Replace most stock icons
Firefox and febe back on track in under a minute, Mediamonkey, gom player
All my freeware apps
Configure setpoint
Disable all vulnerabilities
Come here and a few other sites to go through registry hacks
Admire the shiny surface and speedy OS.
Remove the bloat with PC Decrapifier [http://pcdecrapifier.com].
Install my programs with Ninite.
Curse the OS slowdown caused by installing the apps needed to make it function.
DRIVERS ALWAYS FIRST
1 Drivers
2 Updates
3 Browser
4 everyting else
1. update to last os version +updates
2. install firefox + xmarks to download nvidia drivers
3. rest of the drivers + applications
After install the OS, get first round of updates. Then I have a text file which contain all my favorite apps and customizations. I use it as a check list, then I change the background.
Use Ninite to install all apps that I need.
Windows >> !!! install antivirus !!!
Windows:
1. Create a temporary profile.
2. Move the default profile path to another partition.
3. Create a new profile on the other partition, and enjoy myself.
What a bunch of !!!!!!!!!
First job = install virus scanner, toys later.
Just make me a cup of coffee!
1)Create a admin user account and set a password.
2)Install all updates
3)Install firefox and IDM.
4)Install KIS 2011 (I trust Kaspersky) :D
5)Install all other required software, songs and games
6)Sleep off :p
Definitely antivirus 1st, even on a Linux system. Then the fun of tweaking my settings. Updates and funware come in good time, but I have to have my system perfect before loading a bunch of junk on it ^^
Install all the essential Utilities from Ninite
Use NINITE.COM in order to update most of my apps, and then go from there and do the rest (Windows Updatessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss too)
Windows > Partitioning > Settings > Office > Antivirus > Updates > Firefox > Other Applications
Run Updates, and Ninite with almost all in there selected.
1. I make a full image backup (Acronis) to restore the computer if I sell or give it away later.
2. Install anti virus-spyware program (VIPRE).
3. Get rid of all bloat programs that came with the computer.
4. Get all Windows updates.
5. Install Firefox and Chrome.
6. Install all extra hardware (printer, router, external drives, etc.)
7. Install programs and data.
Clear Temp Folder
Done HDD Defragmentation
Installed & update all Drivers
Insatlled required Application Softwares
^^ Why would you do that just after installing the OS?
**********************************************************************
Here is what i do:
* Format C Install OS.
* Change mouse settings.(Change pointer speed to fast, roll wheel to 15 and 10, change curser to black medium size.
* Disable UAC and Recycle Bin pop-up on delete message.
* Install chipset/lan/audio/video/drivers.
* Disable paging/reduce wait time for windows to load to 0 seconds.
* Install Anti-virus
* Install MS-office and pin-up word and excel in start menu.
* Install Java/flash player (IE/non-IE, Firefox and opera.
* Install Adobe/winrar.
* Install Internet Download Manager. (Change folders to a non-system drive.)
* Install Foobar/k-lite/Skype/yahoo/ImgBurn/Teamviewer.
* Utorrent. Tweak it (Make download folders in non-system drive.)
* Register anti-virus/change office theme to black.
* Wallpaper/Firefox tweaking.
* Make useful shortcuts on desktop.
* Disable other “action center” notifications.
* Install Ccleaner/defraggler/revo/Tera copy
* Check/edit start-up items in Ccleaner and start defrag.
Cheers!
Install updates, AV, and then tweak Windows the way I want it, from wallpaper and screen savers to making sure no uneeded services are started. Then I install all the software I use, sit back and look at a job well done, and get to work.
Here is what i do:
* Format C Install OS.
* Change mouse settings.(Change pointer speed to fast, roll wheel to 15 and 10, change curser to black medium size.
* Disable UAC and Recycle Bin pop-up on delete message.
* Install chipset/lan/audio/video/drivers.
* Disable paging/reduce wait time for windows to load to 0 seconds.
* Install Anti-virus
* Install MS-office and pin-up word and excel in start menu.
* Install Java/flash player (IE/non-IE, Firefox and opera.
* Install Adobe/winrar.
* Install Internet Download Manager. (Change folders to a non-system drive.)
* Install Foobar/k-lite/Skype/yahoo/ImgBurn/Teamviewer.
