New Windows 8 PC (first time user) - Getting Started? - Hardware & Software

Anyone got any getting-started routine for a new laptop, specifically for windows 8? I'm pretty sure I can figure out all the UI shit on my own but just want to know any essential "PLZ INSTALL THIS FIRST BEFORE ANYTHING" lists you guys have or maybe how you have your start screens set up. It's a touchscreen laptop so the whole metro stuff doesn't scare me away, and I'd be interested in knowing how you guys set it up to best take advantage of the start screen.

8.1 would probably be a good place to start, if you're into having the start button. It should be available on the 17th.

I like the metro UI as it works great with the touchscreen, so no biggie on that end for me.

I dunno. My general routine with most computers is: 1. wipe 2. install clean windows 3. install chipset drivers 4. install graphics drivers 5. install wlan / keyboard drivers 6. install software: 6a. web browser of choice 6b. antivirus of choice (with Win8, MalwareBytes + Defender is enough) 6c. software off ninite (7zip, java, foxit reader, flash, etc) 6d. Deluge 6e. PerfectDisk (for hard disk based systems) 6f. cCleaner 6g. Microsoft Office 6h. Dropbox + Dropbox Folder Sync 6i. Thunderbird, Steam, etc other software 6j. Steam Tile (for bringing Steam games onto Metro) 7. Update and Cclean 8. BIOS tweaks, undervolting and what not (varies) In general, all the keyboard shortcuts you really need to use Win8 effectively is just Windows key metro searching, Win+W key settings searching, Win+I to bring up the settings and Win+D to go back to desktop. Metro is mostly just an extended fullscreen start menu, after all. Steam Tile and some live tile weather apps are nice but that's about it when it comes to Win8.

Thanks for the suggestions!

[QUOTE=fishyfish777;42483130]I dunno. My general routine with most computers is: 1. wipe 2. install clean windows 3. install chipset drivers 4. install graphics drivers 5. install wlan / keyboard drivers 6. install software: 6a. web browser of choice 6b. antivirus of choice (with Win8, MalwareBytes + Defender is enough) 6c. software off ninite (7zip, java, foxit reader, flash, etc) 6d. Deluge 6e. PerfectDisk (for hard disk based systems) 6f. cCleaner 6g. Microsoft Office 6h. Dropbox + Dropbox Folder Sync 6i. Thunderbird, Steam, etc other software 6j. Steam Tile (for bringing Steam games onto Metro) 7. Update and Cclean 8. BIOS tweaks, undervolting and what not (varies) In general, all the keyboard shortcuts you really need to use Win8 effectively is just Windows key metro searching, Win+W key settings searching, Win+I to bring up the settings and Win+D to go back to desktop. Metro is mostly just an extended fullscreen start menu, after all. Steam Tile and some live tile weather apps are nice but that's about it when it comes to Win8.[/QUOTE] In windows 8, it's just install windows, go to ninite and get your software, download extra software afterwards aaaaand done... (I'm serious, all drivers work for some freaking reason. I thought Windows 7 did a good job, this is just insane)

[QUOTE=Killervalon;42491838](I'm serious, all drivers work for some freaking reason. I thought Windows 7 did a good job, this is just insane)[/QUOTE] Yes, generic drivers do work; But you aren't going to get full performance out of your system if you use them.

[QUOTE=GiGaBiTe;42495546]Yes, generic drivers do work; But you aren't going to get full performance out of your system if you use them.[/QUOTE] Which? I install, takes a few minutes, my screen flashes - Newest NVIDIA drivers installed, network drivers installed, audio drivers installed - everything is ready. Windows Update looks for RealTek drivers etc too you know...