Do you keep a diary for your computers?


Haydon

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Windows 10 Pro
Myself, for a brand new computer out of the box: I set up the OS, and make a copy of the 'System Info'. I make the recovery disk (and the repair disk, if applicable) that I put in an old, big DVD binder. USB sticks fit in the pockets of that binder with dated notes on folded/cut 8" x 5" index cards. I write the dated notes on the CDs/DVDs themselves. (I also have OS and apps installation media & softcopies, although I would most likely download them fresh, if available) I install and configure my apps according to notes that I made. I make dated notes for all of the above. So, early life is well documented (perhaps done in the euphoria of having something new, LOL)

But then, I slack off. I just caught myself that I did not make any notes of OS resets of any kind. Nor of any uninstall/reinstall of apps. True, most of that can be traced back on the computer, but that is not the same as keeping a neat (and reasonably complete) diary.

What about you?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro
Not at all. New laptop, create backup, and play. That's it. :)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro & 🐥.
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700U with Radeon Vega Mobile Gfx
    Motherboard
    ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. X509DA (FP5)
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    RX Vega 10 Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (1920x1080@60Hz)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 2TB NVMe 1.3
    Internet Speed
    25 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ACER NITRO
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5800H / 3.2 GHz
    Motherboard
    CZ Scala_CAS (FP6)
    Memory
    32 GB DDR4 SDRAM 3200 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6 GB GDDR6 SDRAM
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio. NVIDIA High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" LED backlight 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 144 Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2TB NVMe M.2
    PSU
    180 Watt, 19.5 V
    Mouse
    Lenovo Bluetooth
    Internet Speed
    25 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
Myself, for a brand new computer out of the box: I set up the OS, and make a copy of the 'System Info'. I make the recovery disk (and the repair disk, if applicable) that I put in an old, big DVD binder. USB sticks fit in the pockets of that binder with dated notes on folded/cut 8" x 5" index cards. I write the dated notes on the CDs/DVDs themselves. (I also have OS and apps installation media & softcopies, although I would most likely download them fresh, if available) I install and configure my apps according to notes that I made. I make dated notes for all of the above. So, early life is well documented (perhaps done in the euphoria of having something new, LOL)

But then, I slack off. I just caught myself that I did not make any notes of OS resets of any kind. Nor of any uninstall/reinstall of apps. True, most of that can be traced back on the computer, but that is not the same as keeping a neat (and reasonably complete) diary.

What about you?
If Google Keep/ OneNote counts as a diary, then yes (kind of). I have made notes of various things to do on a new setup. But that was long back, which I may update if I find something new.

So everytime I make a fresh Installation, I refer to it to make sure I have covered most of them, or the ones currently required.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy dv7
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000 & Nvidia GeForce GT 635M
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Crucial MX500 on bay 1.
    1 TB Seagate HDD on bay 2.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Hm ... what do the pros here do? Surely, they have service contracts requiring logs? What kind of things appear in the logs?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Beta, 11 Dev, W11 Canary
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Alienware M15 Ryzen Edition R6
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen™ 9 5900HX
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070 8GB GDDR6
    Hard Drives
    1 x Samsung 980 Pro 1TB
    1 x Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1TB
@Haydon

I sort of do things like you do, just not quite as intensely.

1. Install Windows and drivers, then run the Updater.
2. Make a full OS backup. I always run CCleaner, DISM, SFC, etc. before making a backup.
3. Do my initial tweaks, and keep notes (.txt file), of what I did.
4. Make another full OS backup.
5. Install my programs and do their preferences (notes and screenshots for things I need to remember).
6. I keep copies of everything I install, on a storage drive. ( In case the author packs it in, or I need the version I installed, etc.)
7. Make another full OS backup
8. Finish any more complex tweaking (with notes ofc)
9. Triple check all my programs, settings, tweaks.
10. Then run all my cleaners, and make a final full OS backup.

After all this, I pretty much follow a few simple rules.

1. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Don't update things just because I can.
2. Generally, keep my chipset driver, BIOS and browser, up to date, without going crazy.
3. Keep Windows Updated.
4. Run my cleaners and make full OS backups before and after doing things I don't trust 100%, or things I don't want to have to do over.
5. Keep a 2nd storage drive that's an exact copy of the 1st storage drive.