* Utorrent. Tweak it (Make download folders in non-system drive.)
* Register anti-virus/change office theme to black.
* Wallpaper/Firefox tweaking.
* Make useful shortcuts on desktop.
* Disable other “action center” notifications.
* Install Ccleaner/defraggler/revo/Tera copy
* Check/edit start-up items in Ccleaner and start defrag.
EDIT: Update windows later.
Cheers!
0 I remove the disk and make an image of it.
1 Create Non-Administrator account
2 Shrink system volume and partition disk
3 Remove crapware
4 Re-arrange Start Menu shortcuts
5 Control Panel items for personalizing settings
6 Apply Registry edits
7 Apply Environment strings
8 Install software
9 Record settings
A Configure for network
B Printer
1. Update
2. Install Opera
3. Install Avast
4. Install rest of my app.’s/ programs
5. Start Tweaking Setting
6. Do a System Image
1. Change the folder options to single-click
2. Turn off UAC
3. Turn OFF updates
4. Install Nod, Malwarebytes and Keyscrambler Premium
5. Install WinZip
6. Install my preferred programs
7. Tweak various drivers and permissions
6.
Performance and battery optimization (acpi, cpu freq scaling, hardware acceleration)
Security configurations (encryption, users, etc)
L&F (kde, gnome, openbox)
Everyday software (nmap, wireshark, aircrack-ng, firefox, emacs)
Standard configurations (wireless, ff-plugins, scripts)
If its Windows: 1. locate, download, install any updated hardware drivers, tools, etc. 2. Run Windows Update (as many times as necessary). 3. Install add-ons, tools, alt web browsers,. 4. Install AntiVirus. 5. Do a soft “Burn-in”. (run and use for at least 24 hours) and 6. Install APPS. and test as you go.
go to msconfig > boot > boot all cores, use all memory.
services > turn off superprefetch.
than > all the above.
Install the updates for that OS, then a codec pack and Dropbox.
The first thing I do after installing a new OS is get all the correct drivers installed (network adapters first), then change virtual memory settings and then install anti-virus software. It is very important to have your antivirus active and up-to-date before going online to get the OS updates or any updates for that matter. Once all the system updates are installed then it is off to the web for Adobe Reader, Flash, Shockwave player, and Java installs. Then the web browsers come in, I prefer Maxthon and Chrome. Lastly, all the 3rd party software is then installed. Finnally, a cleanup of all temp files and cookies and then Defrag. Wala! Finished!
The first thing I do is installing all the drivers required by my pc, except the video drivers, then Google Chrome, an internet security suite, and after that Steam, after that I need to restore ~200GB of Steam game backups.
basically i have 3 ways of doing the same thing:
WINDOWS:
1) Install dirvers (Graphical, audio, mobo, network)
2) Install AV (Usually NOD or Avast5 free)
3) Run Windows Update while updating AV and doing 4-7
4) Installing essential apps (VLC, office, Chrome, VNC, PowerDVD, Skype, Pidgin, WAMPServer, Python2.6, Perl extension, Notepad++, Bloodshed Dev-C++, Daemon, GetRight Downloader, LDAP Admin, Putty, Flash, and a few more) then reboot
5) Create a Ghost image of the Windows partition (size is 20% of my drive’s total space) and save it to the backup partition (30% of my drive’s space)
6) Make copy my Docs, Movies, Series, Music and Pictures to my Documents and appropriate folders
7) Copy my old desktop icons back onto the desktop (which are usually app categories in fodlers, eg: Games, Apps, Utils, etc) and crate read-only shares to them
8) Restart
9) Enjoy using Windows until i get bored of it and format for Ubuntu
LINUX (Usually Ubuntu or CentOS)
1) Create separate /home, /bin, /usr, / and swap partitions during install
2) Create symbolic links to my Docs (Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos (combination of Series and Movies)) in my Home Folder
3) Go into aptitude (or yum) and install SMB, iptables, all the gstreamer packages, dhcp3-server, LAMP-packages, Cisco utils, ssh server & client, wine1.3, stellarium (space is awesome to stare into), google maps, Unity (ONLY in ubuntu), and a few other cool packages
4) run the installs and updates simultaneously
5) Create custom repos off the downloaded files (usually its about 3 or 4 gigs of stuff, nothing hectic, normal tuesday at the office :D ), and configures all the repos in the system to direct to my custom repos
6) setup cron jobs to move new packages to the repos, and move the repos to my /var/www folder at 2am every day. Also create AV scanning at 3am till 6am, and setup system downtime from 6:05am to 7:05 am.
