I just got a new Dell XPS 420 with Vista and I'm putting together a post that outlines the software and config things I do to a new Windows machine.  This post will be updated as I refine it.

Install

OS:

• Windows Search 4.0
• Take a trip to Windows Update

Hardware Support:

• HP Printer
• Logitech Harmony Remote
• Keyboard & Mouse (maybe not)
• LifeCam
• Windows Mobile Device Center
• HD Homerun

Disk Apps:

• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Money
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Premiere

Download Apps:

• uTorrent
• Zune
• DBPoweramp (audio converter)
• Windows Media Player PLS utility
• Firefox 3
• ieSpell
• QuickTime
• Flash
• Acrobat
• Orb
• Salling clicker
• WebGuide
• 7-Zip

Gadgets:

• Callwave Visual Voicemail
• Callwave SMS Sender
• Weather Underground
• Systran language converter

Outlook accessories:

• Windows Live Maps for Outlook
• Hotmail Outlook Connector
• Plaxo

Windows Live:

• Windows Live Package
  • Toolbar
  • Live Favorites
  • Messenger
  • Writer
  • Photo Gallery
• MSN Remote Record
• SharedView

Configure

Internet Explorer:

• Turn on Inline Autocomplete
• Turn on the option for pop-ups to always display in a new tab
• Change the registry to allow more simultaneous connections
• Turn off click sound

Windows Live Messenger

• Turn off contact encryption so it will sync with Windows contacts.

Media Center

• Migrate scheduled recordings and setup MSN Remote Record