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:
- Take a trip to Windows Update
- Windows Search 4.0 (If it’s not on WU yet)
Download Apps:
- uTorrent
- Zune
- DBPoweramp (audio converter)
- Windows Media Player PLS utility
- Firefox 3
- ieSpell
- QuickTime
- Flash
- Acrobat
- Orb
- Salling clicker
- WebGuide
- 7-Zip
Vista Gadgets:
- Callwave Visual Voicemail
- Callwave SMS Sender
- Weather Underground
- Systran language converter
Outlook accessories:
- Hotmail Outlook Connector (now part of Windows Live install)
- Plaxo
Windows Live:
- Windows Live Package
- Toolbar
- Live Favorites
- Messenger
- Writer
- Photo Gallery
- Hotmail Connector for Outlook
- Windows Live Photo Gallery Plug-ins
Personal items:
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
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 Sounds –> Navigate)
Windows Live Messenger
Media Center
- Migrate scheduled recordings and setup Webguide