New Laptop - First things to do?

[feedtheram]

So got a new Dell laptop on the way - XPS15.

It's been years since i got a new system so can anyone give some recommendations on initial setup?

I'm thinking along the lines of remove Dell rubbish, create OS backup disc, partition HD etc.

 

[Maundie]

I would definately do a full clean install, then you can re-install any apps you do actually want rather than what Dell would like you to have

 

[TheHitMan-1973]

What is your XPS 15 spec ?

 

[Genoma]

Install a SSD!

 

[SiriusZen]

Lick it?

 

[andy_mk3]

To be fair, when I got my Dell there wasn't a silly amount of bloatware on it, nothing like the likes of HP and Acer etc that's for sure!

Remove any Dell software you don't want. Burn restore to disc (if it gives you the option to), don't bother partitioning the hard drive at all.

Then just install your stuff and use as normal.

 

[edscdk]

if its your own machien and you are an IT savvy person, remove the partition refomat start with fresh os install

 

[PhillyDee]

I would give it a couple of weeks before you install.
My thinkpad has a few good apps on it, which I would NEVER have installed had I not had a play with them. There are a few excellent features such as face recognition when you have not been using the laptop for a set time it activates the camera and if it does not detect a face there, it will lock it and shut it down. Handy if you wander out of the room and forget about it etc.
Then wipe off al the crap you do not need

 

[feedtheram]

don't bother partitioning the hard drive at all.

I've read lots of people saying this. I always thought having a partition for the OS was best practice.

It's only a 500gb HD but i have an external for keeping most of my bigger files (TV and movies).

Games will take up the most space once i have downloaded / installed my catalogue - any value in having them on a seperate partition?

 

[feedtheram]

What is your XPS 15 spec ?

i5
GT540M
6GB RAM
500GB HD

I'm thinking i'll roll with it for a couple of weeks and then decide what to get rid of.

It arrived yesterday and so far i'm happy with performance although not done anything other than a bit of surfing. Had Vista on my old desktop which i never had a problem with but W7 is a breath of fresh air!