Best Order for Installing Apps on a New Computer
Optimizing Application Installation on a New Computer
Recently, we requested our readers to share their preferred methods for installing applications on a freshly installed or rebuilt computer. The responses were plentiful, and we’re now presenting a summary of the most insightful tips received.
A recurring theme throughout the submissions was the prioritization of installations, with core hardware driver updates taking precedence over applications like games. More security-conscious users also incorporated regular backups and disk imaging as a preventative measure. Huuisie’s detailed, backup-focused approach stood out as particularly thorough:
STEP 1
------------
1. Format and partition the HDD – dedicating C: to Windows and applications, and D: for data storage.
2. Install Windows 7 and Service Pack 1.
3. Create the first system image backup (Backup 1) using Macrium Reflect, capable of backing up RAID5 configurations.
(This image serves as the base for future reinstalls).
STEP 2
------------
1. Extensive Windows customization is performed at this stage.
2. Liberkey is installed on D: to enable browsing, CCleaner usage, and other tasks without impacting the OS or C: drive, maintaining a clean system.
3. All available Windows Updates are installed.
4. Create Backup 2.
STEP 3
-----------
1. Office 2010 (+SP1) is installed.
2. Office settings are customized for optimal workflow.
3. Create Backup 3.
4. Prioritizing essential setup ensures a stable base, as driver and application updates can sometimes introduce unforeseen issues.
4. This approach simplifies recovery when replacing hardware, such as a printer.
STEP 4
-----------
1. Install all necessary drivers and configure their settings (Catalyst, printers, etc.).
2. Create Backup 4.
STEP 5
-----------
1. Install essential applications and other software (Firefox, DropBox, Java, DirectX, etc.) and configure their settings.
2. Liberkey and Firefox profiles are stored in DropBox.
3. Live Mesh and DropBox are used to synchronize files and media across multiple PCs.
4. Backup 5 – the installation process is complete!
NOTES
-----------
1. While conventional wisdom suggests installing drivers with Windows and then backing up, an incremental approach is preferred.
2. This minimizes the impact of potential issues with applications or drivers.
3. If significant changes are made, the process can be repeated:
-- install each backup stage
-- make necessary changes
-- create new (updated) backup stage
-- this might be time-consuming, but much less so than doing so from scratch
We’ve encountered numerous situations where this level of diligence and staged backups would have prevented significant complications.
BIOS Updates and OS Installation
Mark provided a detailed walkthrough, beginning with the BIOS – an often-overlooked aspect of computer building or updating. He emphasized the importance of BIOS updates prior to OS installation.
Bare Metal Clean Installs have been my specialty since 1996.
Hardware First
BIOS updates should always precede OS installation. Utilize tools like the Ultimate Boot CD to access a command prompt and flash the motherboard BIOS, then reboot and adjust settings. This contributes to a more successful and efficient OS installation. On newer systems, setting the hard drive controller to AHCI SATA mode, rather than IDE mode, can improve performance.
Ensure all expansion cards are installed and hardware is configured before beginning the OS installation.
Software Next
I prefer to create a custom OS installer, integrating the latest updates and drivers for a fully up-to-date system upon completion. DriverPacks by Wim Leers and similar resources are invaluable for this process. Tools like SMART can further optimize the system by adjusting service settings for speed, security, and reliability.
After the OS and current drivers are installed, I create a backup or system restore point for easy recovery.
Rebooting the system several times during this phase populates the Prefetch folder and identifies potential startup or shutdown issues. Configure networking and test its functionality, but delay extensive web browsing until security software is installed.
Applications, Oldest First, Newest Last
I begin with a browser, archiving utilities (WinRAR, Firefox), add ad-blocking and script-blocking plugins, a text editor (NotePad++), and FTP clients (WS_FTP or FileZilla), then install larger applications, starting with the oldest and progressing to the newest.
Finally, install anti-virus, a firewall (I recommend MS Security Essentials), and WinPatrol, which monitors system activity and alerts you to unauthorized installations.
Your mileage may vary, but this approach has served me well for many years and numerous installations. I am also transitioning to a virtualized environment, where the host OS remains simple and secure, and all applications are run within easily restored VM disk files.
I love technology. And I love How to Geek!
The BIOS, as Mark points out, is a crucial foundation for a stable computer, preventing potential issues before they arise.
Driver Installation Order
While many readers mentioned driver updates, few detailed the specific order. Jan shared a Dell-inspired checklist for driver updates:
According to Dell:
The recommended driver installation order for portable systems is:
- Notebook system software
- Chipset
- Video
- Cardbus / Media card controller
- Audio
- Network
- Wireless
- Touchpad
- Modem
- Bluetooth (if available)
- Dell Quickset
- Any other applications
This comprehensive list ensures that all major system drivers are updated.
The Convenience of Ninite
Ninite was a frequently mentioned application. First featured in 2009, Ninite allows users to batch download applications via a simple checklist, saving significant time. Johann highlighted the benefit of retaining the Ninite installer for ongoing updates:
Remember to keep your Ninite installer; you can rerun it to update all installed software with a single click. It can even be scheduled as a task (with administrator rights). I use this on all the PCs I help friends and family with. Combined with Windows automatic updates, this ensures that most of the system is regularly patched for vulnerabilities.
For a complete overview of the installation strategies shared, please visit the original Ask the Readers post. Feel free to contribute your own installation tips and insights.