In what order does one install Drivers?

[madmurph]

Mmhmm, but is there ANY way to use a PC for a couple of years and not ever get one little bit of spyware?

Nope. Those guys are just as clever as the ones writing the anti- stuff. Shoot, for all we know, they're one and the same. Kind of like the glass guy that pays the kid to go throw rocks through windows. Job security? Why do you think McAfee was so pissed at what Microsoft did with Vista security. It was cutting into their bottom line. We're just the minions trying to keep our heads above the ... water.

 

[mikeph056]

Kinda paranoid to think there are infections just sitting there, waiting for you before you even establish an IP address! Yes, if you leave the comp on for a while without doing something about protection, some dick without a life will probably hack into your setup because he doesn't have a girlfriend to hack into.

I had a friend that worked for Dell -- don't hold it against me, I said "had" -- and according to the Big D, six seconds unprotected on the Internet and your system starts downloading spyware, malware, and all other manner of toasties.

Mmhmm, but is there ANY way to use a PC for a couple of years and not ever get one little bit of spyware?

My method should make it pretty safe though eh?

Never connect to the internet. Never install anything that didn't come with it. Never put in a floppy, cd, USB stick or anything else!

 

[mikeph056]

So, the order is:
SP2, Autopatcher up to Jan 07, Chipset, LAN, Video, Audio
Zone Alarm Internet Security Suite (15 day trial until I can get around to buying it), DirectX

IMHO, got to disagree. Read one of the prev. posts by the guy that works in a comp tech shop. I'm pretty close to agreement with him. I've built hundreds of computers, and chipset is always first, so all the parts on the m/b are talking to each other. Vid card is next. You should always download drivers directly from the manufacturer, so you should already have the latest mb and vid drivers, making that a non-issue regarding online upgrade. Doesn't it make sense that you want those two things working properly before you do anything else? Soundcard or LAN, is a tossup. I've always done sound first, especially if it's an add-in card, because they can be a mb resource hog. This way you get your mb resources allocated properly before messing it up with other stuff. Since your not going to go online until everything is working properly, it doesn't matter when the LAN is installed -- some onboard LAN will automatically pick up a windows driver, anyway. (And then I still install the manufacturers driver, in the end.) Then install your other peripherals.
Finally, set a restore point. This way -- assuming everything is runnning well -- if any of your online downloads screws something up, you know the cause, and you can backtrack to a stable point in the install. It'll save you a ton of time and aggravation. Before plugging the little cable in, make sure your anti-virus and firewalls are all set up, as other posters have cautioned. And I agree with another of the ^^^posters that minor MS drivers for KB and mouse, etc. are inconsequential, and you can take the windows update for those.

And I disagree with you. ATI Cataylst drivers require SP2 and .NET to be installed first. Therefore SP2 and Autopatcher need to come first. I couldn't tell you about the chipset though. The LAN I would put last though, and definatly after installing anti virus/spyware programs.

(seems I can never just post once always need to edit :/ )

 

[madmurph]

Kinda paranoid to think there are infections just sitting there, waiting for you before you even establish an IP address! Yes, if you leave the comp on for a while without doing something about protection, some dick without a life will probably hack into your setup because he doesn't have a girlfriend to hack into.

I had a friend that worked for Dell -- don't hold it against me, I said "had" -- and according to the Big D, six seconds unprotected on the Internet and your system starts downloading spyware, malware, and all other manner of toasties.

Mmhmm, but is there ANY way to use a PC for a couple of years and not ever get one little bit of spyware?

My method should make it pretty safe though eh?

Never connect to the internet. Never install anything that didn't come with it. Never put in a floppy, cd, USB stick or anything else! Yeah. And if you don't plug it into the wall, you can be assured nothing will ever happen to it.

 

[mikeph056]

Kinda paranoid to think there are infections just sitting there, waiting for you before you even establish an IP address! Yes, if you leave the comp on for a while without doing something about protection, some dick without a life will probably hack into your setup because he doesn't have a girlfriend to hack into.

I had a friend that worked for Dell -- don't hold it against me, I said "had" -- and according to the Big D, six seconds unprotected on the Internet and your system starts downloading spyware, malware, and all other manner of toasties.

Mmhmm, but is there ANY way to use a PC for a couple of years and not ever get one little bit of spyware?

My method should make it pretty safe though eh?

Never connect to the internet. Never install anything that didn't come with it. Never put in a floppy, cd, USB stick or anything else! Yeah. And if you don't plug it into the wall, you can be assured nothing will ever happen to it.

I was going to say that, but he said 'to use a PC for a couple of years'

 

[billdcat4]

Can you infect a usb key/ hard drive by plugging it into an infected PC, and then infect other PCs by plugging the key into them? The same with CD-R's and DVD-R's.

So, If I plan to install the Radeon then SP2 and autopatcher comes 1st. If installing a GFX, then Forceware; then SP2 and autopatcher. Hmm?

I just got to contact dell to find out if my RAM is 1.8v or not. My CPU is officially supported by the intel mobo though as well as the QX6700! w00t!

 

[madmurph]

And I disagree with you. ATI Cataylst drivers require SP2 and .NET to be installed first. Therefore SP2 and Autopatcher need to come first. I couldn't tell you about the chipset though.

My apologies. I have SP-2 on a disk, so I don't get it off the Inet. It follows the Win install. Point well made. I stand behind the rest, however.

 

[madmurph]

I was going to say that, but he said 'to use a PC for a couple of years'

My brother had a computer that I built for him, for five years. He never plugged it in, and it never got a single infection. But I guess I can't say he "used" it, although I think he had it holding up one end of his bookcase shelf. XDXD

 

[mikeph056]

Can you infect a usb key/ hard drive by plugging it into an infected PC, and then infect other PCs by plugging the key into them? The same with CD-R's and DVD-R's.

