New build--what sequence to load software?

[MikeSp]

This is a new build and has been loaded, but in attempting to resolve an Audigy/Norton conflict and an issue with Roxio 7, I had to try some fairly significant tweaking and plan to reload the computer after deleting the RAID partition and start over with a virgin install just to satisfy my left brain. Opinions requested on recommended sequence of software loaded AFTER RAID and mobo drivers and Windows XP Pro SP-1 and critical updates. The following choices of software then are: (assume each one updated right after it is loaded)
Norton Systemworks 2004
Norton Firewall 2004
Audigy 2ZX Platinum software
Radeon x800 Pro software
Wireless Keyboard and Mouse software
Plextor CD-RW software
Plextor DVD-RW software
MS Office 2003
Roxio Easy Media Creator 7
CorelDraw 9
Photoshop Elements 2

[Panama Red]

Loading software has no real order to it that I'm aware of. However, loading XP, updates and motherboard drivers does. After you've installed the raid drivers, install XP. Then install the mobo drivers and all device drivers that show up in Device Manager until there are no problems showing in Device Manager at all. Then do to Window Update and install the updates. This assumes you have SP1a included with your XP install. If not, ignore any usb conflicts until after the XP updates are done as usb 2.0 is enabled by installing SP1a.

I do see three programs that are notorious for causing conflicts/problems. Both Norton programs and the Roxio. The Norton programs are redundant to the native XP options and are huge resource hogs. If you want a good, free Anti Virus, use AVG free version. Skip all the Norton stuff. Pick up a copy of Nero instead of the Roxio and you'll be very pleased with the performance.

One other thing. Once you install the MS Office check at Office Update to bring it up to date also.

[Jaggannath]

I've had no real problems with Norton, however I decided to go with AVG and I wouldn't go back.

Also, don't ever use Roxio... it's absolute rubbish. Caused all kinds of conflicts with my computer, and refused to remove the file that was causing conflicts. Took me ages to sort out, never again I promise you

[kev7555]

I've seen a lot of Norton hate mail here and I'm not advocating Norton in particular but I have had very little trouble with the 2002 version. The 2004 version sucks wind!! I sent it back and asked for a refund.

Have to agree wholeheartedly with the suggestion for Nero. Roxio is nothing but trouble. Nero rocks!

One more note...I have had much better performance out of the Microsoft Office 2000 premium edition than with any of the XP office programs.

Just my two cents...


-Kev

[bigandy]

What I always do is to load all the updates (like PR said), then drivers off of the CD's (or the 'net if there are newer versions available for download), then just pick what software you want to install and do so. With the software, I just install it at random, whatever's on top of the pile gets put on first.

[Statica]

My general rule of thumb when installing software on a new system is as follows:
1) System & Device drivers and related files first. There is no other way; get your devices correctly working. If this includes searching the mfger website looking for an update do so BEFORE you load other software.

2) In terms of installing utilties and suites etc; my credo is to install the choice file handling program last. For example, I see you have CorelDraw 9 and Photoshop Elements 2; both of them handle virtually similar filetypes. If in my final usage, I would be using more of Elements 2 to handle those common file types (like JPG) then I'll install Elements AFTER CorelDraw. When you first install an application, it will decide to take control of all extensions it can (few programs actually are considerate enough to give you the option during setup); so when you install an application that handles the same filetypes, it will overwrite your settings. Sure you can do these manually later, but its just a very time consuming chore.

3) Now there is a final rule that supersedes all of the above; Install Microsoft software BEFORE the others. Like MS Office for example, it's a huge installation that requires a ton of time customizing and patching (dont forget to go to the office update at Microsoft). As a general analysis of program usage and lifetime, you will find that while you install a copy of MS Office, say once every year and a half (and perhaps upgrade it even less), people generally tend to upgrade and reinstall their graphic programs at whim (mostly because there is so much competition). The advantages of doing this are: firstly, the static program MS Office is at the beginning of your hard drive, thus not prone to too much fragmentation. Programs from MS are pretty good at putting your application data in a document not linked with the core executables and libraries. (of course this will only work if you partitioned your drive properly .. separating your system partition from others). secondly, since you will be upgrading your other programs more often (because of more frequent releases to the smaller programs and because of the lower cost of upgrading, that is the way it usually shapes out), your hard drive wont be as fragmented. Programs like antivirus suites are fit to be installed at the end IMO, because they have so many files and components that keep changing sometimes on a daily basis.