Proper Setup for My Dell Inspiron

Hello all I just got my Dell Inspiron 17R Special Edition with the following specs,

• Processor: Intel Core 3rd Generation i7-3630QM Processor (6MB cache, up to 3.4Ghz)
• Genuine Windows 8
• Dell Outlet Inspiron 17R Special Edition Laptop
• 1 TB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive
• 8.0GB, DDR3-1600MHz SDRAM, 2 DIMMS
• 8X Tray Load CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW Drive)
• Nvidia GeForce GT 650M 2GB
• Aluminium
• 17.3 Inch High Definition+ (900p) WLED Display with Truelife
• 6 Cell Lithium-Ion Primary Battery
• Intel Centrino Wireless 2230, 2x2 bgn + Bluetooth
• English Backlit Keyboard with Multi-touch Touchpad
• 125V Power Cord
• 130W A/C Adapter, 3P
• Windows 8, 64-bit, English
• Windows 8 Home and Professional Media Kit, 64bit, Multiple Language

I did a search but didn't find a thread with a consolidated list of steps of how to properly keep my new laptop optimal. For example removing bloatware like macfee and what to back up etc. So can someone please help me out?

I guess I'd like to know how to properly,

• backup
• what software to remove
• drivers
• bios optimization
• benchmark testing
• anything else I am forgetting, please let me know

 

There really isn't one. Some rule of thumbs;

1) if you are really worried about bloatware, do a full system reinstall. If there is any operation you should know inside and out and be comfortable with, it is installing windows from scratch.
2) The more you install, the more windows gets bloated. Keep program installs to a minimum and you won't have to see #1 as often.
3) Drivers, dells site will be the best place for all your drivers except your video driver, pick that up from ati/nvidia/intel.

There is nothing in the bios to optimize. About the only thing you may care for is if you want non-native video resolutions to be scaled full screen.

Backup programs are actually kind of dumb, most programs can't be restored without being reinstalled so chances are you are backing up files you have no business backing up. Just learn to copy your images and other save worthy data to DVDs every couple of months.

 

I'd say this forum really isn't the best place to ask, to be honest. Most of your questions are concerning Windows 8 setup and use, and will be covered to death all over the interwebz..As always, google is the place to start.

Specifically to your laptop, I'd say don't spill anything on it, keep it relatively dirt free, and at least once a year (possibly twice) check the system fan to make sure it's not clogged with dust too much.

I second the advice from jeffmd, ideally you want to start with a clean install of Windows, and install as little software as possible. Apart from the graphics driver, grab all of the system drivers from DELL, they seem to do the job well.

Enjoy the laptop!