So, If I plan to install the Radeon then SP2 and autopatcher comes 1st. If installing a GFX, then Forceware; then SP2 and autopatcher. Hmm?

I just got to contact dell to find out if my RAM is 1.8v or not. My CPU is officially supported by the intel mobo though as well as the QX6700! w00t!

It would depend on what the comptuer is infected with as to whether it would cross onto another hard drive/usb. As a general rule virues don't jump hard drives or partitions, but it is always possible. CDs and DVDs are usually safer as a burning program is required (provided the WinXP one is disabled) to put files on them. USBs are just like tiny removable hard drives.

As to Forceware drivers, I do not know if they require SP2 or not as I prefer ATI. I don't belive they do, but don't quote me on it.



"My brother had a computer that I built for him, for five years. He never plugged it in, and it never got a single infection. But I guess I can't say he "used" it, although I think he had it holding up one end of his bookcase shelf. XDXD"

Haha

 

[billdcat4]

So uh, how do you disable the Windows burning app. I use Sonic Record Now which came with my Dell and kicks some serious a$$.

 

[mikeph056]

Most burning apps you buy disable it automatically. You can check by opening My Computer, right click on the burner drive, then Properties. Under the Recording tab look for Enable CD recording on this drive and uncheck the box. That prevents drag and drop burning with Windows only not other burning programs.

 

[billdcat4]

Ive got a query:
Is this a good half-build to use with my leftover RAM, CPU, DVD, and GPU?
Just a good cheap case, a good cheap PSU, and a good cheap LGA775 mobo, and a good cheap Hard Drive:


A good case, ugly but reliable and with a window!
Already decided on the mobo
Good PSU: 450watts, dual 18a on 12v rails only $53
WD 160gig retail, so its got a 5yr warranty w00t

I will add the CPU, RAM, optical drive, and GPU to the setup and then install WinXP off of my Dell OEM disc.

Sound good or not? I really dont want to cut corners too much in terms of upgradeability but what can you do?

 

[madmurph]

Good choices. And I know your post says "already decided" on the MB, but in terms of future-proof, you should strongly consider the Gigabyte DS-3; it's only another $20, and IMHO, worth it.

 

[rexter]

As you notice all of us have different procedures installing driver after operating software. and if you did alot of installation your self that some computer will have screen lag especially if browse and move the mouse before DirectX and SP1/SP2 installed.

I have done lots of these installation and as I mention my way works for me the best.

The only way for billcat4 is to try browsing Windows folders before updating DirectX program without SP2 and see if his screen is not laggy.

 

[billdcat4]

Good choices. And I know your post says "already decided" on the MB, but in terms of future-proof, you should strongly consider the Gigabyte DS-3; it's only another $20, and IMHO, worth it.

The thing is that I dont plan to OC and Intel has a great full 3 year warranty. Ive heard from intel mobo owners that their boards last forever. Also intel is supposed to have great tech support. Ive already found ram that is certified to work with the DP965LT this Kingston: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820134046

If the ram that I have now fails memtest, or does not work in the DP965LT, then I will get that Kingston Ram. Ive had 2/2 good experiences with Kingston.

How is the PSU? Its got dual 18a is that enough for 2/3 optical drives, a stock e4300, an oc'd 7900gs, 2 more pci cards, 2/3 sticks of ram, one hard drive?

I really like the OCZ powerxstream 600w, its got quad 18a. Is that overkill for me though?

 

[madmurph]

The thing is that I dont plan to OC and Intel has a great full 3 year warranty. Ive heard from intel mobo owners that their boards last forever.

Your points are well made, and I understand your motivation. Consider, however, that future-proof just means the next year, year and a half, at the most, as the technology changes so fast. Three years is practically an eternity. You may not think it now, but you may come to a point where you want to upgrade, or overclock, but can't, because of a choice made now. For example, I don't think the Intel board is quad-capable, while the Gigabyte is. Also, the Intel board has a 4gb memory limitation, for the faster DDR2 800 memory, while the other is 8gb. I'm not a Gigabyte fanboy, in fact I prefer ASUS, I'm just trying to help you see past the immediate. I can see lengthy warranties being valuable for hard drives, or other peripherals that might swap over to an upgrade, but if you really want a longe life out of the motherboard, you should consider more than just the warranty. Just a thought. Good luck.

 

[sbroadbent]

Chipset,video,nic,sound,modem. Before connecting to the internet Get firewall, antivirus and antispyware installed.Then go online and get them updated first then do the driver and os updates..Oh and definately reboot the computer after the antivirus/firewall/antispy updates.

...because there's sooooo much danger in connecting to the MS update site.....

too funny!

say "Norton" and I'll pee my pants

said that to thousands of people who got infected by viruses, which exploited windows holes ( only needed you to get connected, and bang, you're infected already )

as for the original question:

firewall and antivirus is a MUST before going online.
then download the MS patches

I have to say that I agree with RJ.

A software firewall is only necessary if you don't have a router. Spyware and anti-virus software is only vital if you like to click on strange links in commercial email with very poor grammar, or if you visit warez and pron sites with Internet Exploder.

Seriously, according to some on here, my system has to be the most infected cesspool of internet security threats that exists. I rarely run spyware scanning software, because I usually never find anything, except the low risk stuff, and I don't ever remember the last time I found a virus. I've been running this system stable since July or so, when I did an upgrade on my system on a new HDD.


As to the order I install drivers, depends on the order I pull the cds out of the cd binder. Microsoft Updates for me tend to come afterwards, once I got the system running.