9. Place Your Programs

This is one area where you're on your own: We can't decide what software you want or need. But if you're configuring this new machine for someone else, remember that no PC is complete without at least an office suite, a photo-editing tool, a media manager, and something for e-mail. And there are free alternatives for almost any program you might need; see our no-cost favorites in The Best Free Software.

If you want the same setup as your previous machine, check the Program Files folder on the C: drive of your old PC. Make a listing of the programs there using an online word processor like Google Docs so you can access the list from any computer. Keep in mind that you'll also want to carry over the settings and log-in info for software like e-mail and IM clients.

Gather those monstrosities known as registration codes for your software. Record them somewhere permanent and accessible. Write them on the discs themselves or keep them in a notebook, or whatever method you have for preserving data you know you will need again.

Some software is limited to a certain number of machines. For example, iTunes will play only songs you've bought online on up to five PCs. So check that the software is de-authorized on the old PC if you won't be using it there. Uninstalling might be all it takes.