That's about it.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦22631.3374 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 4702)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Internet Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 13 years?
Diary! Diary! I don't need no stinkin' diary. The only thing I have is screenshots of all my installed programs and product keys. I backup everything oobe and use that sucker. It takes me days to get everything installed and set up like I want, I backup again and truck on, making full backups every week to 2 weeks depending on activity. My old PC which is now my backup system runs Windows 10 and it mirrors my new Windows 11 one in the way it is set up so switching between them is seamless. I always have a second PC available for those times I have one down for cleaning, adding and changing stuff, etc. I've been known to screw things up from time to time so I never rely on just one.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
OMG! That GPU is so cute! He smiled at me today, thought I'd just die! :loveit:

A Guy
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 10 Home x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    INTEL Core i5-11400
    Motherboard
    ASUS PRIME H570-PLUS
    Memory
    KINGSTON HyperX Fury Black DDR4 16GB (2 x 8GB) 3200MHz, CL16
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Superclocked 1GB 128-Bit GDDR5
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG 32MA68HY 32" IPS
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG 250GB 970 EVO Plus NVMe, M.2 SSD, Crucial 250GB MX500, SEAGATE 500GB Barracuda® 7200.12, SATA 3 Gb/s, 7200 RPM, 16MB cache
    PSU
    CORSAIR RM550x 80 PLUS Gold 550W
    Case
    ANTEC P10 FLUX
    Cooling
    be quiet! Pure Rock 2, 5 x 120 mm Case Fans
    Internet Speed
    480 + Mbps Up/ 12+ Mbps Down
    Browser
    Vivaldi Snapshot
    Antivirus
    Avast
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Home x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-750
    Motherboard
    ASUS P7P55D
    Memory
    Kingston HyperX Fury Black 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3-1600MHz CL8
    Graphics card(s)
    MSI GeForce GT 240 N240GT-MD1G/D5 1 GB DDR5
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG 32MA68HY 32" IPS
    Screen Resolution
    1980x1040
    Hard Drives
    Samsung Electronics 840 EVO 120GB, SEAGATE 500GB Barracuda® 7200.12, SATA 3 Gb/s, 7200 RPM, 16MB cache
    PSU
    Antec TruePower New TP-550 550W
    Case
    Antec 300
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212+, 4 Noctua NF-P12 120mm, 1 Noctua NF-P14 FLX
    Internet Speed
    480+ Mbps Down/12+Mbps Up
    Browser
    Vivaldi Snapshot
    Antivirus
    Avast
I used to install Windows once a week, so I automated my setup as much as possible.
I do it only 2-3 times a year now, so it is not as perfect anymore, but it still helps a lot.
Disable Defender, Windows Setup 1-2, Windows Cleanup, Windows Tweaks, then backup.
My installed soft backups every month via "winget export -o D:\OneDrive\Setup\winget.txt"
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 3600 & No fTPM (07/19)
    Motherboard
    MSI B450 TOMAHAWK 7C02v1E & IFX TPM (07/19)
    Memory
    4x 8GB ADATA XPG GAMMIX D10 DDR4 3200MHz CL16
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI Radeon RX 580 ARMOR 8G OC @48FPS (08/19)
    Sound Card
    Creative Sound Blaster Z (11/16)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" AOC G2460VQ6 (01/19)
    Screen Resolution
    1920×1080@75Hz & FreeSync (DisplayPort)
    Hard Drives
    ADATA XPG GAMMIX S11 Pro SSD 512GB (07/19)
    PSU
    Seasonic M12II-520 80 Plus Bronze (11/16)
    Case
    Lian Li PC-7NB & 3x Noctua NF-S12A FLX@700rpm (11/16)
    Cooling
    CPU Cooler Noctua NH-U12S@700rpm (07/19)
    Keyboard
    HP Wired Desktop 320K + Rabalux 76017 Parker (01/24)
    Mouse
    Logitech M330 Silent Plus (04/23)
    Internet Speed
    400/40 Mbps via RouterOS (05/21) & TCP Optimizer
    Browser
    Edge (No FB/Google) & Brave for YouTube & LibreWolf for FB
    Antivirus
    NoAV & Binisoft WFC & NextDNS
    Other Info
    Headphones: Sennheiser RS170 (09/10)
    Phone: Samsung Galaxy Xcover 7 (02/24)
My old PC which is now my backup system runs Windows 10 and it mirrors my new Windows 11 one in the way it is set up so switching between them is seamless.
Perfect mirror in terms of apps and data? Care to elaborate?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro
I just caught myself that I did not make any notes of OS resets of any kind. Nor of any uninstall/reinstall of apps. True, most of that can be traced back on the computer, but that is not the same as keeping a neat (and reasonably complete) diary.

