I would have to second the motion from McVeigh . . .
First the OS
On final boot, allow it to anything it knows how to install on its own, and allow all others to be "Other".
Install the 4 n 1 drivers (motherboard drivers). Depending on the motherboard, you may be rebooting a number of times . . . don't shortcut this step.
Install the video drivers.
By other drivers, this is where I would check under System Properties/Device Manager to see what if any hardware is still not happy (i.e. red or yellow exclaimation points), and address them in any order.
At this point, you are ready to establish your Internet connection so that all OS and hardware updates can be accomplished.
Step next is to install any utilities and get them updated. Norton System Works is my preference, but that is like word processors . . . use what you are comfortable with.
If everything is happy, than, AND ONLY THEN, are you ready to install your software. Do each program separately, and do their updates and confirm its operation before moving on to the next or you can get yourself in a major bind trying to diagnoses any problems that might pop up.
Hope this helps . . .
Swampster
