11. Review Hardware

Starting out with a new PC is the perfect opportunity to reassess the hardware attached to the old PC. Before you start plugging things in, consider carefully how much you need them. Do you really need that old flatbed scanner now that the pictures you take are digital? For some, the answer will be no. Same with items like ancient USB hubs (you probably have more ports on your new box, and you don't want a hub that doesn't support USB 2.0) and low-capacity portable hard drives.

Old hardware moved to a new PC means you need the latest drivers. Hit the manufacturer's Web site for your scanner, printer, camera, media player, and so on, and download what you need. DriverMax (www.innovative-sol.com) can back up drivers for when you need them later.

That mouse and keyboard that came with your new system should be considered suspect. PC vendors aren't known for including highly ergonomic input devices with their commodity systems. Consider instead the Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 7000, which comes with a rechargeable wireless mouse and ergonomic keyboard. Consider them even if your new PC is a laptop, especially one you don't move around much. Your wrists will thank you later