7) Install and configure WEBMIN, so that i can manipulate the system backwards and to the left.
8) Install my Windows games into separate win prefixes (eg: ~/.cod4mw, ~/.warcraftTFT, ~/.crysis) via script and create links to them on the desktop, as well as create links to my lin-games
9) Setup the DHCP to direct to my PC and my DSL router as the NS and gateway, and setup stateful masquerading IPtables firewalls on my 2 ethernet cards,alongside Deb catcher configured for CAB, DEB, RPM, and some FTP traffic.
10)Setup looks in Ubuntu, like usually Ubuntu Studio GDM greeter, Some random cool wallpaper, DMZ mouse, and Compiz effects
11) If i’m single, i’ll setup a mailserver, otherwise i’ll setup a date with milady and restart the PC
12) While the mailserver setup / date is going on, my Media Center server software will scrobe the PC for media and pc it on the web page (Ampache or VLC are good, although i havent created a proper media server in years)
13) When i go LAN, Ubuntu comes with me..
And thats my new PC Setups. The ubuntu side is usually scripted, so i dont bother about it, just run the script and move on with my life, enjoying how the System is created in minutes:)
1. Ninite http://ninite.com/
2. Firewall because ninite doesn’t have one
3. Firefox addons
4. Quicktime to watch trailers on apple trailer
5. Set up Libraries
6. Add rest of missing software like Office and a DVD Ripper
1. Install Updates.
2. Install Anti-Virus.
3. Started installing and tweaking my apps.
Download iTunes and transfer all my music back from my iPod touch.
1. install OS
2. install drivers
3. install favorite programs/apps
4. install Opera and Chrome
5. create restore point
6. install av
7. install updates
8. copy all images, music and docs to my new OS
9. read some update/tweaks here in HTG
10. enjoy using my new OS
1) Install OS
2) Install basic Drivers
3) Make a backup image using Norton Ghost
4) Do everything else :)
Depends on the OS:
Windows:
1. Go to Ninite, and install Essentials, Chrome, Skype, iTunes, GOM, Paint.NET, Dropbox, uTorrent and Microsoft Security Essentials.
2. Update
3. Set up Chrome sync
Linux:
1. Install restricted drives if I need to.
2. Go to Ninite, get Chrome, Skype and Dropbox.
3. Set up Chrome sync
4. Sort out any Linux niggles like no sound.
OS X (never needed to re-install it, but I probably would…)
1. Install Chrome, Twitter, Sparrow, Adium, FaceTime, iLife, Skype, Office, TextWrangler, Xcode, etc.,
2. Turn on firewall, Spaces and Fast User Switching
3. Partition and install Windows or Linux
Load virus protection
Load updates 1 – 124
Load Last Pass
Load Firefox
1. Save intial boot image to DVD
2. Rip out all the junkware, re-image
3. Customize the system the system to my needs, re-image
Go directly to ninite and install everything at once! WIN
Install OS offline
Then Security Suite
All HW Drivers & Updates
OS Updates
Since I use a SSD, remove Hibernation and Swap files
All other SW – Office, Media, etc
1.- Install Windows 7
2.- Install Available updates
3.- Install SP1
4.- Install Drivers
5.- Install Software
– Mozbackup
– Firefox 4 (Restore profile with mozbackup)
– Internet Download Manager
– Songbird (restore profile with mozbackup)
– Install rest of the software (luckily, bookmarked on pinboard)
6.- Tweak my windows 7, the basic tweaks are done with Giga Tweaker.
