What's the first thing you do when using a new Windows Install?

[CplHicks]

Personally I always make these changes:

Make the resolution/color depth as high as I can stand (>=75hz)

Taskbar/Start Properties:
-Turn off personalized menus
-Turn on small icons
-Enable expanding of Control Panel, Networks, and Printers

Folder Properties:
-Turn off web stuff
-Set every folder to be details and check a bunch of the folder property things

I always have a hard time using other people's windows machines when they don't have their stuff setup "right."

 

[sohcrates]

i actually do everything you do as well. the problem is that i do it all for my administrator login...then realize i want to create separate profiles, so i have to do it all over again!

i also turn off "hide system files" , turn off "hide file extensions", and turn on "display full path in address bar"

i know what you're saying, though. it bugs me all the time when i'm working on someone's system and i open up "my computer" and they've got it set to view "large icons" *ICK!*

 

[Elledan]

Download and install Mozilla, then tweak about the same settings as sohcrates does.

Ah, and I always run Win2k as Administrator, so I've just one account to take care of

 

[JERR]

and don't forget to turn off those stupid "transition effects"

 

[Koeppster]

I do most of the same things you do, but I also install the Cygwin tools right away too, along with vim.

I also set a bunch of environment variables, install a utility that maps my Caps Lock key to be CTRL, and install the thing that gives me sloppy mouse focus like in X.

Last but certainly not least, I delete that abomination of a telnet client and install a nice SSH client like putty, hehe.

 

[Taylorm]

noone mentioned deleteing all those outlook and internet explorer icons EVERYWHERE lol

 

[Raincity]

<< it bugs me all the time when i'm working on someone's system and i open up "my computer" and they've got it set to view "large icons" *ICK!* >>

Some of us are blind or prefer it that way, Its does not make us stupid.

Rain

 

[sohcrates]

<<

<< it bugs me all the time when i'm working on someone's system and i open up "my computer" and they've got it set to view "large icons" *ICK!* >>

Some of us are blind or prefer it that way, Its does not make us stupid.

Rain >>



errrr...i never said anyone was stupid. it's called personal preference. MS wouldn't put it in there if NO ONE used it

 

[CplHicks]

My biggest pet peeve when using other people's computers is when they're using 640x480 8bpp and they've got the desktop covered with icons.

 

[smp]

Install VIA 4 in 1 drivers

 

[Comics]

I have to agree with that. I know several people that do the 640x800 thing and have the whole screen (litterally) filled with shortcuts to drives, files, junk, duplicate icons, etc.

 

[Koeppster]

One of my co-workers only bumps his resolution to 1024x768 on a 21" inch monitor...I'll forgive him that, but then he apparently doesn't know enough to bump up the refresh rate from 60 Hz (!!)....the flicker almost sends me into convulsions from across the room....ack.

 

[y2kc]

<< What's the first thing you do when using a new Windows Install? >>



1. install already downloaded patches saved on another partition.
2. install peripheral drivers (if necessary)
3. get on the web and patch some more/reboot.
4. make windows explorer behave the way I like it (one click, view all, details view, make folders"explore" by default not open etc)
5. tweak (virtual mem, internet connection etc.)
6. trim the fat (especially XP)
7. install apps

 

[Ace69]

hmmm...haven't installed an M$ product in awhile, but I would usually remove all the folders in Program Files like Online Services, Outlook Express, etc. After that I would load all of my drivers for my hardware, and begin installing all of my usual software. Not too exciting. This thread sounds like a typical OT thread.