What about you?

I add a line to the comments section of my Macrium Reflect backups for any significant changes, a sort of a Change Log. That way not only is each image documented as to what it contains, but also I can read the PC's backup definition .xml file if I ever need to check back on what/when I made any changes. No paperwork needed and the record is always kept on the PC itself so can't get lost.

1646656371800.png
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Lattitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
A diary, really, sorry but you need to get a life.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 64x Pro 23H2 22631 3285
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    User Built
    CPU
    i9 13900K
    Motherboard
    Rog Strix Z790-F
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance DDR5 96GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI RTX 3070Ti OC
    Sound Card
    DAC via onboard sound chip
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Eizo 32" FlexScan 4K / LG 43" 4K
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160 /3840x 2160
    Hard Drives
    1x 990 Pro1TB Nvme 1x 990 Pro 2TB 1x 990 Pro 4 TB
    PSU
    Evga 750 Watt P5
    Case
    Corsair 500D
    Cooling
    Noctua D15 Cromax
    Keyboard
    Cherry MX6
    Mouse
    Corsair
    Internet Speed
    500Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox x64
    Antivirus
    Eset Smart Securty
    Other Info
    Backup software MR ver 8 to Samsung T7
  • Operating System
    Win 11 Pro 23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    User Built
    CPU
    i9 9900K
    Motherboard
    Asus Hero XI
    Memory
    GSkill 3600 32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    EVA 1060
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Eizo 32inch 4K
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1TB x3
    PSU
    Corsair AX750
    Case
    Corsair 400d
    Cooling
    Noctua 14s
Perfect mirror in terms of apps and data
Apps are the exactly the same except the version of MS Office is newer on the newer machine. They share a KB and mouse as well as an external data drive connected to a usb switch so the same data follows whichever PC I'm using. The only difference in the 2 is the Windows 10 machine has an additional shared internal hard drive that houses all my music and movies. I just haven't gotten around to moving it all to my external hard drive yet.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
@glasskuter said: The only thing I have is screenshots of all my installed programs and product keys.

Same here. My iPhone has more screenshot photos of OS, Program & Game settings than family pictures. Registration keys are in a locked note on phone also. Thats it. So after a new install or re-install, I load, start and go at it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 22H2 Canary & Non-Insider
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    IBuyPower Z690-P
    CPU
    Intel i7-12700F
    Motherboard
    ASUS Z690-P
    Memory
    TeamGroup DDR4-3600 64Gb(4x16Gb)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte NVIDIA GeForce RTX-3060 w/12Gb GDDR6
    Sound Card
    Onboard Realtec ALC-892
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG32GP83B
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440 165Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD BLUE SN570 M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD 1Tb (Main Drive with Win 11 Pro)
    WD BLUE SN570 M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD 1Tb (Main Drive with Win 11 Pro Canary)
    A-DATA SU800 1Tb SSD (Backup for both M.2 Drives)
    PSU
    Corsair RM750X Gold 750 Watts
    Case
    17H x 7.9W x 17.5D 6 120/140mm Fan Slots
    Cooling
    3 x 360mm Front Fans, 3 x 360 mm Cooling Radiator
    Keyboard
    Corsair K70
    Mouse
    Basilisk v3 RZ01-0400
    Internet Speed
    Spectrum 500Gb w/Linksys EA7450 Router
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    On Board Network and Bluetooth
Apps are the exactly the same except the version of MS Office is newer on the newer machine. They share a KB and mouse as well as an external data drive connected to a usb switch so the same data follows whichever PC I'm using. The only difference in the 2 is the Windows 10 machine has an additional shared internal hard drive that houses all my music and movies. I just haven't gotten around to moving it all to my external hard drive yet.
That's essentially a KVM, 2 machines, and a NAS, isn't it? You need 2 licenses for each app (or app group)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro
Long time ago, I talked to the head of the groundskeepers of the municipal parks here in town. He said: "We do the work whether there are problems or not." If he were the head of an IT department, he would say the exact same words.