1. Install Avast! Free Antivirus and PC Tools Firewall Plus (preferably downloading these BEFORE re-installing to reduce the need to go online unprotected);
2. Install necessary programs, such as Firefox, CCleaner, Radio Sure, VLC Media Player, Irfanview, Ashampoo Burning Studio, Ashampoo WinOptimizer, etc, etc;
3. Move any files across (after a full virus scan of course).
As I have done a new install only recently and have it exactly the way I want It I’m going to spend
$69.95 Australian dollars and buy a Dual SATA Dock with offline clone function which allows you to
put in the drive with a complete install of an Operating system , Dock an empty drive and press the
button & Voilà your on your way of creating A > sibling
1. Install Win7 SP1
1.5 Load missing Drivers (if any)
2. Install Office 2007/2010
3. Run AutoPatcher to do all windows/office updates unattended.
4. Install Firefox and plugins
4. Use AllMyApps or NiNite to load the freebies including DropBox to sync my data
5. Load Paid Apps
If I’m rebuilding the same computer I was previously using I recover it to a clean state will all drivers and apps loaded via a ghost restore DVD set I make when I first finish setting up a PC for myself.
Last time I installed Linux Mint 10.
Installed updates.
Setup Compiz to my liking.
Setup symbolic links in my home folder to point to my external drives
Download and install teamviewer, dropbox, virtualbox & XTile
Add teamviewer to startup.
Adjust Totem Movie Player Aspect Ratio
1. Open GConf-editor (hit Alt+F2 and type gconf-editor).
2. Go to system -> gstreamer -> x.x -> default
3. Set the videosink key to: xvimagesink pixel-aspect-ratio=1/1
Watch a video.
Geek it & tweek it till it Mhz and it’s time to install again! Seriously, I hardly do anything else after install WinXP/Win7/Ubuntu/Linux Mint… :)
Install O/S, Drivers, Firewall, Antivirus, SuperAntispyware Pro, Updates and SP1 and all the Applications I use. Oh and now have to update Browser.
The first thing after installing OS is to install all Motherboard drivers, then an antivirus, then update any drivers that are not up to date, then install all the free application software from Download.com.
Install zone alarm firewall.
The first thing i do after a clean OS reinstall is to Install an Antivirus. Then Install the Drivers for the Cards
Security Essentials
Firefox
VLC
CCleaner
7zip
And then all the rest.
always go thru services and disable remote registry and other services not needed and then to task scheduler and disable Microsoft customer experience and other schedules not needed,
For Windows:
1: Use Internet Explorer to download Chrome and Firefox. Then delete IE, all other bloatware, and whatever antivirus program is already installed.
2: Download GVim, Cream, Python, Pygame, GCC, Paint.net, and Microsoft Security Essentials.
3: Configure themes
4: Configure system paths
5: Configure Wacom tablet
6: Spend the rest of computer time playing a game.
For Linux:
1: Install updates.
2: Download GVim, Cream, Python, Pygame, and the GIMP
3: Run sudo apt-get update
4: Configure themes, window settings
5: Configure all other settings.
6: Go find out how to configure other settings.
7: Bask in the glory of Linux.
Configure
Update
Install Chrome/Firefox
Install all utility
Test new SO
JUST INSTALLED THE SOFTWARES IN MY SOFTWARE FOLDER
LIKE ;;CHROME,IE9,REAL PLAYER,PHOTOSHOP CS5,IDM,THEME PATCHER e.t.c
ABOUT 30 SOFTWARES
If I install Windows, I usually install the following order of software:
1. Latest drivers (downloaded from elsewhere and backed up first).
2. Service packs and updates.
3. Disable unnecessary services, edit page file size, remove unnecessary visual effects, tweak the system.
4. Antivirus, Firewall, AntiSpyware.
5. Browsers.
6. Compression software.
7. Runtime libraries, codecs and browser add-ons.
8. The rest of favorite software.
9. Disable and clean the system restore, clean the hard disk from temporary files and cache, clean up the registry.
10. Hard disk defragmentation.
11. Re-enable system restore (around 1 GB)
If I install Linux, I haven’t been cared so far, because the current machine and the required jobs do not require frequent use etc. Just installing latest device drivers and software that I may need.
Simply download ninite installer from ninite.com
Windows: registration, get a new antivirus, get firefox, customize firefox, so many updates, search for installers, wait for programs to install, set up wifi, restart a lot, get a new background, validate programs online, fix wallpaper issues, change windows color, sleep because by this time its very late
Ubuntu: log into wifi, get cairo dock and gimp, customize firefox, enjoy
Windows: Set up the wireless, update system, install anti-virus, remove any OEM junk, install firefox, install Microsoft Office and in between all of that reboot a lot. 1 hour or more.
