things to do after assembling a new computer

[FirstPCBuilt]

So I picked out parts and with the help of a friend I will assemble them. Then I will install the operating system (windows 8)

...but what comes next?

drivers? if yes, which ones? which parts even need drivers? I know that I will have to download drivers for my GPU (gtx 970).

But will I also have to download drivers for my motherboard etc.?

what programs should I install (aside from games hehe)? Is an antivirus program needed in Windows 8?

If anyone could list some steps I need to keep in mind when first setting up a new PC ... that would be absolutely fantastic. (I'm a beginner)

 

[ZeroGravity780]

First, install all the drivers you need from the disc that comes with your motherboard, second install the GPU drivers, after that download all the necessary updates from windows update. After that its pretty much up to you in what you want to install. Good luck!

Your motherboard will take care off the internet drivers, and cpu drivers etc.

 

[Suztera]

Get motherboard drivers from the manufacturer's website and put it on a USB. Google your motherboard model name and find the downloads tab. You would need the chipset driver, USB, LAN, WLAN driver (If your motherboard support this) and Audio driver.
Do the same with GPU driver. If you have a Nvidia gpu, get it from nvidia website. Same with AMD.

Nvidia: http://www.nvidia.co.uk/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-uk
AMD: http://support.amd.com/en-us/download

I would get Window 8.1 for all drivers but also get LAN driver window 8 as well in case. The CD drivers are likely to be outdated.

After assembling, check if it boots into BIOS.
If yes, install Windows. If not, diagnose your build.
Activate your window licence.
After activating window 8, check if you have internet access via Ethernet. If not, install the LAN driver for Window 8. Then install updates to windows via window updates.
Afterwards, update to Window 8.1 via Window Store or Window Update.
After updating to Window 8.1, install al motherboard drivers and gpu drivers you obtained earlier.
Download your preferred browser if you don't want IE.
Install other minor applications you want like antivirus, Java, Flash , 7 Zip or VLC.
Install window updates via Windows Update.
You should be done by now.

 

[HEXiT]

windows will install pretty much all needed drivers to get the system up and running. as it will usually install default Ethernet drivers and basic vga drivers.
so you can if you want.
open your browser and go to the gpu manufacturer and download the latest whql driver for your gfx. i recommend whql over beta because they are the most stable. betas will have issues that cause bsods and you dont need that headache when sorting a new system...

go to your motherboard manufacturer and look up your board, download the motherboard drivers and Ethernet drivers.
you wont need the raid drivers if you dont have raid.
if a .NFO installer is offered get that.

next.

audio drivers if they dont already exist in the motherboard drivers.

install .nfo (if available) motherboard drivers, then the gpu and reboot. (some installers may ask you to reboot now or later. choose later.)

on the reboot install any mouse and keyboard drivers you need along with your antivirus and your ready to run windows updates.

if you want to save a lot of time on installing them hide all the language packs from windows updater. doing so will save about 4-6 hours of the overall install and cut the over all time down to about 30 mins depending on line speed.
after that install what you want.

 

[FirstPCBuilt]

appreciate all the answers so far! thanks for helping me out here!

 

[FirstPCBuilt]

still looking for more input! thanks in advance guys!

 

[HEXiT]

mate without the motherboard specs. we couldnt give you links to the correct downloads.
all the advice you need is there to get you up and running as there isnt much else to it.
if you want to save a little time on the install then hide the language packs updates. it took about 4 hours off my last install.

just run a checklist.
install windows from a disk.
install your antivirus. bitdefender is currently the best all in 1 solution.
install your motherboard drivers first.
then nfo and audio
next gpu, the latest whql 1 from nividia.
start windows update.
do a final disk clean up and thats it.
your now ready to install your favorite software.
if your looking for suggestions on what software is good.

vlc player. clean solid media player
avs video suite. for fast video encoding and easy to handle interface.
kodi/xbmc if you want iptv.
ccleaner for general housekeeping.

a couple of things you may want to do is update your directx 11 with directx 10 june 2010
doing so will help game compatibility.
install .netframework up to the latest version.
install vcredist 2005 through 2012 including service packs.
and thats pretty much it mate. everything else after should go on as needed.