With the core OS installed and security components deployed, it's time to move to the utility stuff.
Step #1 is to browse to Microsoft's website to update IE to the latest version (v7 in this case). If you read the previous post where I declare my preference for Firefox, you might be wondering why I'm bothering to update IE. That's because IE has it's sticky claws deeply sunk into the guts of XP, and if IE is going to insist on hanging around, it's important to run anything besides IE 6 (which comes with XP). IE 6 is such a virus sump tank that any system running it is at a higher risk than running more recent versions. Download of the latest version of IE can be found here.
Step #2 is to install an PDF reader. My experience with Adobe's Acrobat reader is that it's an overbloated resource chewing pig. Since all I need is a freebie PDF file reader, I prefer to install Foxit Reader instead. It's free, unobtrusive, and is lighter on resources. It can be found here.
Final utility install is the K9 Parental Control. It provides a free tool for helping to shield against malware sites. If you have kids, it also can help provide a layer of insulation against other undesirable content. OpenDNS is another option, but I haven't had a chance to use it. So I currently have K9 (available here) installed.
At this point, the system is ready to go for application installation. Combining the setup procedure with smart internet usage, I've been able to maintain a fast, safe, and relatively secure XP environment on my DV 1000. In fact, the computer is running faster than it ever has (including the day it originally came out of the box). I'm very happy with it, and expect to be able to get a couple more years of good use out of it.
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