Linux: Set up wireless, update, uninstall a few programs I do not need. Done. 30 minutes maximum
xp and 7
crack it and install drivers edit page file,install daemon, winrar. reboot then install Avast AV and spy-bot s/d, reboot Ms Office, Adobe, priform apps, klite codecs, xptweaks(ras always on)reboot, update minus 1033. load user info. install governer of poker and monopoly. connections 3g update take all day, bill accordingly. run ccleaner and ship out with teamviewer,
linux
check repo, install update. conf. /etc/hosts, netconfig. sendmail conf, www conf, smb conf, and what else does the client need? does he know how to use it? load pack whachmacallit.tar.gz
mac
install and go client go.
If on a Windows Machine, I’ll enable the option, Show hidden files and folders. Disable, Hide extension’s for known file types & disable, Hide protected operating system files. I’ll also put a check mark to the option, Launch Folder Windows In A Separate Process.
First I install anti-virus so then when I put my pic’s and music on they won’t all vanish.
1. Microsoft Security Essentials
2. Updates
3. Drivers
4. Ninite – installs most of the stuff that I need :)
For Linux, the first thing I do is install OpenSSH-server, Apache2, PHP5, and mysql-server
For Windows 7, the first thing I do is install my browsers, then aintivirus, then minecraft :)
Hit up:
http://ninite.com/
Install Stuff from it,then install Microsoft security essentials.
Sync my old stuff.[External Hard Disks Or File storage]
1. remove any bloat-ware
2. add anti-virus and anti-malware apps
**3. make a backup of the clean system on an external drive
4. add required apps (from CD or download)
**5. make another backup on the external drive
6. go to work
update drivers and patches
The first thing I do is insert the Ubuntu CD and reformat the hard disk to eradicate Windows, then Install Ubuntu. Then, I get all modules updated and install VLC.
-Updates
-Firefox + ad block plus
-disable all task microsoft
-install treesize free
-install aida64
-disable *assistance bios*, remote computer
-install mse and mbe
-creat *standart account*
-disable media center+tablet pc
What none of you check how solitaire has been improved in this release? ?
First thing to do when starting a new OS is to protect it by installing firewall and anti virus protection. Then you can play with your new toy safely.
Windows
1. Install 100+ Windows Updates
2. Install MSE
3. Install necessary utilites (chrome, flash, reader, java, 7-zip, netbeans….)
4. Go to http://www.howtogeek.com
Ubuntu
1. Install necessary utilities (chrome, flash, java, netbeans….)
2. Go to http://www.howtogeek.com
:)
The first thing I do is install security software. Virus and malware protection should be loaded even if the computer is not actively surfing.
Windows:
1 Do Updates
2. Install AV & Firewall
3. Create a partition for data (usually 1/2 or more of the drive if single drive)
4. Move the My Documents folder to the new drive
5. Install my programs – doing intermediate image backups
6. Install Ubuntu (in the case Windows gets messed up or won’t boot I can boot to Ubuntu & find out how to fix it & download anything I need. This saved my but a couple of times.
7. Do final image backup.
Isn’t is easy to use ubuntu???
No antivirus guard need
& itz free!!!
And remember to UPDATE!!!!
At first after wiping OS Install Quick Heal Anti-virus and then set up Essential Software like chrome, Office Package, VLC etc & setup Cloud Drive Like Zumo Drive, Waula, Dropbox..
1. Anti-Virus
2. Updates
3. Drivers (If Needed)
4. MS Office
5. WinRAR
For Microsoft Windows
1. Before install obtain and update WSUS Offline Update to actual state and put on USB Flash drive
2. Download all needed drivers (on Windows 7 you might need less drivers than on Win) and put on USB Flash drive
3. Download latest version of software you want to use and put on USB Flash drive
4. Install Windows
5. Run WSUS Offline Update to update your system.
6. Install motherboard/chipset drivers
7. Restart
8. Install remaining needed drivers
9. Using Windows Update download remaining updates
10. Configure the system to your need
11. If you like make a image of your system partition using tools like Acronis True Image
12. Install software you want to use.
Create a partition for OS and other for data
Install Antivirus Avast
Install Super AntiSpyware
Update the OS
Update Main Drivers
Directx
Nvidia
MS Office
Firefox, Chrome
Others Apps (MSN, Skype, CCleaner…)
And the Vidoes/Audio Codecs :P
Do always
Sudo apt-get update,
sudo apt-get upgrade,
Don’t bother about the antivirus…..
