I formatted my laptop, what are some essential things I should do?

[17kimd]

I am currently running windows 7 on a slow laptop and I was wondering what are some things that are vital to do after formatting a laptop. Should I install things like Java or something? The last time I formatted my laptop the pre-installed McFee totally ruined by internet so I uninstalled that. The reason for formatting is very slow internet only for my laptop. Are there applications to install to make sure the internet does not have any problems? Also I play games so should I install things like DirectX and drivers?
Thanks

 

[tonyzet]

1) install os
2) install drivers
3) install antivirus(if you are using windows)
4) install windows updates(could be done after step 1)
5)install everything else you need