Have you ever wondered why some people never get their PCs to work properly while others always seem to have their computers working fast, smooth and ready?  It's not rocket-science, but there is a bit of science to it...

The list of what you can do begins with the obvious:

• Implementing routine program updates and performing regular virus and spyware checking,
• Regularly defragmenting hard disks,
• Discarding E-mail and avoiding websites, that might be harmful,
• IF POSSIBLE, Ordering the software you install (See below),
• and certainly other precautions too...

Ordering Software

One important element in building a PC that operates fast-and-smooth, is the ORDER that you choose to install your software.  It makes logical sense that 'new' computer programs are more likely to take into account and work with programs that are already installed.  Similarly it's not hard to imagine that 'older' software might conflict with something 'newer', particularly if the 'old' software is being installed after the new, rather than before.

You can't always plan to install the oldest software first!  But, when you can, this simple advice is to install your programs in rough order by age.  Here's a list of software for Windows XP Professional that indicates the order we'd recommend when building a new PC, or adding several software titles to one that's already working.

Our list...

This ordering of software to install for Windows XP Professional was developed over several years of testing and refining.  It's actually derived from a more detailed list we have composed for Windows XP Professional and for each operating system since Windows 95.  (Note:  We've started our vista list, but it's still way too early to be complete enough to review here.)

1. Win XP
2. Win XP Service packs 1, 2, 3 & 4
3. WinFax 10.02/10.03 if needed/desired (Winfax integrates nicely with ACT 5.0 or 6.0, but later versions of ACT expect ACT's own more expensive FAX add-in.)
4. Office 97 (Do not install HTML option for Word it conflicts with Windows XP, and do not update Outlook until after installing Office Service Releases 1 & 2)
5. Outlook 98/2000 (If used without Office 2000)
6. Office 2000
7. ACT!5.0 (It's important to install WinFax, Word and Outlook before ACT)
8. ACT! 5.04 update (To Work with Word 2000 & XP & Win XP)
9. Outlook 2003 (If used without office 2003)
10. SystemWorks 2004 (We skipped SystemWorks 2005, but it would come after #16)
11. Office XP
12. Office 2003
13. ACT! 6.0 (ACT likes to find WinFax, Word and Outlook already installed)
14. ACT! 6.03 Update (to work with Word 2003)
15. Quicken 2004/2005/2006/2007/2008
16. QuickBooks 2005/2006/2007/2008
17. WinZip 9/10/11
18. PDFRedirect (latest, see note below)
19. SystemWorks 2006/2007/2008 (See note below)
20. Processing any missing Windows and Internet Explorer updates
21. Office 2007
22. Acrobat 8.1 (requires updated Internet Explorer)
23. Microsoft Defender (Anti-spyware)
24. AdAware 2008 by Lavasoft

Note for #18:     We routinely install a freeware product called PDF reDirect (Made by EXP Systems) for our clients who do not have other PDF making software.  You can download, install and use this software just like a printer, but instead of printed documents, it generates PDF files.  PDF reDirect actually let's you create a new PDF or append to an existing one, and it's very straight-forward to use. When installed it becomes an alternate printer on your list of  'Printers and Faxes'.  To learn more or download a version to use yourself visit:  www=exp-systems=com (<-- Copy, paste and correct the equal signs and replace them with periods, e.g. '=' to '.')

Note for #19:     We recently learned that Symantec is allowing users with valid subscriptions for SystemWorks 2006 or 2007 to upgrade to SystemWorks 2008 and retain the remainder of their current subscription.  It's an offer that's good enough to have us buying new copies of SytemWorks 2006 just to use the product key for a SystemWorks 2008 installation. For details on downloading the upgrade please see the 'Bonus Note' in our guide titled: '45+ Copies of SystemWorks 2006 and still buying...'

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