It’s fun to do Ubuntu without the need of so-called antivirus…..
I set up all the system settings, tweaks, patches, upgrades, etc, then install all my favourite software, as well as my backed-up files (documents, music, etc). I install the anti-virus last as it sometimes interferes when I install software, and do a complete computer virus check. Once everything is installed and set up, I clean up all the temp folders, recycle bin, etc, do a defrag, reboot and checkdisk. Then I create a restore point and do a backup.
1. If Windows of any flavor, install antivirus.
2. Install updates, wash, rinse, repeat, until no more to be installed from the vendor. Exclude any that aren’t appropriate or cause known problems.
3. Take my list of applications for the machine (desktops are different from servers, different os’es are different), and download/install, install updates.
4. start each application, go through the ‘registration’, install key, ‘initial run’ process for each application. And install any additional updates. … Don’t install any ‘extra toolbars’, etc.
5. go through the installed program list/Control screen and see if there are things that came in I want to un-install (normally there are). I keep a list of these again depending on use and operating system.
6. Set performance settings (size of swap areas, etc), set up automated ‘updates’ as needed or wanted.
7. Defrag disks as needed.
8. Install backup software, and configure backup to normally backup only user data and ‘important files’ … different depending on system. Exclude all temp/tmp/cache and lots more.
9. Make initial backup.
10. Login to make sure it is ‘all good’.
11. Turn over to user and wait for the phone call.
12. Update MY documentation. (I hate it, but I do it)
The absolute first thing I do is turn off the delete confirmation box on the Recycle Bin.
Last time, I installed Ubuntu (wiping out Xp SP1 in the process) Chrome, StumbleUpon, got all the media stuff going, messed around with the themes, wallpaper, Electric Sheep (must have Electric Sheep), configured the power monitor to show all the time, docked the terminal, browser, “explorer”, Tomboy apps. Then searched the web for essential Ubuntu apps…messed around endlessly…repeat…
Hi,
Whenever i install any window os in a pc, i follow below mention steps.
1. Install autorun eater.
2. Install Unlocker.
3. Disable Security Center.
4. Disable Automatic Updates.
5. Disable Error Reporting Service.
6. In System Properties > Advanced > Performance Settings > Select Custom and select only last three options to make my pc faster.
7. Install Kaspersky Internet Security and update.
8. Manage Startup Programs.
9. Install other required softwares.
Thats it.
MacOS – Ready to Work
Ubuntu – Ready to Work
Windows:
- Install Drivers;
- Install Antivirus;
- Install Firefox;
- Install Flash Java Plugin;
…
what a bunch of kids:) AV is only for false alert
Ubuntu
– ready to work, just have to adjust design and programmes to my preferences:
- first of all – get rid off standard theme with rounded corners – I hate this look since XP
- switch to something squared
- move window buttons to where they belong….
- remove: rythmbox, banshee, pidgin, empathy
- add: brasero, sound juicer, aqualung, avidemux, audacious, restricted extras, vlc
WinXP
- install drivers for audio, video, network, etc
- install Acronis true image
- install antivirus
then create image for easy recovery
create restricted user account / guest account
Later on:
- install firefox, thunderbird, and Open Office
actually it’s not worth the time and effort put into this ’cause most of the time
I run ubuntu (about 98%)
*although Ubuntu is in heavy use it still boots considerably faster than my almost vigin XP!
30 secs vs. 5 minutes
Right click the mouse, and “Refresh” desktop. : )
Install Drivers
Remove the Bloat
Tweak Tweak Tweak
Antivirus
Ninite for Adobe Java
Office, WinMedia Player,Net Framework
so they are included in first round of windows Updates
Windows Updates windows updates windows updates windows updates
Ninite Browser and additional software
Nero
all other apps