Wonder what he writes up every week to earn the paychecks for himself and his crew.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro
Having worked in IT all my life where change management is important, having a diary of sorts is not a bad idea if you keep it up to date. I have a simple Notepad text file with '.LOG' on the first line; Notepad automatically inserts the time and date when you open it. It's easy to make seemingly innocuous changes that come back to bite you and you can't remember what you changed (especially when you're old!)

Rob
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Professional
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Digital Storm VELOX
    CPU
    Intel Core i9 11900K
    Motherboard
    ASUS PRIME Z590-P
    Memory
    64GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
    Sound Card
    Realtek onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer R221Q 21.5"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    2 x Samsung SSD 990 EVO Plus (1 TB)
    2 x Seagate ST4000NE001 (4 TB)
    PSU
    None
    Case
    VELOX
    Cooling
    Cooler Master
    Keyboard
    Logitech
    Mouse
    Kensington trackball
    Browser
    Firefox, Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, Malwarebytes
When I builds a new computer, this is what I always do.

1). put all of the documentation, extra cables, power supply cables, case extras, instructions and such in a plastic box that I label with the name of the computer.
2). I install the OS and the drivers, and I take notes which are stored on the network of the order in which I did things. This way, if it works well, I know what steps I took and if it's not working well, I can double check and change.
3). I make a paper label that gets placed on the side of the computer that lists all of the components into the system. Because a few years down the road, I never remember exactly what mobo I have, or what memory speeds I am running, etc.. This label also has the date when placed in service on it.
4). I make a label of my Windows key that gets placed somewhere on the key so that I always have the key for the computer.
5). As far as the software installed goes, I don't use much paid for software. But I store that software and it's keys in OneDrive. I'll install Office 365, as well as Macrium. For my smaller stuff, I typically use ninite.com to install them (browsers, text editors, etc). So, I grab my ninite executable and run it. I try to keep things as light and clean as possible. I don't just reinstall everything up front., but instead install stuff as I need it.

I often will take a Windows image after the OS install, driver install and Windows update is complete. This is my vanilla install. Then I will take another image shortly after getting my normal software installed. These just give me a nice return point in case something goes sideways.


From there, I just use the computer and take occasional backups.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink SEI8
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8279u
    Motherboard
    AZW SEI
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 2666Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Iris Plus 655
    Sound Card
    Intel SST
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus ProArt PA278QV
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    512GB NVMe
    PSU
    NA
    Case
    NA
    Cooling
    NA
    Keyboard
    NA
    Mouse
    NA
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Mini PC used for testing Windows 11.
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5900x
    Motherboard
    Asus Rog Strix X570-E Gaming
    Memory
    64GB DDR4-3600
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA GeForce 3080 FT3 Ultra
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27” WQHD
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2TB WD SN850 PCI-E Gen 4 NVMe
    2TB Sandisk Ultra 2.5" SATA SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus 850
    Case
    Fractal Meshify S2 in White
    Cooling
    Dark Rock Pro CPU cooler, 3 x 140mm case fans
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Corsiar K65 RGB Lux
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender.
I don't keep a diary of anything. When I buy a new computer, this is what I normally do.
1. I use a Macrium rescue disk to image the drive before I do anything.
2a. If it's going to be used as a new computer, I'll set it up and install all of my programs and settings. When finished I make another image.
2b. If I'm using it as a replacement, I'll either swap the drive with the one from my old computer or I'll do an image restore over the new drive.
If the old computer still works, I'll do a clean install and donate it to someone in my family.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SAM0A87 Samsung SAM0D32
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-S
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
That's essentially a KVM
Pretty much except I don't have to deal with those troublesome kvm switches nor do I have to have a specific kind of kvm (hdmi, dvi, etc). Each machine is cabled to its own input on the monitor and I can switch the monitor input using hotkeys,the controls on its side or through its software. Like the mouse and KB, the external hard drive follows the usb switch. Most of the software I use is open source or free and I use portable apps when possible. I have 2 grandfathered lifetime licenses for MWB and licenses for 2 versions of Office. My browsers stay in sync. For the times I need access to both machines at the same time, RDP works like a charm.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium

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