Start
Case prep 1
Case prep 2
Data and power cables
Serial ATA stuff
General motherboard/CPU info
Testing & installing the motherboard assembly
Installing the hard drive
Final connections
Security during Windows Setup
Best practices for ongoing security
Resources
A brief visual glossary
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Previous: Final connections
Windows Vista or Windows XP?
If you're trying to decide whether to get Vista, and how to build a good computer for it, here are some tips to start with:
Do you recommend Windows Vista instead of Windows XP? Yes. Vista is more secure. Vista is also designed to make it practical to use a non-Administrator account, allowing you to run super-secure with less hassle than in Windows XP.
Windows Vista also will support DirectX 10 graphics for future games, it has parental controls built in, it has a longer support lifespan than Windows XP, and if you want to see more new features, click here for Wikipedia's article.
But what if my software and hardware aren't compatible with Vista? Try the Vista Upgrade Advisor to evaluate your software and peripherals (printers, scanners, cameras, etc). If you're building a new computer with modern 2006-2007 parts, then the hardware will be OK.
What version of Vista should I get? This page will help you decide between Home Basic, Home Premium, Business or Ultimate. I like to use a Software Restriction Policy for an additional boost in security, and Vista Business and Vista Ultimate have that capability.
Get a 64-bit CPU and 64-bit Vista 64-bit Vista has additional security features that 32-bit doesn't have. For technical details, check out pages 7 & 8 of this document from Microsoft.
OEM versions of Windows Vista are available in discrete 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Choose your version when you purchase.
When you buy a retail-boxed version of Vista, you're entitled to use either 32-bit or 64-bit. The package contains the 32-bit version, and you can order the disc with the 64-bit version from this page in order to install 64-bit. If you buy retail-boxed Vista Ultimate, the 64-bit DVD is in the box already.
What's the difference between OEM and Retail? OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) versions of Windows are not to be transferred to a new computer. By the terms of the license agreement, OEM versions of Windows are permanently "married" to the individual computer they were first installed on, and can only be sold with that computer. Also, OEM Windows discs can't upgrade a previous version of Windows, they can only do a complete installation.
Retail versions don't have those license restrictions; you can uninstall a retail-boxed version of Windows from the old computer, and then install it on a new computer, or sell it separately, without violating the license agreement. Also, retail versions of Windows aren't limited to just doing full installations; they can upgrade a previous version of Windows, as long as it's one that qualifies.
What about Upgrade versus Full version? The Upgrade versions require that you have a valid license to use a qualifying previous version of Windows. The full version doesn't have that restriction; it can upgrade an existing previous Windows, but it can also do a complete installation without any previous Windows.
I heard there's a bothersome feature in Vista called "UAC" (User Account Control) UAC is a security feature that you should not disable. It prompts for your approval before allowing possibly-dangerous changes to be made on the computer. Unfortunately there are more possibly-dangerous changes than most people realize, which is why the UAC prompts can seem a bit excessive, but Microsoft made an effort to reduce them to only the ones that are quite necessary. Think of UAC like a seatbelt in your car; it may seem restrictive sometimes, but it'll save you in an accident.
How much RAM should I get? I suggest 2GB of RAM for general use, or 4GB for gaming, video editing or other demanding uses (don't freak out, because RAM prices are at all-time lows lately... this won't cost much!). For your system to actually use 4GB of RAM, you need a 64-bit version of Windows.
Consider getting a TurboFlash This little goodie is excellent for the Vista ReadyBoost feature, which can give dramatic improvements in system responsiveness, particularly on systems with marginal amounts of RAM.
Now on to the Windows installation stuff.
Before you install Windows XP, ensure that your computer does not have any network cables, wireless adapters or phone cables connected. This prevents network worms from attacking it while it's vulnerable.
Windows XP should have Service Pack 2 installed before you make any network or Internet connections. how does Service Pack 2 help?
I'm installing Windows Vista, not Windows XP Excellent! : ) Go to Step 3 (below), and also read the other tips below.
My Windows XP disc already has Service Pack 2! Go to Step 3 (below).
My Windows XP disc does NOT have Service Pack 2, or I'm not sure it does Follow all the steps below.
Can I go online using Windows XP without Service Pack 2 or a firewall, and just be careful? NO. Simply connecting a Windows XP computer without firewall protection immediately exposes it to attack. And if it doesn't have Service Pack 2 installed, there's plenty to attack, too.
IMPORTANT: Apply Service Pack 2 to Windows XP while the computer is safely isolated Before you plug in a network cable or connect to wireless or dial-up, you should install Service Pack 2 before ANYTHING else, even before the video or motherboard driver software.
Software firewall Once Service Pack 2 is installed, the Windows Firewall will be turned on, to stop worm attacks. If you MUST connect a computer that doesn't have Service Pack 2, then manually enable the Windows Firewall using these instructions. Also use a router (see below), unless it's a dial-up connection.
Hardware firewall Use a router between your computer and your modem. It stops worm attacks except from other computers that are connected to the router (wired or wirelessly).
If you get a router that has wireless, turn the wireless off unless you need it. If you do need the wireless, enable the highest level of encryption that your hardware supports, preferably WPA2. Read the router's instruction manual thoroughly.
Enable Data Execution Prevention completely Right-click My Computer, choose Properties, and do this.
First connection When you first establish a working Internet connection, take these steps:
Go to the Microsoft Update site and get Windows fully updated. It will probably take three or four sessions to completely patch a fresh Windows XP installation.
Get some good antivirus software, update it, and configure it.
mech's other tips for Windows installation
Windows Vista & XP: before you start, unplug all extra hard drives, if you have more than one. Also unplug all USB drives, including memory-card readers. This ensures that drive letter C: is available for your main hard drive.
Windows XP: as soon as the computer has reached the desktop screen, install Service Pack 2 if your Windows XP CD doesn't already have Service Pack 2 built into it.
Do not Activate your Windows installation until all of your driver software is installed. If you're installing Windows Vista, watch for a checkbox that says "automatically activate when online" and uncheck it, so you can get everything done before you activate.
Windows XP: after Service Pack 2 is installed, enable Automatic Updates when you are asked (during the reboot).
After Service Pack 2 is installed, install your chipset driver software and reboot.
After the motherboard drivers are installed, now install your video card's drivers.
Windows Vista & XP: make a second user account, set it up how you like it, and then change it to a Limited account, called a Standard User account on Windows Vista. Limited or Standard User accounts are much more resistant to viruses and spyware than Administrator accounts. Set aside the other user account to be your Administrator account, and only use it when you need Administrator powers.
Next: Best practices for ongoing security
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