Keeping my new PC running smoothly

[jSuvius]

I'm getting my new system soon and before I start installing all the aps I use, transfering data from my old machine, setting preferences, etc. I wanted to know if their are some basic tips for sucessful softaware installation, software management, keeping things running smoothly, etc.? I figure, better to plan ahead then wait till my PC has a problem to do something. It seems that on my old PCs, the more software I installed, no matter if it was running or not, the slower my system got. The OS will be Windows XP Professional. Should I download SP 2 right away? Does the order I install things in matter? Anything else? Thx.

 

[mundane]

I just did a fresh install on one of the comps here. Started with XP Pro, then dled and installed all of the updates, including SP2. Then all of the driver updates. No problems.

 

[jSuvius]

anyone else?

 

[gururu]

nstall this order (defrag between steps):
1) XP and all desired updates
2) hardware drivers
3) hardware-specific software
4) Microsoft software (Directx, Office, WMP, etc.)
5) All other software including antivirus, adaware, spybot, etc.

Defrag daily. save all perishable materials in a separate partition.

 

[jSuvius]

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